Leslie Ann Byrd was named the first recipient of the Joyce W. Wade Scholarship, established by the Johnston County Principals and Assistant Principals Association and administered by The Johnston County Education Foundation. Byrd is a senior at West Johnston High School. The scholarship amount is $500.

The scholarship was established by the JC Principals and Assistant Principals Association in honor of Joyce W. Wade for her tireless dedication spanning 38 years to the students and staff of Johnston County Schools. Wade, who was Associate Superintendent for Human Resources for Johnston County Schools, retired May 2009.

Nineteen applications were received from high school seniors who met the criteria: exhibit leadership and caring within the school or community, child of a Johnston County Schools employee, minimum 3.0 GPA, and planning to enroll full-time at an accredited two-year or four-year institution no later than Fall 2010.

In presenting the certificate, Lorine Davis of the Education Foundation spoke to Leslie Bryd’s attributes. “Leslie has been an honor student throughout her high school career. One of her letters of recommendation stated that she has not only aptitude, but attitude. At the age of 8, Leslie cut her hair and donated it to Locks for Love. She held a fund-raiser for a school in Rocky Mount. She has been a member of 4-H and has participated in Youth Livestock. She’s active in her church. She is a Salvation Army bell ringer. She packaged food for Stop Hunger Now. She is a member of FFA and HOSA. She is a member of the West Johnston Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She has the caring attitude that is so prevalent in Joyce Wade.” Joyce Wade, in her comments, said that “Leslie has everything that I’d want in a daughter. I’m proud of her.”

“Leslie Ann Byrd” is the first name placed on a plaque dedicated to Joyce W. Wade Scholarship recipients. The plaque will be displayed at the Johnston County Schools Board of Education Building. Mrs. Wade’s favorite quote, by Morrie Schwartz, is engraved on the plaque, “Do the things that come from the heart. When you do, you won’t be dissatisfied, you won’t be envious, you won’t be longing for somebody’s things. On the contrary, you’ll be overwhelmed with what comes back.”

Byrd plans to attend Methodist University, where she’s already been accepted into the first nursing program. After earning her RN degree, Byrd plans to return to Johnston County to work at Johnston Health, giving back the community that has been her home. After getting nursing experience, Byrd plans to attain an advanced nursing degree and return to work in Johnston County. Along with her professional goals, Byrd plans to continue her service to Johnston County as a leader, making a difference for others.

Leslie Byrd is the daughter of Donald and Denise Byrd.