Meet Our 2020 Richmond PR Foundation Scholarship Winners

Since 2003, the Richmond Public Relations Foundation has given scholarships to deserving juniors and seniors studying public relations in Central Virginia. These young and talented practitioners are the future of our industry.

We’re excited to announce the Richmond Public Relations Foundation scholarship winners for 2020. Each recipient is receiving a $1,500 scholarship to support their studies.

Congratulations to Shayla Bailey, Carly Lyvers and Amanda Christian. We’ll honor the scholarship recipients at our Nov. 18 luncheon. Be sure to register.

Learn more about each recipient below.

2020 David P. Hurdle Memorial Scholarship: Shayla Bailey, Virginia Commonwealth University

Shayla Bailey is studying Mass Communications at VCU with a concentration in public relations and graduates this December. Said Shayla:

“Over the past year, I’ve had experience with project management, leading a communications team in helping over 30,000 members reach their fitness goals. In summer 2019, I had an international internship in Italy for a semi-private/private boat charter company, tripling engagement and almost doubling awareness. In the beginning of this year, I worked six months as a social media intern merging current trends and events with the voice of industry-specific clients’ messaging. After COVID-19 created many canceled internships, I started my online shop raising money for and awareness of various RVA nonprofits. In the first three months, I was able to donate $461 to Side By Side. Although I enjoyed my past experiences, I knew I wanted the opportunity to work in the PR agency world.”

2020 Daphne Lowell Dailey Memorial Scholarship: Carly Lyvers, James Madison University

Carly is majoring in Communication Studies at JMU and graduates in May 2022. Said Carly:

“Throughout my life, I have always loved to promote and talk about my past experiences and places. I am eager to enter the realm of public relations for this reason. I would love to represent an organization and help organizations promote themselves in the best way. I am currently involved in several organizations including varsity women’s golf, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and Public Relations Student Society of America. Through these organizations, I have the opportunity to represent my brand during meetings and events, such as Instagram takeovers for the JMU Women’s Golf team.”

2020 William Dietrick Memorial Scholarship: Amanda Christian, James Madison University

Amanda is majoring in Communication Studies at JMU and will graduate this December. Said Amanda:

“I knew that I wanted to be a public relations practitioner at a young age. After internships in high school with the local newspaper and in the PR department at Frederick County Public Schools, I was convinced that PR could combine my passions for storytelling, creativity and strategy. What I love most about public relations is that I can utilize these skills to make a positive impact and elevate the people and brands that I care about. I believe that what we do as communicators is extremely important and gratifying work, and my eagerness to begin a career in PR is evident in my academic and professional pursuits.

Congratulations again to our 2020 recipients!

Please consider supporting the Richmond Public Relations Foundation’s scholarship fund.

Your donations help fund the scholarship program. For every $25 you give until Dec. 2, you’ll be entered into the Foundation’s fall raffle. One lucky person will receive a complimentary weekend in a guest house at Tabbs Creek Retreat. Located in White Stone on Virginia’s Northern Neck, the property is situated on a quiet cove, but only minutes from terrific restaurants, antique shops, wineries and unique gift boutiques.

If you’re able to, please give today.