News Release: VSBA Board of Directors Southern Region Regional Scholarship Recipient Announced
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News Release
For Immediate Release
March 25, 2026
Contact
Gina Patterson, executive director
434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
VSBA Board of Directors Southern Region Regional Scholarship Recipient Announced
Charlottesville, VA – The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) proudly announces Jacob Howard, a senior at Tunstall High School in Pittsylvania County Public Schools, as the 2026 VSBA Board of Directors Regional Scholarship recipient for the VSBA Southern Region. Howard was recognized last night during the VSBA Southern Region Spring Network Forum and will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support his post-secondary education.
Jacob is actively involved in youth development, working with Little League Dirtbags travel baseball and volunteering with local sports programs. He also supports operations at Boor Howard & Company, CPAs, and designs off-season conditioning programs for Tunstall Baseball, demonstrating leadership, initiative, and a commitment to strengthening his community.
After high school, Howard plans to attend a four year university in pursuit of a structural or transportation focused civil engineering degree and then complete graduate work to obtain a masters degree in the field. He plans to gain experience with the Department of Transportation before entering the private sector to lead—or establish—his own firm focused on community impact.
“Being a chosen recipient of this scholarship validates the years of dedicated academic work and community involvement,” stated Howard. “It means honor and pride as I am the first to ever receive the award at Tunstall High School. The scholarship provides resources that will help me to be able to pursue my goal of achieving a master’s degree in civil engineering. Lastly, it is encouragement to give back to my community that has raised me and the VSBA which is awarding me with this scholarship.”
“Jacob represents the very best of the Southern Region and the many talented students who are preparing to make a difference in their communities,” said VSBA Southern Region Chair and Danville City School Board Member Tyrell Payne. “His strong work ethic, commitment to athletics and youth development, and clear vision for his future in civil engineering reflect the leadership and determination we are proud to see from students across our region.”
VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson stated, “VSBA is proud to support outstanding students like Jacob who demonstrate both academic excellence and a strong commitment to their communities. This scholarship reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders across the Commonwealth, and we are excited to see Jacob pursue his goals.”
About the Virginia School Boards Association
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
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