Lewis F. Morris Memorial and William L. Whitley Scholarship

The Suffolk Foundation is honored to manage this worthy scholarship, which is named for two great local educators, and which was established through the contributions of dozens of community members in their memory.

Lewis F. Morris

Former students of Chuckatuck High School and friends of Lewis F. Morris proudly established the scholarship to be presented to a deserving student who follows the example of this former respected teacher, coach and principal. Mr. Morris, a native of Pound, VA was a teacher, coach, and a principal of Chuckatuck High School from 1952 – 1965. He was a graduate of the University of Virginia and came from a family of educators. Mr. Morris led by example and was loved by all who knew him. He was a fierce competitor who taught his athletes and other students his highest principles of sportsmanship and fairness. His leadership, friendship, inspiration, dedication, and philosophy that education and discipline will help mold the youth of today into the leaders of tomorrow, was our inspiration to learn.

William L. Whitley

Remembered by many as the epitome of a lifelong educator, William L. Whitley was a History and PE teacher at Chuckatuck High School and was head football and baseball coach.  He became principal of John Yeates High School (formerly Chuckatuck High School) in 1967 and served in that capacity until he retired in 1990 with 33 years of service.  He then became a member of the City of Suffolk School Board where he served for 18 years for a total of 51 years involvement with the Suffolk School System. He is remembered as a kind and generous mentor, educator and administrator, who served with honesty, integrity and hard work.

Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must:

• Be a resident of the City of Suffolk.
• Be a graduating senior at King’s Fork High School.
• Have a cumulative weighted GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Be involved in athletic, extracurricular, and community activities.
• Plan to attend college or university full-time in the fall.

Awardees

2025: Emiah Keene, King’s Fork High School                                                                                                                                                                                                        2024: Zyon Wilson, King’s Fork High School
2023: Makai Gillis, King’s Fork High School
2022: Chloe Lawrence, King’s Fork High School
2021: Mariya Walters, King’s Fork High School
2020: Zane Wise, King’s Fork High School
2019: Lynn Gay, King’s Fork High School
2018: Hannah Marston, King’s Fork High School; Hunter Ruggiero, King’s Fork High School
2017: Alexis Jones, King’s Fork High School; Paige Summers, King’s Fork High School
2016: Joshua Bush, King’s Fork High School
2015: Lindsay Ransome, King’s Fork High School
2014: Erin Whitley, King’s Fork High School Where are they now?
2013: Carlisha Bevins, King’s Fork High School