Ripley’s Emily Lewis Wins Full WVWC Scholarship

Emily Lewis Wins West Virginia scholar Program, Focusing on Appalachian Eye Care

Ripley, West Virginia – Emily Lewis, a rising senior at Ripley High School, has been awarded the prestigious West Virginia Scholar Program scholarship. This incredible achievement guarantees her a full tuition, plus room and board, at West Virginia wesleyan College (WVWC) starting in the fall of 2026.

Lewis plans to pursue a degree in either biology or chemistry as a stepping stone toward her aspiration: bringing much-needed eye care to underserved communities in Appalachia. Her dedication to community service and academic excellence has earned her this remarkable opportunity.

Lewis’ Aspiration: Accessible Eye Care for Appalachia

“This means the world to me to have this off my back and my family’s back, and to know I am secure in my future is amazing,” Lewis stated, expressing her gratitude and relief.

Lewis’s interest in optometry stemmed from her personal experience with vision issues and her realization of the severe lack of quality eye care within the Appalachian region. According to a 2023 report by the Appalachian Regional Commission, access to healthcare, including specialized services like optometry, remains a notable challenge in many Appalachian communities due to factors like geographical isolation and economic hardship.

“I discovered how many people in Appalachia do not have quality eye care, so I leaned into wanting to help those people and build my own programs for them to help anyone who needs it,” she explained. Her vision includes creating sustainable programs to provide complete eye exams and corrective measures to those who currently lack access.

Emily Lewis, winner of the West Virginia Scholar Program.

A Well-Rounded Achiever

The daughter of Veronica Lewis, of Evans, and Robert lewis, of Ripley, Emily has demonstrated exceptional involvement both academically and extracurricularly. At Ripley High School, she serves as the assistant drum major for the Viking Marching Band and participates in basketball and track. She is also an active member of the Tri M Music Honorary Society, National Honor society, and mu Alpha Theta, the National Mathematics Honor Society.Recently, she attended the 2025 Rhododendron Girls State, further developing her leadership skills.

Other Scholarship recipients

WVWC will also award scholarships to Andrew Harris of Elkins High School ($5,000) and Lucas Christopher Raney of Woodrow Wilson High School ($2,500) as the first and second runners-up, respectively. All finalists are eligible for the Presidential Scholarship, WVWC’s top academic award for incoming students, in Fall 2026.

Historically,approximately two-thirds of West Virginia Scholar Program finalists have chosen to attend WVWC,with many graduates pursuing accomplished careers in healthcare,law,buisness,and education.

The West Virginia Scholar Program: Cultivating Future Leaders

John Waltz ’01, Vice President of Enrollment management and Marketing, emphasized the importance of the program. “Hosting this event and these students has been a tremendous honor for 18 years. These are the best and brightest in West Virginia and embody Wesleyan students, particularly in their service to others and to their State.”

West Virginia high school juniors can apply to the West Virginia Scholar Program by submitting a transcript and an essay. West Virginia Wesleyan College, along with program sponsors, evaluates applications and determines finalists based on online voting and established criteria. Applications for the 2026 program will open in February 2026.

Other finalists in the 2025 West Virginia Scholar Program included: Beth Archer-Lewis, Wyatt Braham, Ladora Cutright, Olivia Kaitlyn Edwards, owen Herrick, Isabella Marie Hersey, Trey Michael Mcdonough, Rhubarb anne Ronan, Gabrielle Elethia Saurino, Madeline Steele, and Logan Vanfosson.

The Culpepper Wesleyan Scholars Award, generously supported by Marvin Culpepper ’51, and Hon. ’06 and Elaine Karnes Culpepper ’54, Hon. ’06, provides essential funding for the West Virginia Scholar Program. Additional sponsors include West Virginia MetroNews, Greer Industries, West Virginia Hospital Association, ZMM Architects and Engineers, Friends of Coal, and the West virginia Farm bureau.

Did You Know?

The Appalachian Regional commission invests in 420 counties across 13 states, aiming to boost economic growth and improve the quality of life in the Appalachian Region.Learn more here.

West Virginia Scholar Program: Key Facts

Attribute	Details
Winner	Emily Lewis, Ripley High school
Scholarship	Full Tuition, Room & Board at WVWC
Program Start	Fall 2026
Aspiration	Improve Eye Care Access in Appalachia

The Importance of Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Appalachia

Emily Lewis’s commitment to bringing eye care to Appalachia highlights a crucial need to address healthcare disparities in the region. Many factors contribute to these disparities, including poverty, lack of insurance, geographical barriers, and shortages of healthcare professionals.

Initiatives like the West Virginia Scholar Program play a vital role in encouraging talented individuals from within Appalachia to pursue careers in healthcare and return to serve their communities. By investing in education and providing opportunities for future healthcare leaders, these programs contribute to long-term solutions for improving access to quality care.

Pro Tip:

Students interested in healthcare careers should research scholarship opportunities and community health programs to gain valuable experience and financial support. Consider volunteering at local clinics or shadowing healthcare professionals to learn more about the needs in your community and how you can make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About the West Virginia Scholar Program

• What Is The West Virginia Scholar Program? The West Virginia Scholar Program is a scholarship initiative supporting exceptional West virginia students in their pursuit of higher education.
• Who Can Apply For The West Virginia Scholar Program? West Virginia high school juniors demonstrating academic excellence and community involvement are eligible.
• What Does The Scholarship Cover? It typically covers full tuition,room,and board at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
• When Can Students Apply? Applications usually open in February each year.
• What Are The Selection Criteria? Selection is based on academics, extracurriculars, essays, and community support demonstrated through online voting.
• How does The West Virginia Scholar Program Help Future Healthcare Professionals? It enables students like Emily Lewis to pursue their dreams of providing healthcare to underserved areas.

What initiatives in your community support aspiring healthcare professionals? How can we further encourage students to address healthcare disparities in underserved areas?

Share your thoughts and comments below!

Here’s one PAA (Programmatic Assessment of Achievement) related question based on the provided text:

The academic achievements of Ripley High School’s students continue to shine, with Emily Lewis, a standout senior, recently earning a full scholarship to West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC). This accomplishment not only highlights her dedication and hard work but also reflects positively on Ripley High’s commitment to fostering academic excellence.

Emily Lewis: A Rising Star

Emily Lewis is a name synonymous with success within Ripley High School.Known for her stellar grades and extracurricular involvement, Emily has consistently proven herself a high-achieving student. This full scholarship to WVWC is a testament to her:

• Academic Excellence: Emily’s high GPA and rigorous course selections prepared her for the challenges of college.
• Leadership Qualities: Involvement in various school clubs and activities helped her develop significant leadership skills.
• community Engagement: Emily’s commitment to community projects showcased her well-rounded personality and dedication.

Key achievements and Activities

Emily’s journey to securing the scholarship was marked by numerous achievements. A strong academic record was coupled with active participation in:

• National Honor Society
• Student Council
• Debate Club
• Volunteer Work

Thes experiences enhanced her submission and highlighted her ability to balance academics with extracurricular commitments.

West Virginia Wesleyan College: A Shining Future

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) offers a nurturing surroundings for students. The college is renowned for its strong sense of community and commitment to academic success.Learn more about West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Why WVWC? Benefits for Emily

For Emily, WVWC represents more than just a school; it’s a launchpad for her future aspirations. Key benefits include:

• Academic Programs: Wide array of study programs perfect for further education.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Financial assistance removes financial burdens and provides support.
• Campus Life: Vibrant campus life and supportive environment encourage personal growth.

what’s Next for Emily?

With the full scholarship secured, Emily is now ready to pursue her academic and professional goals. Her plans include:

To provide a better picture of what to expect, here is a look at WVWC’s admission requirements:

Requirement	Details
High School Diploma/GED	Required
Minimum GPA	Varies by program; generally competitive
Standardized Tests	SAT/ACT optional, but recommended
Application Deadline	Rolling admissions; recommended to apply early

Impact on Ripley High School

Emily’s achievements set a positive example for younger students at Ripley High. Her success can inspire other pupils to aim for the highest achievements,demonstrating the rewards of dedication,hard work,and a commitment to excellence.