American Legion Post 49 awarded its 2018 annual scholarship to one senior from Smithfield High School, Isle of Wight Academy and Windsor High School.

Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help defray the costs of university education.

Katherine Henk, of Smithfield, is the recipient from Smithfield High School. She plans to study engineering at Virginia Tech or George Mason University. She achieved a Girl Scout Gold Award and is heavily involved in school and community activities focused on community service and volunteering. She is the daughter of Steven and Linda Henk and also received scholarships from the Virginia Elks Association, Carrollton Ruritan and a $3,000 James C. Copeland scholarship.

Anjali Patel, of Franklin, attends Windsor High School. The daughter of Minal and Hetal Patel, she will study neuroscience in a premed program at The University of Virginia. She also received the Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship. She is fluent in four languages and has completed courses at the New Horizon’s Governor’s School in Hampton. She has been active in performing research in microbiology, presenting papers in this area that received awards at the state level for her work.

Jaxson Hooper, of Smithfield, graduated with honors from Isle of Wight Academy, where he was vice president of the student body, co-captain of the football team and played basketball. He is the son of Chris and Julia Hooper. He has been a delegate to American Legion Boys State, a member of the National Honor Society and involved in oral forensics at the Academy.

These three students were selected by Post 49 for their academic achievement, community and school involvement and their positive attitude toward Americanism and their responsibilities as citizens. American Legion Post 49 annually supports and awards scholarships to deserving local high school graduates to help them achieve their academic goals for higher education.