A new endowed scholarship, made possible through a generous donation to the Patrick County Education Foundation (PCEF), has been established, the Patrick & Henry Community College Foundation announced.
The Candace Smith Sammons Scholarship for Vital Trade Skills will provide financial support to Patrick County students pursuing education in essential trade fields at Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC).
This scholarship honors the family of Candace Smith Sammons, a former resident of the Reid Gunter farm in the Five Forks section of Patrick County, whose brother, Brigadier General Stanley Smith, was a member of the PCEF board of directors. Sammons, the granddaughter of Reid Lafayette Gunter (a member of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors from 1940 to 1968, chairman for eight of those years) and May Martin Gunter, and daughter of Curvie Leonard Smith and Mildred Gunter Smith. She has created this fund to benefit and support trade skill students from her home community.
“There is a chronic need for skilled tradespersons – 5 retire for every 2 new ones and that can’t take place for very long without a real crisis. It is so important to me to honor where I grew up and to honor my family by benefitting young people interested in skilled trades,” Sammons said.
The Candace Smith Sammons Scholarship for Vital Trade Skills will be awarded to students who demonstrate academic promise and meet P&HCC entrance requirements. Preference will be given to those who reside in Patrick County, demonstrate financial need or hardship, work at least 8 hours per week to support their education, and plan to work or are currently working in Patrick County.
Eligible fields of study include a wide range of vital trade skills, such as Agriculture and Animal Science; Auto Mechanics and Automotive Systems Technology; Building Trades, Carpentry, and Construction Management; Drafting and Design – 3D Modeling/Architecture; Electrical Systems and Industrial Electronics; Heavy Equipment Operation and HVAC Technology; Machining Technology and Mechatronics; Plumbing, Robotics, and Automation; Truck Driving (CDL Training); and Welding Skills & Robotics.
“This scholarship is a powerful investment in the future of Patrick County,” said PCEF chairman Dr. Stewart Roberson, adding, “It not only honors a rich family legacy but also empowers students to pursue meaningful careers in trades that are vital to our region’s growth and sustainability.”
In addition to the Candace Sammons Scholarship, Sammons and her husband, Mac, have also instituted scholarships to support students at East Montgomery County High School, Surry Community College, William & Mary, and Roanoke College.
For more information about scholarship opportunities at P&HCC, please visit https://www.patrickhenryfoundation.com/
