The Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship was awarded to three female graduates in the Suffolk Public Schools in May 2019. Each girl received $2,000 paid directly to the post-high school universities. Megan Bailey and Isabella Gay of King’s Fork High School, and Sydney Beale of Lakeland High School, were the recipients.

Megan Bailey was an honor graduate and served as captain of the varsity field hockey team and of the varsity softball team in her senior year at King’s Fork High School. She played field hockey for six years, and softball for five years, receiving awards in both sports. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Student Council. At her church, she participated in the youth group and praise dancer group. She was a member of the Little Feet Meet and volunteered with the Salvation Army. She is attending Bridgewater College and plans a career as a physician assistant.

Isabella Gay, an honor graduate, excelled academically at King’s Fork High School, completing the pre-International Baccalaureate program and Advanced Diploma requirements. She was a four-year letterman in softball, serving as co-captain in her senior year with district honors. She also was a four-year varsity letterman in field hockey, serving as co-captain in her senior year. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the orchestra and yearbook staff. Her volunteer experience included community service with her church, Suffolk Athletic Association, and the school athletic department. She also worked as a babysitter and at a local greenhouse and nursery. Gay is attending Old Dominion University to prepare for a career in biomedical engineering.

Sydney Beale is an advanced diploma graduate at Lakeland High School. She played field hockey for five years, serving as captain and participating on all-district, all-region and all-state teams. She played in the National Indoor Tournament of the Saints Hock Rocks Club for three years. Beale also played soccer for three years, earning all-district. She participated in dance and gymnastics for many years. School activities included Student Council, National Honor Society and Rho Kappa. Volunteer work included Bible school, Meals on Wheels, and trash pick-up for Adopt A Highway. She also is employed at a local restaurant, works at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center in the summer and on the family farm as needed. She is attending Virginia Tech in the fall with a career goal of becoming a dentist.

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. Fifty-five 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 2020 scholarship will be due by April 7, 2020, at each Suffolk public high school.