By Debbie Adams
William Byrd High School held its annual Honors Banquet and Scholarship Ceremony on April
24, recognizing outstanding seniors in the Class of 2025.
Principal Travis Anderson began the evening with announcement of the coveted “Best All-
Around” Awards. The Best All-Around Male and Best All-Around Female Awards are based on
academic success and on who best represents good character and investment in their school and
community, based on various academic and extracurricular activities. Members of the faculty
nominate and vote to determine the selections. Winners receive $250 scholarships.
Kathryn Sowers from the GFWC Vinton’s Women’s Club presented the Best All-Around
Female Award to Meera Raichura.
“Your 2025 Best All-Around Female senior is a very busy young lady,” Sowers said. “She has
excelled in the classroom, community, and extracurricular activities. She plans to work towards a
career in medicine and sociology, beginning that journey at UVA.
“Her community service includes volunteering at Lewis Gale and serving as an EMT with the
Vinton First Aid Crew. She has excelled in science, including winning first place and Grand
Award Reserve at this year’s RCPS and Regional Science Fairs.
“In her ‘free time,’ she enjoys being a tutor, playing pickleball, painting, and the great outdoors.”
Zach McCarty, president of the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club, made the presentation for Best All-
Around Male Award to Greg Stiltner.
“It is an honor to be standing here tonight to present the Best All-Around Male Award to a truly
exceptional student,” said McCarty. “This is a young man who exemplifies the qualities
celebrated at William Byrd High School: hard work, dedication, and leadership. Whether on the
football field, in the classroom, or through various extracurricular activities, he has consistently
demonstrated excellence across the board. His impressive 4.2 GPA and achievements as a
member of the National Honor Society, and Beta Club, and as a Junior Marshal are just a few of
the many accomplishments that set him apart.
“He balances a busy academic schedule with hands-on real-world experience. This past summer,
he worked as a construction worker for Leonard’s Construction, where he not only gained
invaluable skills, but was treated as a full-time member of the team, despite being relatively new
to the job. He also worked in lawn care for Green Goat Property Services, where he showed
dedication and a hard work ethic, even during early summer mornings. He is self-employed,
splitting wood and cutting trees, with orders that have kept him busy well beyond the summer.
He’s even had the opportunity to provide firewood for local restaurants like Corned Beef and Co.
and 419 West.
“Through all of this, he has maintained focus on his goals and passions. He had originally
planned to enter the workforce as an electrician after graduation, but he recently committed to
continue athletics in track and field at Roanoke College, particularly in shot put and discus.
“His ambition and drive are nothing short of inspiring, and we all know he will achieve great
things. His commitment to his community is also worth noting. He has been an active participant in Habitat for Humanity, Morgan Awareness, and other service organizations. His time and
energy spent giving back to others show that he is not only focused on his own success, but is
also dedicated to improving the world around him.
“His achievements both in and out of the classroom are a testament to his hard work,
perseverance, and character. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.”
Department Awards are chosen by the teachers in individual departments based on maintaining
good academic standards, displaying good character, and contributing constructively to the class,
department, and school. Selection is based on a consensus vote by the teachers in the department.
Travis Anderson and Asst. Principal Marcee Cook presented Department Awards to:
- Art Dept.: Skylar Edwards
Art Dept. winner Skylar Edwards with Principal Travis Anderson - Band: Becca Radford
- Business: Graysen Divers
- English and Science Depts.: Luke Hemming
- FACS: Hayden Davis
- Math: Ethan Powell
- Social Studies: Jake Moore
- Technology Education: Max Livingston (absent for presentation)
- Yearbook: Camryn Dullaghan
Anderson and scholarship sponsors next presented numerous awards and scholarships to
members of the Senior Class.
PTSO Scholarships, presented by PTSO President Kori Webb: to Raelyn Lancaster, DeShawn
Austin, and Virginia Yonce
Dr. Charlie J. “Jay” Lovelace III Memorial Scholarships, presented by Charles and Carolee
Lovelace in memory of their son Jay, a dentist. Recipients must be members of Vinton Baptist
Church: to Christian Barrette and Sara Lang
Erica Thomas Memorial Scholarship, presented by former Principal Tammy Newcomb and the
Thomas family in memory of daughter, Erica, a 1999 honor graduate and star athlete of William
Byrd: to Carson Wood
Arnold R. Burton Scholarships, presented by Coach Paul Barnard to honor former WBHS
Principal and RCPS Superintendent Arnold R. Burton: to Hayden Eads and Mary Wray
Reindeer Club Scholarships, presented by Len Hale: to Camryn Dullaghan, Lacie Gibson,
Kaylee Makuch, Carson Wood, and Grace Woodcock
Wallace Cundiff Memorial Scholarships, presented by Zach McCarty in memory of Wallace
Cundiff, a beloved member of the Vinton community, a School Board member, and a lifelong
Lions Club member: to Evan Copening, Graysen Divers, Kendall Lecas, and Emma Rupe
Vinton Breakfast Lions Club Leo Club Scholarships, presented by Zach McCarty: to Lacie
Gibson and Graysen Divers
Vinton Woman’s Club Scholarship, presented by Kathryn Sowers: to Kaylee Makuch
W.E. Cundiff Elementary School PTA Scholarships, a new scholarship presented to alumni of
WEC : Graysen Divers and Eliza Otey
Bob and Dee Graybill Memorial Scholarship, presented by Scott Graybill in memory of his
parents who desired to give back to the community: Kam McKee
Dr. Herbert L. Keaton Memorial Scholarship, presented by Chris Keaton in memory of Dr.
Herbert Keaton, Vinton’s first optometrist, who “loved education and never stopped learning”:
Meera Raichura
Marie Jeanean Dearman Memorial Scholarship, presented by Chris Keaton in honor of his
mother, a free spirit and long-time church organist who loved music: to Skylar Edwards
Air Force Math & Science Award, presented by TSgt. Nicholas Countess, USAF: to Meera
Raichura
Marines Distinguished Awards, presented by SSgt. Joshua Crellin: to Ethan Haston, Grace Onwi,
Ethan Powell, and Becca Radford
Mike Shepherd Memorial Scholarships ($1,500), presented by the Shepherd family in memory of
coach Mike Shepherd: to Jerrett Shepherd, Hunter Obenchain, Brogan Dent, Landon Haithcock,
Aidan Kelly, Landon Martin, Jonathan Rosser, Ethan Haston, Maurice Burnette, and B.J.
Cheatwood
Mt. Pleasant Volunteer Fire Dept. Scholarships in memory of longtime firefighter Mike Gee,
presented by Chief Eric Stump and Asst. Chief Lori Campbell: to Lacie Gibson and Sarah
Wilcox
Kathy Laughlin Memorial Scholarship (inaugural), which honors an amazing educator who was
a member of the William Byrd community for over 40 years: to Emily Fisher
RCPS Education Foundation Scholarships, presented by RCPS Director of Community Relations
Chuck Lionberger:
Carilion Clinic Nursing Scholarship presented to a graduate pursuing a career in
nursing—Lacie Gibson
Craig Hodge Civics Scholarships ($1,000) in memory of Craig Hodge who taught Civics
at William Byrd Middle School for 15 years—Dawson Brinkley and Elizabeth Reid
Education Foundation Golf Tournament Scholarship from Southern Team Auto—Nathan
Rogers
Herman L. Horn Elementary PTA Scholarship presented to an alumnus—DeShawn
Austin
LaCole Board Memorial Scholarships—Jada Johnson and Isaiah Board
Quincy Development Company Scholarship, a $4,000 scholarship going to a graduate
attending a two- or four-year college or university in Virginia—Jake Moore
The Robert A. Patterson Memorial Scholarship is named in memory of Robert Patterson,
who served as principal at William Byrd High School for 34 years until his retirement in
1999. Bob Patterson was the longest serving principal ever in the history of William Byrd
High School, Roanoke County Public Schools and, at one point, the entire state of
Virginia. He often wore a “Golden Attitude” pin and always tried to model this attitude
for others and to live by the Golden Rule. It was presented to Evan Copening.
Thad James Memorial Scholarship named in memory of Thad James, a long-time
principal at Cave Spring Elementary School, awarded to a graduate seeking a career in
education —Ava Ashworth
Lewis Family Scholarship (formerly the Vinton McDonald’s Scholarship) established by
the Lewis Family, awarded each year to a William Byrd High School graduate—to
Maileigh Culver
George E. Allen Scholarship recognizing students who despite obstacles have achieved high
standards of performance: to Evan Copening
Stovall-Page Memorial Scholarship presented by the Page and Stovall families in memory of
Raymond Eugene Page and Joseph William Stovall, both graduates of WBHS and lifelong
members of Vinton Baptist Church. Mr. Page made the first WBHS class ring: to Emma Rupe
Other students recognized with awards were:
Top Terrier: Evan Copening
Blue Ridge Academic awards (for highest GPA and most awarded school letters): Grace Onwi,
Emily Fisher, Kaylee MaKuch, Kendall Gordon, and Gregory Stiltner
B’Nai Brith nominees, judged 40 percent on academic success, 40 percent on athletic success,
and 20 percent on community service. Kaylee Makuch and Ethan Haston will compete with
students from 19 schools in the Roanoke Valley for the prestigious awards.
Valedictorians with a 4.0 or higher GPA were recognized by Asst. Principal Kevin Richardson
with a Valedictorian Certificate, stole and gold honor tassel to be worn at graduation. They
include Ava Ashworth, Wyatt Bowles, Carson Bramble, Dawson Brinkley, Hunter Butterworth,
Evan Copening, Graysen Divers, Caleb Dogan, Camryn Dullaghan, McKinley FiGart, Emily
Fisher, Skylar Fitzgerald, Lacie Gibson, Kendall Gordon, Payton Hall, Luke Hemming, Hannah
Janney, Jada Johnson, Lillian Johnson, Mallory Johnson, Raelyn Lancaster, Sara Lang, Kendall
Lecas, Nathaniel Lynn, Kaylee MaKuch, Ryan Markham, Samantha Martin, Emma Matthews,
Jake Moore, Grace Onwi, Eliza Otey, Ellawyn Pagan, Madelyn Pittman, Isabella Posadas, Ethan
Powell, Becca Radford, Meera Raichura, Blake Richardson, Emma Rupe, Vanessa Sattah,
Gregory Stiltner, Josephine Taylor, William Thompson, Sarah Wilcox, Grace Woodcock, Mary
Wray, and Virginia Yonce. Valedictorians were reminded to maintain their status by keeping
their grades up through graduation.
Distinguished Honor Graduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher were then recognized with an Honor
Graduate gold tassel: Cyrus Adams, Mario Arias, Kassius Ayres, Jaleiya Bannister, Layla
Bannister, Christian Barrette, Carson Bivens, Isaiah Board, Brooke Brant, Nicholas Bustamente,
Daniel Butterworth, Graylen Castleberry, Barry Cheatwood, Emma Craddock, Emma Craddock,
Maileigh Culver, Anthony Davis, Hayden Davis, Zahara Davis, Abigail Day, Alejandro Dooley,
Kaitlyn Duncan, Hayden Eads, Skylar Edwards, Savanna Fisher, Emily Glass, Macie Hall,
Hayden Hamblin-Lish, Abigail Haroulakis, Ethan Haston, Nathan Hiemstra, Megan Higgins,
Allie Jamison, Sara Kingery, Elizabet Maldonado, Zoey Mann, Landon Martin, Aldahir
Martinez-Garcia, Jenna Matthews, Peyton Miller, Abigail Mosher, Genevieve Paul, Spencer
Peters, Elizabeth Reid, Elyse Rider, Curtis Rogers, Nathan Rogers, Jonathan Rozenboom, Reid
Ruble, Landon Sarver, Jerrett Shepherd, Nathan Short, Benjamin Singh, Zheniya Staples, Jesse
Vass, and Carson Wood.
Many of the valedictorians and distinguished honor graduates also received Advanced Study
Diploma pins, Beta Club pins, and Beta Club cords (indicating completion of volunteer hours).
The Honor Awards and Scholarship Ceremony was facilitated by Senior Sponsor Grace Johnson
and the counselors at WBHS.
The Vinton Messenger graduation issue will be published on May 22 with all graduates pictured.
