Petersburg City Council will give special recognition to Ross West, the 2007 recipient of the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority Academic Scholarship to Virginia State University. The presentation is Tuesday evening, July 17th at 7:30p.m. at the Council meeting held at Union Train Station, 103 River Street. Each year, the Housing Authority, in partnership with Virginia State University offers a four-year scholarship to a Petersburg High School senior. The scholarship fully covers all tuition, books, room and board.

Ross West, this year’s recipient was chosen for his academic excellence, as well as his service to the community. Although Mr. West has faced many hardships, he, with the help of his mother, teachers and community mentors turned his life around as an early teen. Ross’ mother, Aleatha West says, “Ross was the type of child who was not suppose to make it.” Early on, Ms. West says Ross had problems with comprehending, but through prayer and her determination to seek help, “Ross became focused, he got a vision of what he wanted his life to be, and we all helped him work towards his dream. I asked Ross one day, what made you change, and he said ‘Somebody gave me a chance’.”

This fall Ross’ dream will become reality as he enters Virginia State University as a freshman in the ROTC program. “It’s helped me financially because I come from a family that cannot provide money for me to go to college, so by me obtaining the scholarship, I now have the means to pursue my destiny and dream.” Ross plans to major in Criminal Justice and after graduation, join the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and pursue a degree in law. 
 
Ross commends Petersburg High School for giving him the tools to succeed. “Anybody in this school can accomplish the academic standards and achieve anything they want to as long as they put their mind to it and as long as they are dedicated and focused.”

The Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Virginia State University are long time partners and advocates of young men and women in the community who are dedicated achievers and committed to the pursuit of higher education and community service.

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