2019 Fuqua School graduate Kayla Gurley has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Benchmark Community Bank. The presentation was made by Vice President/Market Leader For The Farmville Market Cheryl Gee, during the school’s recent senior awards program. The annual $mart$tart Community Commitment Scholarship is named for the bank’s savings and money management program designed for teens ages 13-17. The scholarship recognizes dedication to community and extracurricular service throughout a student’s high school career. A Mecklenburg County resident, Gurley plans to attend Longwood University.

“Kayla distinguished herself through service with several community organizations, as well as her involvement and leadership in multiple extracurricular organizations while a student at Fuqua,” Benchmark President/CEO Jay A. Stafford said of Gurley. “We need young people like Kayla to further their educations and return to Southside Virginia to contribute their skills and talents for the future of our region. It is Benchmark’s privilege to help these students succeed.”

“The goal for our $mart$tart savings and money management program is to help teens build the solid skills that will put them on the road to greater financial security,” explained Executive Vice President for Retail Banking LeAnne Emert.