Chincoteague Island, VA—May 20, 2024: The Nicki L. West Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Chincoteague High School student on the basis of character, citizenship, leadership, ability and need. According to eldest granddaughter Jessica West, these were "many of the values that were important to Nicki West and many of which she effortlessly embodied herself." The recipient is chosen by a board-appointed committee that includes members of the West family. Nicki West was president of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce in the early 1980's and her dedication lives on through this scholarship established by her family after her death in 1991. Under her leadership, the Chamber expanded its involvement in the community by creating local events such as the Easter Decoy Festival. She was instrumental in recruiting and educating local businesses about the benefits of joining the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. West tirelessly promoted Chincoteague's local businesses and was a firm believer in the potential for progress with a unified business community.

Nicki L. West's granddaughter, Jessica West, presented the 2024 Nicki L. West Memorial Scholarship to Miss Allison Garland at the Chincoteague High School Awards Banquet on May 15th. Allison plans to attend Old Dominion University in the fall to pursue a major in Chemistry with a pre-med track. Her ultimate goal is to attend medical school and specialize in Radiology. She says, "I am passionate about the intersection of science and medicine and I look forward to dedicating myself to a career where I can contribute to improving healthcare outcomes and making a difference in people's lives through the field of radiology."

While maintaining the highest academic ranking in her class, Allison has also been very involved in numerous extra-curricular activities throughout her high school career including BETA, track, cheerleading, volleyball, soccer, and yearbook committee. She also participated in many community projects such as the Chincoteague Elementary School Pumpkin Patch, Mana Cafe, Ukraine Soldier Family Fund (UKRSFF) where she set up a website and planned events and activities. Her involvement in the UKRSFF "enriched her understanding of compassion, resilience, and the power of community" she says.

The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce is honored to be a part of Allison's academic journey as she begins this exciting new chapter and wish her well at Old Dominion University.