Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 26, 1994 TAG: 9405260154
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN MONTGOMERY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But, not so with the Roanoke Valley Youth Soccer Club's scholarship program. It's four-for-four, and planning to extend the streak.
The club has awarded a $1,000-per-year stipend to a graduating high school senior for the past four years. All four recipients have renewed their scholarships annually, an indication of satisfactory academic progress as well as the club's financial well-being.
"It's a limited group that we're appealing to," said Star president Tim Berry, "because we do require that the person must have played soccer [at some age] in the club."
But soccer ability is not the only criteria considered, Berry emphasized. In fact, it is not even the most important. Academic achievement and personal character are the primary considerations.
"The third leg is soccer," Berry said. "We're looking for someone well-rounded."
The scholarship was implemented in 1990. As of 1993, the club is committing $4,000 of its annual budget to the scholarship program.
The previous scholarship winners are Kip Thompson (1990), Zach Brittle (1991), Steve Collins (1992), and John Critzer (1993).
Thompson graduated from the University of Virginia on May 22 and is on the waiting list to get into the UVa Medical School. Brittle and Critzer are students at William and Mary, while Collins attends Virginia Tech.
None of the previous winners has played collegiate soccer at the varsity level, but all have continued their involvement with the sport in various ways.
There are about 10 applicants for this year's award, Berry said. "The number of applications is up," Berry said. "We're in the process of reviewing them."
Berry, who has been a board member for five years, said the competition for the award has increased each year.
The 1994 scholarship winner will be named at the conclusion of the Crestar Festival Soccer Tournament.
by CNB