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The Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship was awarded to three female graduates in the Suffolk Public Schools in 2021.

Each girl received $2,000 paid directly to their universities. Michela Brown-Mayfield of Lakeland High School, Abigail Kluck of King’s Fork High School and Madison Kenyon of Nansemond River High School were the recipients for 2021.

Michela Brown-Mayfield was an honor graduate and a graduate of the Biomedical Sciences Program. She was a member of the track and field team for seven years, helping it earn first place in Region 5 championships at Lakeland High School. She played field hockey for six years, and softball for four years, receiving awards in both sports. At her church, she served as a mentor to youth groups, ushered and participated in the praise dance group and youth choir. She was a member of the DECA and Lakeland Spirit clubs, Student Council and Upward Bound and volunteered with Relay for Life. Michela is attending Howard University and plans a career in sports management.

Abigail Kluck, an honor graduate, excelled academically at King’s Fork High School, earning an advanced diploma. She played volleyball for five years, lettering in her junior and senior years. A member of the swim team for three years, she also lettered in swimming. She was a member of the National Honor Society. Her volunteer experience included altar servicer at her church, assisting teachers and Toys For Tots. She also worked to provide babysitting service for community families. Abigail is attending Nicholls State University. Her career goal is to become a pediatric nurse.

Madison Kenyon is an advanced diploma graduate at Nansemond River High School, earning a dual credit degree through the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow as a Teacher Cadet. She was a member of the field hockey team for five years, serving as varsity captain and a four-year letterman. She also played violin in the school orchestra for four years, earning a PTA Reflections first-place award. Her volunteer experience included serving as SPED teacher assistant. She also is employed at a local grocery store. Madison is attending Longwood University to prepare for a career in speech pathology.

The Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to outstanding female graduates of the Suffolk Public High Schools for exceptional achievement in five areas — athletics, academics, school activities, church and community activities, and a 500-word essay that expresses goals, family support and financial need.

Lynell, a 1989 Suffolk High School honor graduate, was planning to attend Campbell College. She died July 9, 1989, after suffering head trauma as a result of a fall from a horse. Her parents, Robert Baker III and Mrs. Linda Drummond, and friends and family established the scholarship in her memory to recognize outstanding female graduates in the Suffolk Public Schools who, like Lynell, are compassionate leaders in their school and community. Sixty-one young women with great potential have been recognized since 1990.

Tax-deductible contributions to the scholarship fund may be made to: Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship, Care of Mrs. Paige Hill, 309 Bosley Ave., Suffolk, VA 23434. Applications for the 2022 scholarship will be due by April 7, 2022, at each Suffolk public high school.