The Conley Scott Alumni are set to honor one of their most beloved educators, Vonsteine Savolia Haigler Lewis, by issuing a scholarship in her name. This new scholarship is going to be awarded through the Beckley Are Foundation and will be given to a Wyoming County East student beginning the spring of 2011.
Lewis was one of the best educators in the State of West Virginia during her 40 year career that ended with her retirement in 1965. Lewis received her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education in 1930-1931 from Bluefield State College, and later would receive her master’s degree from West Virginia University.
During the beginning of her career Lewis began teaching at Stephenson, Wyoming County, and later moved to Glen Morris School, which is located near Glen Rogers and Sabine. After several years at this school she later married and transferred to Conley Grade School in Mullens, where she taught 3rd and 5th grand for the next 30 years.
During her 40 year career Lewis never lost passion for teaching and loved every student that she taught. One of the things she would always say was, “All students could be taught but you, as a teacher, just had to find the way.” Now, thanks to this scholarship in her memory one lucky student will be able to continue their education.
This scholarship in Lewis’ memory is a fitting way to remember her legacy as an educator in the state of West Virginia. Without her efforts many children in Wyoming County would not have received the type of education that they did. The U.S. education system can certainly use a few more teachers like Vonsteine Savolia Haigler Lewis. Hopefully recipients of this new scholarship will use the money to attend a quality university, and receive their Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education just like Lewis did.
