Elkins – Two West Virginia students have been selected to receive full, four-year scholarships to Davis & Elkins College through the Senator Leadership and Scholarship competition, marking the first time a tie has been declared. Earning the awards are Samantha Bykofsky of Davis and Hannah Moore of Clarksburg.
The high school seniors were among a group of 54 high achieving students invited to participate in the competition that awards amounts ranging from full tuition, plus room and board, to $500. Students vying for the scholarships submitted essays and were interviewed by a panel made up of a Davis & Elkins alumnus or alumna, a current student and a faculty member.
Bykofsky is the daughter of Rose Schaeffer-Hubbard of Davis and attends Tucker County High School (TCHS) where she is a leader in academics and service. As a member of the National Honor Society, she was nominated by her peers to represent leadership at the organization’s induction ceremony. In her junior year, she was voted class president and was selected by her classmates this year to serve as head chef in the TCHS culinary program. As a freshman, she was nominated to attend a Rotary Club leadership program and was one of four participants chosen to return the following year in a leadership role.
In addition, Bykofsky has completed ProStart, a two-year nationwide National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation program, and attended the Health Sciences & Technology Academy.
In addition, Bykofsky has completed ProStart, a two-year nationwide National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation program, and attended the Health Sciences & Technology Academy.
Outside of school, Bykofsky has been involved with Young Life for three years and completed nearly 115 hours of community service throughout her high school career.
Bykofsky will begin classes at D&E this fall as a first-generation student and plans to study psychology and human services.
“Growing up, my mother always said, ‘Education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you.’ This simple piece of advice has acted as a major light upon my path of life,” Bykofsky said. “I am determined that nothing will hold me back from graduating college and leading a life of happiness doing what I love and serving Jesus Christ.”
Moore is the daughter of Shannon and Julie Moore of Clarksburg. A student at Liberty High School (LHS), she excels in the classroom and in athletics. She serves as historian for both the National Honor Society and FFA, as well as captain of the Liberty Mountaineers track and cross-country teams.
Bykofsky will begin classes at D&E this fall as a first-generation student and plans to study psychology and human services.
“Growing up, my mother always said, ‘Education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you.’ This simple piece of advice has acted as a major light upon my path of life,” Bykofsky said. “I am determined that nothing will hold me back from graduating college and leading a life of happiness doing what I love and serving Jesus Christ.”
Moore is the daughter of Shannon and Julie Moore of Clarksburg. A student at Liberty High School (LHS), she excels in the classroom and in athletics. She serves as historian for both the National Honor Society and FFA, as well as captain of the Liberty Mountaineers track and cross-country teams.
Growing up on a farm has strengthened Moore’s passion for caring for animals. She plans to major in biology with a concentration in pre-veterinary science at D&E beginning this fall.
“Approximately a year ago, I began rescuing animals and raising money to get them the medical treatment they need,” Moore said. “My next step is to become a vet.”
To add to her experience, Moore completed 20 hours of job shadowing at Grace Animal Hospital in Bridgeport and competed on LHS’s Vet Science Team, capturing third place in the state.
“Approximately a year ago, I began rescuing animals and raising money to get them the medical treatment they need,” Moore said. “My next step is to become a vet.”
To add to her experience, Moore completed 20 hours of job shadowing at Grace Animal Hospital in Bridgeport and competed on LHS’s Vet Science Team, capturing third place in the state.
Outside of school, Moore is a student leader at Lifepointe Church and president of Wilsonburg New Horizons 4-H club.
To be eligible to compete for the Senator Leadership Scholarship at Davis & Elkins College, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and received acceptance to attend Davis & Elkins. Students are also required to submit a list of outstanding leadership honors or awards they have received and describe three skills that have strengthened them as a leader. For additional information, call 304-637-1230 or visit www.dewv.edu/future-students.
