On Saturday, June 27, Boyd’s Restaurant hosted the Perry Family Scholarship. This year’s recipients of $500 are David Lawson III and Lilieann Butler. The students are required to write a 1,000-word essay on a historical topic of their choosing. David wrote on the Salem Witch Trials, and Lilieann wrote about Alexander Hamilton. Along with the money to further their education, the students’ essays are published in a hardcover book, along with almost all the other essays by students who have received the scholarship, which has awarded $7,000 since its inception.
Tom Perry said the scholarship to honor his parents after their deaths within two months of each other in 2021. Erie Meredith Perry was a teacher and principal in Patrick County, Virginia, for almost thirty years. Betty Jane Hobbs Perry worked for Dr. Tutelege in Ararat and Claudville, and then for over 40 years at Quality Mills/Cross Creek Apparel in Mount Airy. A voracious reader, Tom Perry credits his mother for encouraging his interest in history.
David Lawson III was accompanied by members of his family, the Lawsons and the Belchers. David plans on studying mechanical engineering at Tom Perry’s alma mater, Virginia Tech. David was a tennis and baseball athlete at Patrick County High School.
Lilieann Butler was accompanied by her mother, Cissy, and stepfather, Sammie Cassell. She plans to study pre-veterinary medicine at Lee McRae College, Erie Perry’s alma mater, in Banner Elk, North Carolina.
Special thanks to Rodney Boyd and the staff of Boyd’s Restaurant for hosting this event.
