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Thanks to Benchmark Community Bank, a number of students will get some help in paying for college this fall. The Kenbridge company announced this week that 10 high school seniors in the bank’s service footprint will receive $1,000 each in SmartStart Community Commitment scholarships to further their post-secondary education.

The scholarship focuses on applicants’ demonstrated commitment to community and school involvement. An essay portion captures applicant perspectives on the importance of supporting one’s community through volunteerism. The application round ran from December 1 to February 15. The scholarship program is named for the bank’s SmartStart money management program designed for ages 13-17.

Recipients selected from a field of ninety-two applicants were:

• Patrick Allen, Mecklenburg County High School

• Christopher Coronas, Mecklenburg County High School

• Victoria Daniel, Amelia County High School

• Nia Davis, Prince Edward County High School,

• Joseph Dreher, Kenston Forest High School

• Haley Hayes, Liberty K-12 Online Academy

• James Murray, Halifax County High School

• Peyton Murray, Halifax County High School

• Isabella Russo, Halifax County High School

• Addison Swenson, Southampton County High School

“Investing time, energy, and skills to support school and community organizations is so critical to perpetuating a vibrant quality of life in the communities of our region,” said E. Neil Burke, President/CEO of Benchmark Community Bank. “By assisting these students with furthering their educations and honing their skillsets, Benchmark is investing in their futures. It is our honor to support their efforts.”

His comments were echoed by Benchmark Vice President LeAnne Emert.

“The goal for our $mart$tart money management program is to help young people build solid skills to pave the way to a secure financial future as adults” Emert said. “After the program was launched, we began hearing remarkable stories about how students were contributing to their schools and communities. As an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve, we believe these student efforts should be rewarded. That was the inspiration for the development of the $mart$tart scholarship program. We are so proud of these students and look forward to how they will continue to contribute to their communities.”