The Carrollton Ruritan Club recently announced scholarships it awarded to four graduating seniors at Smithfield High and Isle of Wight Academy in recognition and encouragement as they begin college-level studies.

The awards were funded by contributions from Carrollton Ruritan Club members and as well as an endowment from previous member contributions into the Ruritan National Foundation.

The four 2021 recipients are:

Annika Eng, of Smithfield, graduating No. 1 in her class at Smithfield High School, will attend Christopher Newport University to study law and government. Annika has served as a United States Senate Page and student rep on the Smithfield Town Council. Annika is a member of the National Honor Society and served as Virginia Senior Beta President for the National Beta Club.  She currently volunteers at the Isle of Wight County Animal Shelter.

Nicholas Hanna, of Carrollton, also graduating from Smithfield High School, will enroll at Virginia Commonwealth University with plans to study forensic science with a goal to work for the FBI or the Department of Justice. Nicholas has been active in various sports and JROTC during high school, and has received the National Fitness Award.

Austyn Haywood, of Carrollton, also graduating Smithfield High School, will make her school decision this month (is considering James Madison University), with an interest in elementary education and later teaching at the high school level. Austyn volunteers with her church youth group, and has been an Honor Roll student and National Honor Society member during high school. She has also worked as a YMCA camp counselor and school-age child counselor and has served as student mentor.

Seth Archer of Carrollton is graduating from Isle of Wight Academy, and has plans to enter Paul D. Camp Community College with studies in electrical engineering, with the intent to apply next year to the NNS apprentice program. Seth is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. He has volunteered locally at the Isle of Wight Museum and local blood drives.