The Student Government Association at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise pledged to endow a scholarship to benefit the College’s student leaders.

The Student Government Association Student Leader Scholarship was officially established earlier this month by the 2012-2013 SGA members with support from alumni, friends, faculty and staff. The income from the fund will be used to help worthy and deserving students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate leadership skills and who have a 3.0 grade point average.

The scholarship agreement, which is a commitment to raise $10,000, was signed by SGA members, Chancellor Donna Henry and UVa-Wise Foundation President Don Green in a Feb. 1 ceremony.

Chancellor Henry congratulated the SGA for its forward thinking and hard work on the project, adding that it would impact many students for generations to come.

“I am inspired by the commitment and leadership you are demonstrating in establishing this scholarship fund,” Chancellor Henry told the SGA.

The scholarship received a boost from the family of the late Margie Schoenewald, who worked at the College in many capacities for more than three decades. Memorial contributions made in her memory in 2011 will be used to help fund the scholarship. In addition, Alumnus James Pena, a member of the Class of 2005 and a former SGA member, provided a generous gift toward the scholarship as well.

“This scholarship will be used to reward student leaders who have made both a positive impact on the UVa-Wise campus and the local community,” said SGA President Phillip Blevins.

For details on the scholarship, please contact the Student Government Association at 276-376-3438 or plb8z@uvawise.edu or the Office of Development and College Relations at 276-376-4523.