MARTINSVILLE – Zachery Joseph Dickerson, a graduating senior at Martinsville High School, was recently named the 2018 Penn-Shank Memorial Scholar. He already holds an Associate’s Degree from Patrick Henry Community College.
Dickerson, the son of David and Tricia Dickerson, will attend Virginia Tech next fall. He plans to major in business, with a possible focus in the health and medical industries.
“I have always wanted to attend Virginia Tech, and I have pictured myself as a business major,” he wrote in his application essay. “My ambition has been to work with others to make the world a better place where we can live and work together.”
Dickerson entered his final semester at MHS with a 4.1 GPA after pursuing a rigorous course of study during his four years as a Bulldog. He was a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and BETA Club, among others. In addition, he was a four-year recipient of the “Big M” academic achievement given by the city school system.
Outside of the MHS hallways, Dickerson obtained the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, and was an active member of Starling Avenue Baptist Church, There, he has participated in multiple mission trips to help others in need and participated in the youth choir.
Dickerson is also a well-rounded athlete, playing for the MHS boys soccer (senior captain), swim (senior captain) and golf teams. He is also a four-year member of the Piedmont Hurricanes travel soccer team.
The Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship is a merit-based award, named in memory of Edwin Penn IV and Walker Shank, that’s given to one outstanding MHS senior each May. The honoree receives an award of $1,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study. Since 2009, Rooster Walk has donated more than $90,000 to the Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship’s endowment fund.
