Joseph E. Lomax III is the 2012 recipient of the Addie M. Word scholarship, which is awarded annually by the Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows of Suffolk and Vicinity.

He is the son of Joseph and Stephanie Lomax of Portsmouth.

Lomax is a 2012 honor graduate of Churchland High School, Portsmouth, where his grade-point average was 3.5. He played softball and football and was captain of the track team. He was a member of the National Honor Society and recognized as one of the Hampton Roads 200+ Men Scholars.

He is a member of Galilee Baptist Church, Branchville, where he serves on the Youth Advisory Council, is a member of the Youth and Intermediate choirs and the Usher’s Ministry, and is active in Sunday school and Vacation Bible School.

Lomax is currently a freshman at Norfolk State University, where he is following a course of study leading to a degree in sports medicine.

Eligibility requirements for the scholarship include completing high school credits with good academic standing, as well as having good character and high moral standards. The student must also be active in church and community activities.

The $500 scholarship is given in memory of Mrs. Addie M. Word, who was the founder and first president of the association. Mrs. Mary Warren is chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and the Rev. Gloria Diggs is the current president.