SMITHFIELD
County residents had the opportunity recently to sample a wide variety of foods, all prepared by local and regional bakers, chefs and cooks at the Flavors of Isle of Wight. This took place in the Smithfield Center on June 16. At the same time, the entrance fee the guests paid helped area students going to a college or university.

The money raised will go to the Isle of Wight Community Foundation, which is a philanthropic arm of the Isle of Wight, Smithfield and Windsor Chamber of Commerce. Graduating seniors from Windsor and Smithfield high schools, Isle of Wight and Nansemond-Suffolk academies, as well as home-schooled students were eligible for scholarships.

This year’s recipients were:

• Ceara Gibson of Franklin, who graduated from Windsor High. She plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study accounting.

• Samuel Neal of Smithfield, who graduated from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. He plans to attend Case Western Reserve University to study computer science. He also plays in the marching, concert and jazz bands.

• Claire Piatak of Smithfield, a graduate and varsity athlete of Smithfield High School. She plans to attend University of Virginia and study veterinary medicine.

• Alexis Uzzle of Smithfield, a graduate of Smithfield High. She plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study Accounting.

• Kaitlin Ciaston of Suffolk, a graduate of Isle of Wight Academy. She plans to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and major in veterinary medicine.

“The foundation’s board of directors selected the recipients, and was impressed with the caliber of students applying, and with the accomplishments and community activities of each student,” Chamber Director Andrew Cripps said. “Just as with applicants for the chamber’s Student Leadership Institute program, the scholarship applicants were outstanding and selecting the recipients was a challenge.”

He added, “We are extremely proud to support the continuing education of these young scholars, and believe these scholarships are a wise investment in students with boundless potential and commitment to community service.”

As of Friday morning, chamber office coordinator Kelly Amiss said she didn’t have an exact total yet, but knew that the amount raised was “definitely more than last year.” She figured it to be a little over $6,000, including sponsorships.

“Thanks to our sponsors Sentara Healthcare and Smithfield Foods, as well as all the restaurants and food businesses who served delicious food and drink, the silent auction prize donors, and to everyone who came and supported scholarships for local high school seniors,” said Amiss.

Among the businesses that participated were:

• Bon Vivant Wine & Brew in Smithfield

• Bubba ‘N’ Franks Smokehouse in Carrollton

• Captain Chuck-A-Muck’s in Carrollton

• The Cockeyed Rooster Café in Smithfield

• Country Boy’s Barbecue in Windsor

• East Coast Taco Co. in Suffolk

• Gatling Pointe Yacht Club in Smithfield

• Harmony Woods Baked Goods in Suffolk

• Harper’s Table in Suffolk

• Hooked on Fondant Cakery of Carrollton

• The Market in Suffolk

• Q-Daddy’s Bar-B-Que in Smithfield

• Schwartz Cakes in Smithfield

• Sista’s Café in Smithfield

• Smithfield Gourmet Bakery and Café in Smithfield

• Smithfield Inn in Smithfield

• Tropical Smoothie Café in Carrollton

• Wharf Hill Brewing Co. in Smithfield