For 52 years, The Virginian-Pilot has helped schools recognize top academic achievers in our community in its special section published as a part of our Virginian-Pilot Scholastic Achievement Scholarship and Recognition Program. This year, 67 schools chose 670 sophomores, juniors and seniors for recognition based on academic excellence, leadership and service.

In addition to receiving recognition, The Virginian-Pilot awards scholarships. Fifty-two local seniors applied for the scholarships this year. The Pilot also administers two additional scholarships provided by sponsors. Our panel of judges chose finalists who advanced to a personal interview with the judges. After careful consideration of each finalist's ambitions, achievements, extracurricular activities and financial need, the scholarships were awarded as follows:

The Virginian-Pilot Scholarship of $10,000 Rachel Stadler Poquoson High School Attending University of Virginia	The Virginian-Pilot Runner-Up Scholarship of $5,000 Yana Ginzburg Northeastern High School Attending University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The Virginian-Pilot Runner-Up Scholarship of $5,000 Josiah "JoJo" Emery Churchland High School Attending Old Dominion University	Taste of India Scholarship of $2,500 Lisa Touhey Cox High School Attending Duke University
Dillard's Samaritan Scholarship of $3,000 Julia Wallace Kempsville High School