Isabelle Thomas, a senior at Wheeling Park High School, has been awarded $5,000 per year for four years in attendance at Davis & Elkins College by way of the Citizens Bank of West Virginia Emerging Leaders Scholarship.  The sum of this scholarship reaches a total of $20,000 over four years.

Davis & Elkins College, Citizens Bank of West Virginia, and WDTV have once again partnered for a fourth consecutive year to offer this unique scholarship competition.  All 2025 high school graduates, whether attending public, private, or homeschool, with a 3.00-or-higher GPA were eligible to apply.  Due to myriad exemplary applicants, D&E officials have once more extended offers of scholarships to a wealth of high-caliber students, in addition to the selection of one student who received a full, four-year grand prize scholarship.

Applicants were required to submit a list of engagements across high school and within their respective communities, along with an essay centered on the topic, “If you receive this scholarship, how will you pay it forward to the state of West Virginia?”

Thomas, hailing from Wheeling, West Virginia, is the daughter of Luke and Ashley Thomas, of Wheeling, West Virginia.  As a student at Wheeling Park High School, she has participated in several scholastic and community-based organizations, including her service to the American Cancer Society Youth Board and as counselor and mentor to R.E.A.P. and the freshman class, respectively.  Thomas is also a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Wheeling YMCA, and she is a 4-year softball team member at her school.

At Davis & Elkins College, Thomas plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

Davis & Elkins College offers more than 40 academic programs.  Multiple scholarship opportunities are available including the College’s annual $5.4 million investment in West Virginia students.  D&E extends heartfelt congratulations to all Emerging Leaders applicants and winners, who are undoubtedly the leaders of tomorrow by way of their distinction and excellence.