ESCBA scholarships presented to aspiring pilots

Derek Boyle, from Broadwater Academy, and Kyli Hewett, from Arcadia High, both plan to be pilots — Boyle with the U.S. Navy, and Hewett with a commercial airline.

These exceptional students were recently awarded $1,500 scholarships from the Eastern Shore Christian Businessmen’s Association. The students were honored at the ESCBA’s monthly meeting at the Island House Restaurant in Wachapreague.

The scholarships are based on excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and an exemplary life of Christian faith.

Candidates are also evaluated on a written essay and interviews by the scholarship committee. Boyle and Hewett read their essays aloud at the ESCBA event.

Boyle, son of Patrick and Susan Boyle, of Painter, graduated from Broadwater with a 4.40 GPA. He was in the Beta Club and Honor Council, participated in the Virginia Model General Assembly, is an Eagle Scout, played baseball, and ran cross-country.

He’s active at Onancock Baptist Church and has a long list of volunteer experience on the Shore. He also has a younger sister, Claire, at Broadwater.

Boyle will attend Yale and take part in the Navy’s ROTC program there.

Hewett, daughter of Larry and Kelly Hewett, of New Church, was Arcadia’s valedictorian with a 4.26 GPA. She was in Beta Club, was president of her school’s Model General Assembly, Future Business Leaders of America, and Hi-Y, and played softball and volleyball.

She’s active at Pittsville United Methodist Church and has many hours of community service. She has a younger brother, Harris, at Arcadia.

Hewett will attend Averett University in Danville, where she will take part in their aeronautics program.