Burky Scholarships Aid Local Freshmen Two Davis & Elkins College freshmen, Emily Marple and Katelyn Leary, both of Randolph County, have additional financial assurance as the 2020 recipients of the William H. Burky Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship was created in memory of William H. Burky, son of the late Ralph and Elsie Burky. A native of Pickens and the 1972 valedictorian of Pickens School, Burky graduated cum laude from Davis & Elkins College in 1976 and received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. He passed away in 1981. The scholarship was first established in 1997 to assist one student and just this summer was expanded to include two students. Selection is based upon need, strong moral character and academic achievement. Students from West Virginia, preferably Randolph County, are eligible to apply.
class, a member of the basketball team, FBLA and National Honor Society. She also was a student in the Davis & Elkins College Upward Bound program for three years. At D&E, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. “I want to help others; I don’t like to see people suffer,” Marple said, adding that she has a special interest in obstetrics. Leary, a native of Elkins, is studying elementary education with hopes of teaching in grades one through three. “Since I was in ninth grade, I’ve wanted to be a teacher,” Leary said. “All my positive role models were my teachers and I want to be like them. I think I will enjoy teaching because I get really excited when someone understands something I’m explaining to them.” Also a first-generation student, Leary is the daughter of Julie and Billy Leary of Elkins. While a student at Elkins High School, she was a member of the band, honor guard, Tigerettes and color guard.
Marple, a resident of Harman, says she was surprised and excited to learn she had received the scholarship.
Leary said she was surprised to be selected for the Burky Scholarship and the award has provided encouragement.
“College is a big expense and this has really helped take down the cost,” she said. “I really want to thank them for selecting me.”
“I feel incredibly lucky and honored,” Leary said. “I appreciate what the Burky family has been doing by awarding scholarships. I’d like to meet them in person and thank them.”
A first-generation student, Marple is the daughter of Jackie Mullenax and Jeremy Marple. In high school, she was the salutatorian of her graduating
Burky Scholar Emily Marple
Burky Scholar Katelyn Leary
CARES Act Offers Tax Benefit
Did you know that the CARES Act includes a tax benefit for donations to non-profit organizations? Those who itemize their tax returns may claim 100% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in charitable donations for the 2020 tax year. This is an adjustment from the traditional 60% allowable deduction. If filing with the standard deduction, up to $300 of the AGI can be deducted without itemizing. These new tax benefits are in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may not be offered beyond the 2020 tax year. As a certified non-profit organization, gifts to Davis & Elkins College are tax deductible. Giving
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