The Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship was awarded to three female graduates in the Suffolk Public Schools in 2018.

Each girl received $2,000 paid directly to her university. Madellyn Carr of Lakeland High School, Hannah Marston of King’s Fork High School and Sydney Gregg of Nansemond River High School were the recipients for 2018.

Madellyn Carr was an honor graduate and served as captain of the field hockey team and the soccer team in her senior year at Lakeland High School. She played field hockey for five years and soccer for six years, receiving awards in both sports. She sang with the Cavalier Singers for three years and was chosen for All-District Chorus in 2015 and 2016. She was a member of Rho Kappa, the National Honor Society and Anchor Club and was the homecoming queen in 2017. At her church, she assisted with Bible School and completed mission trips to Philadelphia and Haiti. She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteered with Operation Suffolk and Relay for Life. She also worked at Mosaic by Holland’s Restaurant. Carr is attending Longwood University and plans a career as a recreational therapist.

Sydney Gregg is an advanced certificate graduate at Nansemond River High School. She has trained in horseback riding for 10 years. Her awards from the Virginia Arabian Horse Association include placing in Junior Rider and Hunter Pleasure, from 2015-2017. She also has trained in ballet for 10 years, being chosen for the Ballet Select Team from 2015 to 2017. She was a member of the Odyssey of the Mind team, winning regional and state honors. A gifted artist, her art received honors in the Bobby Scott Congressional Art Contest, the Suffolk Art League and school murals. Her volunteer experience included serving as a counselor at horse summer camp and Boy Scout badge events. She also assisted teachers in elementary and middle school. At her church, she participated in the praise band and church youth group and volunteered with the church nursery. She also is employed at the Sesroh Tack Shoppe. Gregg is attending the University of Tennessee to prepare for a career in forensic anthropology.

Hannah Marston, an honor graduate, excelled academically at King’s Fork High School as a candidate for the International Baccalaureate program diploma. She was a four-year letterman in soccer and the swim team, serving as captain for both teams in her junior and senior years. She also was a three-year varsity letterman in cross country, serving as captain in her senior year. In all three sports, she received regional honors. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club and the Superintendent’s Advisory Board. Her volunteer experience included coaching soccer at Victory Soccer Camp for her church and serving as a 4H Camp counselor. She also worked as a CPR certified lifeguard. Marston is attending James Madison University. Her career goal is to become an engineer.

The Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to outstanding female graduates of the Suffolk Public High Schools for exceptional achievement in five areas — athletics, academics, school activities, church and community activities, and a 500-word essay that expresses goals, family support and financial need.

Lynell Oliver Baker, a 1989 Suffolk High School honor graduate, was planning to attend Campbell College. She died July 9, 1989, after suffering head trauma as a result of a fall from a horse. Her parents, Robert Baker III and Linda Drummond, and friends and family established the scholarship in her memory to recognize outstanding female graduates in the Suffolk Public Schools who, like Lynell, are compassionate leaders in their school and community. Fifty-two young women with great potential have been recognized since 1990.

Tax-deductible contributions to the scholarship fund may be made to: Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship, Care of Mrs. Paige Hill, 309 Bosley Ave., Suffolk, VA 23434. Applications for the 2019 scholarship will be due by April 9, 2019, at each Suffolk public high school.