2018 Power Baseball Charities Scholarship Recipients Announced
August 2, 2018 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston Dirty Birds News Release
CHARLESTON, WV - The West Virginia Power is proud to announce that Jack Edwards of Clay County High School and Samantha Holbrook of Fayetteville High School are the recipients of the 2018 Power Baseball Charities Scholarship, underwritten by Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond. Edwards and Holbrook will receive their awards at a special ceremony on Saturday, August 4, at Appalachian Power Park, before the Power faces off with the Augusta GreenJackets.
"Presenting the scholarships to these students is one of the highlights of the summer," Power Executive Vice President Ken Fogel said. "We are proud to be able to recognize and reward, in some small way, the excellence and commitment embodied by Jack and Samantha."
Edwards is 18 years old and lives in Bomont, West Virginia. He plans to attend West Virginia University in the fall as an Occupational Therapy or Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Management major. A four-year letterman at Clay County High School in baseball, Edwards was a mainstay at third base, but played nearly everywhere in the field.
"Jack is one of the most remarkable young men that I have coached in my thirty five years," Clay County Middle School baseball coach Frank Kleman said. "He was 'hard-nosed' and tough on the field, but also cared for his teammates. Jack has proven time and time again what hard work and effort can do for anyone."
For his efforts on the diamond, Edwards was awarded with an All-State honorable mention after his junior campaign as well as a Second Team LKC infielder nod in his senior season. Off the field, Edwards graduated top 20 in his class with a 3.2 GPA. He was a member of the National Honor Society and has already received the Promise Scholarship and a Level 3 Scholarship of Distinction from West Virginia University.
Holbrook, 17, lives in Fayetteville, West Virginia and graduated with honors from Fayetteville High School with a 4.2 GPA. Set to attend West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Beckley in the fall on the Pre-Medical track, Holbrook was a star on her softball team, serving as the varsity captain during her junior and senior seasons. Holbrook has played softball for the last 10 years, but really shined in her final campaign, posting a .450 average while serving as the team's everyday catcher. Holbrook's efforts helped secure her fourth consecutive Coalfield Conference honor. She was also tabbed as an All-State honorable mention in 2016 and 2017. Holbrook was a dual-sport athlete at Fayetteville High School, serving as the team captain for her volleyball team as well.
"Sam is a team player to her core, and that is not something I can coach," Fayetteville High School softball head coach Morgan Wheeler said. "Her leadership, work ethic, drive and determination will take her so far in life, and that is something far greater than a softball game or the stats she produced."
In her time away from the field, Holbrook was also a Promise Scholar and a member of National Honor Society like Edwards. Additionally, she was involved in student council all four years, serving as Vice President during his junior and senior years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Warm Hands for Warm Hearts. Holbrook has also worked as a server at Bob Evans in Fayetteville since she turned 16. She aspires to be a Physician Assistant, Pediatrician or Family Physician.
The Power Baseball Charities Scholarship benefits one local high school baseball player and one local high school softball player each year. Any graduating senior residing in Kanawha or surrounding counties who will be attending any post-secondary institution on a full-time basis and has participated in either varsity baseball or softball is eligible to apply for the scholarship. Each year's winners are selected based on their outstanding citizenship, community involvement and academic and athletic achievements. The scholarship recipients are required to stay in school and maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA in order to continue to receive their $1,000 award each school year for up to four years.
The 2018 selection committee was comprised of Rikki Spinks, Drew Mack and BJ Calabrese.
West Virginia opens up a four-game series against the Augusta GreenJackets tonight, with first pitch from Appalachian Power Park set for 7:05 p.m. Come enjoy Rock 105 Thirsty Thursday specials, including $1.00 12-ounce sodas and drafts along with $2.00 16-ounce domestic cans. College students receive $2.00 off their ticket purchase by presenting a valid student ID at the box office. For tickets and more information, call the Power at 304-344-BATS or visit www.wvpower.com.
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