FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 30, 2004 |
Contact: Maribeth Cowan, Public Relations Director
(804) 342-9665 email:
maribeth@vahistorical.org
VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY NAMES WYNDHAM B. BLANTON SCHOLARS
Recipients to be honored guests of Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Rick Atkinson, October 21 and 22
Richmond, VA–Twenty students from nearly a dozen counties statewide will be the honored guests
at a Virginia Historical Society lecture October 21 by Rick Atkinson who will speaking on his
2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942–1943. The students
were selected to participate in the sixth annual Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars Forum, which honors high
school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated excellence in history and government studies. The following
day, October 22, the students will participate in a forum with Mr. Atkinson that will focus on the African
campaign of 1942–1943 and its significance in the history of World War II. "The Blanton Scholars Forum
presents a rare opportunity for high school students to have a private audience with nationally renowned
historians and authors," comments Charles F. Bryan, Jr., president and CEO of the Virginia Historical
Society. "We are pleased to be able to offer this kind of program."
The program, named in honor of a former president of the historical society, was established six years
ago by a generous benefactor who wanted to create a statewide forum for high school juniors and seniors
studying Virginia and American history. Applicants are required to submit a research paper related to the
chosen forum topic along with several letters of recommendation. The stipend provides meals and lodging
for out-of-town students and their chaperones. The students will receive an autographed copy of Mr.
Atkinson's book, An Army at Dawn.
Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars 2004
Lauren Catlett • Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Richmond
Dale Swartz • Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Richmond
Paul Keller • J. R. Tucker High School, Henrico County
Cristin Leary • St. Gertrude High School, Richmond
Elizabeth Scott • St. Gertrude High School, Richmond
Gibby Wright • St. Christopher's School, Richmond
Steven Gottschling • Stone Bridge High School, Loudoun County
Meredith Hawkins • Rockbridge County High School, Rockbridge County
Elizabeth Klein • Rockbridge County High School, Rockbridge County
Michael Sexton • Rockbridge County High School, Rockbridge County
Harriett Smith • Rockbridge County High School, Rockbridge County
Sieglinde Hindrichs • Wakefield School, The Plains
Katie Littlefield • Annandale High School, Fairfax County
Margaret Nielsen • Annandale High School, Fairfax County
Eric Lukas • Oakton High School, Fairfax County
Ashley McCormack • Centreville High School, Fairfax County
Christopher Olien • Millbrook High School, Frederick County
Joshua Oxley • Stafford Senior High School, Stafford County
Sydney Trail • St. Margaret's School, Tappahannock
Palmer Ware • St. Margaret's School, Tappahannock
The Virginia Historical Society is located at 428 N. Boulevard. The Story of Virginia, An American Experience,
a 10,000-square-foot exhibition with more than a thousand objects covering all of Virginia history from prehistoric
times to the present is featured in the Robins Center for Virginia History. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm
and Sunday 1pm - 5pm (Museum Galleries only). Admission: $5/adults, $4/seniors 55+ ($2/Tuesdays–galleries
only), $3/children and students, free/members. Admission to the galleries is free on Mondays. For group tour
information, call (804) 342-9652. For more information, please call (804) 358-4901 or visit
www.vahistorical.org.
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