BUCHANAN, Va. — Bank of Botetourt awarded $7,000 through its 2026 scholarship and graduation grant programs, recognizing students connected to the bank for their academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and commitment to future success.
Presented through three annual initiatives—the Hayth High School Graduation Grant, the “Focused on You” Community Scholarship and the Bank of Botetourt William Fleming High School Scholarship—the awards reflect the bank’s ongoing investment in education within the communities it serves.
Now in its third year, the Hayth High School Graduation Grant was established in 2024 to support Bank of Botetourt employees whose children are graduating high school seniors. For the Class of 2026, the bank awarded a total of $4,000 in grants to recipients representing James River High School, Lord Botetourt High School, Cave Spring High School, Acellus Academy and Rockbridge County High School.
“It is an honor to be associated with a grant that supports students as they pursue their educational goals,” said G. Lyn Hayth, former chief executive officer and current vice chairman of the Bank of Botetourt Board of Directors. “Education has always been a cornerstone of my life and career, and it remains a vital foundation for opportunity and long-term financial stability. This program reflects the bank’s commitment to investing in its employees and the next generation.”
The bank also awarded its 10th annual “Focused on You” Community Scholarships to three students pursuing higher education and careers that will positively impact their communities.
Chelsy Hall, a student at Hollins University, received a $1,000 scholarship and plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, with a focus on providing compassionate, accessible care for animals in rural communities.
Breely Mitchell, a recent Lord Botetourt High School graduate, received a $600 scholarship and will attend Elon University, where she plans to study education and become a mathematics teacher.
James Knox, a homeschooled student, received a $400 scholarship and will attend Grove City College in Pennsylvania to study mechanical engineering. While in college, he also plans to volunteer or work as an EMT with a local fire department or rescue squad.
Bank of Botetourt also awarded its fifth annual William Fleming High School Scholarship, recognizing graduating seniors for their academic achievement, leadership and future aspirations. The scholarship reflects the bank’s ongoing partnership with William Fleming High School and its commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students pursuing higher education.
This year’s recipients are:
Since establishing these scholarship and graduation grant initiatives, Bank of Botetourt has awarded more than $29,500 to 63 students, reflecting the bank’s long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunities and investing in the next generation of leaders throughout the communities it serves.
“Education has the power to transform lives, strengthen families and create stronger communities,” said Michelle Austin, president and chief executive officer of Bank of Botetourt. “Each of these students has demonstrated determination, character and a desire to make a meaningful difference. We are proud to invest in their futures and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the communities they will one day serve.”
Bank of Botetourt congratulates each of the 2026 scholarship and grant recipients and remains committed to supporting educational opportunities that strengthen individuals, families and the communities it has served since 1899.
About Bank of Botetourt
Chartered in 1899, Bank of Botetourt is a full-service community bank serving customers through 14 retail offices across Botetourt, Franklin, Roanoke and Rockbridge counties; the cities of Roanoke and Salem; and the towns of Vinton and Rocky Mount, Virginia. The bank also operates Virginia Mountain Mortgage, its residential lending division, and Botetourt Wealth Management, offering financial planning and investment services. Recognized by Forbes as a multi-year Best-in-State Bank in Virginia, Bank of Botetourt continues building on its long-standing tradition of service, financial strength and community commitment.
For more information, visit bankofbotetourt.com.
Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
###
You are leaving Bank of Botetourt’s website for a third-party site with a different privacy policy and security standards. We do not guarantee the accuracy of its content and are not responsible for any views, advice, or recommendations found there. Click Proceed to continue or Cancel to return.
