Jacob Miller, 18, of Farmville, Va., was overjoyed upon learning he’d been selected to receive the Harriett Pittard Beales Scholarship at William & Mary for 2014–15.
The energetic, hard-working graduate of Fuqua School achieved a 3.8 GPA his senior year while working as an on-air announcer at WFLO, his hometown radio station, and participating in a myriad of school clubs and activities. Because of the $4,000 merit-based award, Miller has become the first in his immediate family to attend a four-year college.
“This covers the rest of my tuition for my freshman year,” explained Miller. “It is definitely a very big help and an honor.”
The scholarship honors Harriett Pittard Beales ’34. Her son, Walter R. Beales III ’66, said she’d be pleased with Miller’s selection.
“Jacob’s impressive background and character reflect a deep commitment to the values, especially serving others, that Mother embodied her entire life,” Beales said.
Miller’s impressive academic record is matched by a remarkable record of leadership and service. He served as student body vice president his senior year and as class president his freshman year. He also participated in Virginia Boys State, the American Legion’s nationwide civic leadership action program.
Miller co-organized South Central Virginia’s first Model United Nations conference; served as editor-in-chief of Fuqua School’s student newspaper; and was captain of Fuqua’s Battle of the Brains team that competed in televised, academic quiz shows. He also directed and acted in several school plays, served as announcer for home basketball games and frequently was invited to sing the national anthem at Fuqua School sporting events.
Since sophomore year, Miller had been an on-air personality at WFLO, which aired a documentary that he created about the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 2013. “JFK: His Presidency and a Day that Changed the World” won Best Documentary or Public Affairs Program for small radio markets at the Virginia Association of Broadcasters’ 77th Annual Awards program on June 20 in Virginia Beach.
In addition to getting involved in student government at William & Mary, Miller plans to continue pursuing his interest in radio and announcing, journalism and singing, as time allows. An experienced Civil War re-enactor, he also hopes to get involved with Colonial Williamsburg.
His ultimate goal is to run for public office. “I believe voting is our highest responsibility as a citizen, but I want to take that a step further.”