JN White Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Parker Vinyard

JN White Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Parker Vinyard

The JN White Memorial Scholarship Committee is proud to announce that Parker Vinyard has been selected as this year’s scholarship recipient. Parker exemplifies the qualities of leadership, community service, and academic excellence that are the foundation of this award, making him an outstanding choice to carry forward the legacy of JN White.

Parker has been deeply involved in both his school and his community. A talented musician, Parker has volunteered countless hours playing in the pit orchestra for Perry High School musicals and Cabaret nights, showing his dedication to the arts and to his fellow students. His musical talents extend beyond the school walls, as he also serves as a volunteer at the City Church in Batavia, where he plays in the Worship Team Band and has helped serve Thanksgiving dinners to those in need.

In addition to his musical contributions, Parker is a leader in athletics as well. He is an integral part of the track team at Perry High School, demonstrating both teamwork and commitment. His peers have recognized his leadership abilities, voting him Vice President of the Music Club for the past three years.

Last year, Parker was nominated for the University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award, which is given to students who display strong leadership, community service, and academic excellence. This nomination speaks to Parker’s ability to balance his academic pursuits with his extracurricular activities. He has taken on challenging coursework and maintained high grades, further proving his dedication to success.

Known for his kindness, caring nature, and being a friend to all, Parker embodies the spirit of giving back to his community that JN White valued so deeply. Parker plans to continue his education at the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where he will study Jazz and Contemporary Drum Set Performance, a reflection of his passion for music and desire to refine his craft.

Continuing JN White’s Legacy

The JN White Memorial Scholarship was originally established as the JN White Honorary Scholarship at the retirement of JN White’s founders, James Neel (J.N.) and Betty White. J.N., a local business leader and philanthropist, was heavily involved in the Perry community as a Boy Scout leader, church lecturer, and long-term Rotarian. He firmly believed in giving back to his community, a belief that has been passed down through the White family and continues to guide the scholarship today.

Following J.N.’s passing in 2011, the scholarship was renamed in his memory and the criteria were expanded to reflect the evolving interests of Perry students. The scholarship now supports seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to community service and have maintained a GPA of 85 or higher, regardless of their chosen field of study.

Over the years, recipients of the JN White Memorial Scholarship have gone on to pursue a wide variety of careers in fields such as Digital Arts, Business Administration, Film & Animation, and even Marine Biology. Each recipient, like Parker, carries with them the values of leadership, community service, and academic excellence that were so important to J.N.

A Bright Future for Parker

Parker’s selection as this year’s recipient highlights his exceptional contributions to his school and community, as well as his unwavering commitment to both personal and academic growth. We are confident that Parker will continue to excel as he embarks on the next chapter of his life at the Eastman School of Music.

The team at JN White is honored to support Parker in his educational journey and looks forward to seeing all that he will achieve. His story is a reminder of the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders, and we remain dedicated to continuing this scholarship for many years to come.

Congratulations, Parker Vinyard, on receiving the JN White Memorial Scholarship!