The Isle of Wight Community Foundation has announced five scholarship awards to outstanding students in Isle of Wight County. The foundation presented a total of $3,750 in awards to graduating seniors at Windsor High School, Smithfield High School, Isle of Wight Academy and Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.

The Isle of Wight Community Foundation, established in 2013, is the philanthropic arm of the Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce. The scholarships are funded by the proceeds from the successful “Flavors of Isle of Wight” fundraiser, scheduled on June 16. This year’s awards reflect an increase in the number of awards and the total amount awards, according to chamber of commerce President Andrew Cripps, who serves on the foundation’s board.

The foundation presented its 2016 scholarships to:

4Claire Piatak, of Smithfield, a graduate and varsity athlete at Smithfield High School. She plans to attend University of Virginia and study veterinary medicine.

4Alexis Uzzle, of Smithfield, a graduate from Smithfield High. She plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study accounting.

4Ceara Gibson, of Franklin, a graduate and varsity athlete at Windsor High. She has a GPA of 4.0. She plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study accounting.

4Samuel Neal, of Smithfield, a graduate and varsity athlete at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. He plans to attend Case Western Reserve University to study computer science. He also plays in the marching, concert and jazz bands.

4Kaitlin Ciaston, of Suffolk, a graduate and varsity athlete at Isle of Wight Academy. She plans to attend Virginia Tech and major in veterinary medicine.

“The foundation’s board of directors selected the recipients, and was impressed with the caliber of students applying, and with the accomplishments and community activities of each student,” Cripps said. “Just as with applicants for the chamber’s Student Leadership Institute program, the scholarship applicants were outstanding and selecting the recipients was a challenge.”

“We are extremely proud to support the continuing education of these young scholars, and believe these scholarships are a wise investment in students with boundless potential and commitment to community service,” Cripps added.

For more information, contact the chamber office at 100 Main St., Smithfield, VA 23431, phone 357-3502, email chamber@theisle.org or visit www.theisle.org.