The Board awarded Sarah Crouch of Delaplane and Beatrice VanSant of Middleburg $3,000 Plante Scholarships.

The Middleburg Library Advisory Board awards several scholarships each year to students pursuing education at an accredited post-secondary institution. 

Scholarships are available to seniors in high school who will graduate in the spring or to past graduates who wish to resume their education (in other words, applicants need not be graduating from high school in the current academic year). 

Read below to learn more about each scholarship, and click here to access the application (a single application is submitted for either or both opportunities).

Scholarships

EURA LEWIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Eura Lewis Memorial Scholarship was established by the Middleburg Library Advisory Board (MLAB) in honor of The Honorable Eura Lee Hudgins Lewis of Middleburg, VA, who passed away January 25, 2022 at the age of 92.

Eura served on the Board of the MLAB for many years.  Born in South Hill Virginia, Eura Lewis was a longtime resident of the Middleburg area. She placed great value on education, and after graduating high school she attended Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education. An avid learner, she later pursued advanced studies at George Mason University, James Madison University, Shenandoah University, the University of Virginia, Virginia State University, and Virginia Union University. She was very active in both her church and her community and served on many missions and boards, including the Middleburg Town Council, where she served for 12 years. While running for local office her slogan was “Making a Difference,” and everything she was involved in centered on that theme.

Eura retired after teaching for 40 years in Fauquier County Public Schools including Rectortown No. 12, Northwestern Elementary School (now Claude Thompson Elementary School), and Coleman Elementary School. The joy of her life was investing in the futures of children of all ages.

She was treasurer of the Fauquier County Retired Teachers Association and was elected and served on the Town Council of Middleburg for 12 years. Eura also served on the Middleburg Board of Zoning Appeals, Middleburg Library Advisory Board, Windy Hill Foundation Board, Pink Box Docent Tourist Committee, Middleburg Christmas Parade Committee, and Bluemont Community Activities. She was the Founder of the Windy Hill Family Development and Tutoring Class and Founder and President Emeritus of the Middleburg Museum.

The Eura Lewis Memorial Scholarships are to be used for tuition and supplemental education-related expenses at an accredited post-secondary school.

Maxwell Garrett Humphrey of Middleburg, VA was the first recipient of the scholarship.  A 2023 graduate of Loudoun Valley High School, Max began his first year at the University of Virginia in the Fall.

CHARLES L. PLANTE SCHOLARSHIP

The Charles L. Plante Book Scholarship was established by the Middleburg Library Advisory Board (MLAB) in 2019 in honor of Charles L. Plante of Middleburg, VA, who passed away January 2, 2015 at the age of 84.

Charlie was born in Minot, N.D., on Aug. 8, 1931. He was a 1953 graduate of Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., received a master’s degree in history from the University of Montana in 1955 and his doctorate from Georgetown University in 1963.  He also was a Fulbright Scholar.

Charlie wrote extensively on public policy and US History, most notably authoring Power in the US Senate and A Brief History of Public Lands. Many prestigious fellowships and lectureships are named in his honor. An avid supporter of medical research as well as land conservation, he devoted his professional life to promoting public causes, especially for the infirmed. Charlie was most proud of his roles in expanding Medicare, the End Stage Renal Disease program (ESRD), the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, his role in the founding of United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS), and his life long support of neurosurgery.  Charlie often cautioned, “Never use the word ‘I’ because nothing happens solely because of one person. Positive outcomes are achieved by many people working together.”

Charlie served on the Board of the Middleburg Library Advisory Board for many years.  The scholarship named in his honor is intended to recognize his lasting legacy to those who intersected with him and the millions who benefitted from his quiet good works — whether through his professional endeavors or charitable contributions.  The scholarship awards are designated for supplemental education-related expenses for students recognized for academic achievement, community service and their love of literature.