Program Chaired by College Board Member Awards Scholarship

"Receiving the Lett Scholarship allowed me to focus on my future and gave me confidence that others felt I would make a successful teacher," says Brittany Lahr, first recipient of the Wayne D. Lett Scholarship.

The Wayne D. Lett Scholarship Program is a merit-based award of $10,000 given over four years to a Newport News public school senior who plans to become a public school teacher. The program has been offering scholarships to students for the past 14 years. It is administered by the Newport News Education Foundation (NNEF) as a tribute to Wayne D. Lett, Ed.D., a former superintendent of Newport News Public Schools. Financial support is provided by generous donations from foundation members and Drs. Wayne and Rebecca Lett. The recipient must commit to teach in Newport News for three consecutive years after graduation. The recipient will also have the option to complete a student teaching assignment in the school division.

John McMillan Jr., a member of the NNEF, has served as chair of the Lett Scholar committee for many years. "It is always a difficult decision to choose the person we feel will best help educate the next generation of students," he says. "The student benefits from financial assistance and a guaranteed job, and the schools benefit from the services of 'homegrown talent,'" he adds.

McMillan is originally from Arlington and served in the Air Force for 20 years. He then spent 24 years in industry. Now retired, he enjoys golf and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Denbigh. In addition to serving on the NNEF, he also is a member of the Thomas Nelson Community College Board as the Newport News representative.

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