When Levi Hanna, a 2012 Scott High School graduate begins his studies in a few weeks at Southern WV Community and Technical College, he will be getting a financial boost from the Scott High School class that graduated 51 years ago.

In planning their 50th year reunion, the '61 Scott graduates decided to establish a fund that will provide a scholarship for a deserving 2012 Scott graduate. Their initial goal was to collect $1,000 in donations, however, the classmates--eager to participate in the scholarship project--have donated over $3,000 to date.

Classmate John Pinkerman, who suggested a scholarship be established as a way to leave a legacy from the class of '61, said he hopes the class of '61's initiative will encourage other classes celebrating a special anniversary to also consider establishing a scholarship for Scott High grads. "What better way to leave a legacy than helping a student who might not have the means to get an education, fulfill their dream of going to college," Pinkerman said. "This would be a great project for other Scott High classes."

Levi Hanna of Six Mile is the first recipient of the Scott High School Class of 1961 scholarship. He is a young man who has proven that he has the academic ability, the intelligence and the determination to make his dream come true of one day becoming an environmental specialist, or with his aptitude for chemistry, a chemical engineer.

Levi, who graduated in the top 25 percent of his class, and has an ACT score of 22 in Science Reasoning, said his educational and career goals are to receive an associate degree in Science from Southern, then using the 2 Plus 2 Program having his credits transferred to WVU Institute of Technology where he will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology.

Levi participated in the 2010 NASA Chemistry and Physics Research Academy, hosted by Glenville State College. During his Junior year at Scott High he was a delegate to the 2011 United Nations Youth Pilgrimage, hosted by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of which he is a member of the IOOF Lodge #170 in Madison.

He is an Eagle Scout, a rank he earned in only a few years, and member of Foster Troop #85.

Levi is the son of Jacqueline Hanna of Six Mile Road, Danville, and Jimmy Rex Hanna, Jr. of Chapmanville.

On accepting the Scott High Class of 1961 scholarship, Levi thanked the class, saying, "I greatly appreciate this scholarship and will put it to good use. I am determined to reach the goals I have set for myself and this financial gift will help me do that. Education is the way for me to make a better life for myself and others. My younger siblings give me the will and the strength to carry on, to make hard decisions and sacrifices. I will represent this scholarship and my schools with pride and dignity."

With more than $3,000 already contributed to the scholarship fund, the class of 1961 is looking forward to awarding more annual scholarships to local students who show promise in fulfilling their educational goals.