Justin T. Elam Scholarship Fund

Criteria

Students expecting to receive a high school degree from Surry Central High School who will be enrolled full-time in undergraduate studies at a two-year or four-year accredited community college or university, and who have a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Recipient will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement, and school and community activities. Financial need may be taken into consideration. Preference will be given to students interested in computer graphics or a career in the medical field.

About Justin T. Elam

A Surry County native, Justin T. Elam had a passion for knowledge and a voracious appetite for food and books. His family remembers him as unique, scary smart and living life with passion. Justin wouldn’t do anything if he didn’t do it 100%.

In March 2010, Justin was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare disease in which cancer invades the body’s bone or soft tissues.

Justin underwent multiple surgeries and radiation treatments while attending high school and even taking college courses.

In high school he discovered a love for gaming and graphic animation that became the focus of his senior project. Justin was a high achiever, gaining recognition as a member of the National Honors Society and as a Presidential Scholar. Justin graduated from Surry Central High School in 2012 and attended the University of Advanced Technology in Tempe, Ariz., for one year.

Justin battled cancer for four years before passing away at the age of 20 in 2014. To commemorate the exceptional life Justin led, his family and friends joined together to establish the Justin T. Elam Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship is provided annually to students who exemplify Justin’s high achievement with a preference for those interested in computer graphics or a career in the medical field. Read more about Justin.