Albemarle Students Win James and Nellie Butler Scholarships

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Three area high school seniors received the James and Nellie Butler Scholarships on Awards Night at their respective schools. Sponsored by the Albemarle County Democratic Party, this award is given in memory of the Butlers and to honor their dedication to community service and public education. James Butler was the first African American elected to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. He was a strong advocate for quality education in our schools, and helped establish CATEC. Nellie Butler taught technical education, was a leader in 4-H and Girl Scouts, and like her husband, worked diligently to promote voter registration and civic engagement. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to students based on academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to service to community.

At Albemarle High School, the Butler Scholarship went to Hannah Woodward. Hannah will enter the University of Virginia in the fall with plans to study physics. She was part of the MESA program at Albemarle. Hannah volunteered through the AHS Key Club and National Honor Society, and the Appalachian Service Project, and aspires to connect scientific research and public policy.

Mason Ancona received the Butler Scholarship at Western Albemarle High School. Mason has mentored younger students on the importance of the environment that sustains and enriches our lives. He wants to study engineering or architecture to develop buildings with smaller environmental footprints. He will enter Virginia Tech this fall.

The Monticello High School student awarded the Butler Scholarship is Lucas Johnson. Lucas will study Public Policy at Bowdoin College this fall. The co-founder of the student-staffed Albemarle County Mental Health Policy Council and the also the founder of a local non-profit focused on global health issues, Lucas also served as the Virginia Political Director of the High School Democrats of America.

The James and Nellie Butler Scholarship is awarded annually. High School seniors are encouraged to apply after January through the Albemarle County Democratic Party website: albemarledems.org.