LaMont F. Toliver Scholarship Fund Established

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Iyana Tennon, Founder
Phone: 412. 543.8897
Email: Virtuous_Academy@live.com

Photo 1: The late LaMont F. Toliver – Former Director of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education
at the University of Maryland  Baltimore County [click photo for larger view]

Photo 2: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Logo [click photo for larger view]

Duquesne, PA (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — In the memory of former Duquesne resident, the late LaMont F. Toliver, Virtuous Academy is establishing a scholarship in his honor.  A graduate of Duquesne High School, Toliver was a product of the foster care system before being adopted by two loving parents.

“A role model to many, and as a champion for education, this $5,225 scholarship is designed to assist a student going through the same struggles as my uncle did,” explained Iyana Tennon founder of Virtuous Academy.  “His tenacity demonstrates that one can be successful under any circumstances if they work hard and stay focused.”

Despite his situation and upon graduation from high school, Toliver continued his education and received a Bachelor’s of Arts and Science degree from Virginia Military Institute and a Master’s in Education from the University of Virginia. He was pursuing his doctorate in Public Policy from the University of Maryland Baltimore where he was Director of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education.

Since its inception in 2008, Virtuous Academy has been providing a glimmer of hope with the goal to rebuild a community through academic achievement, passion and integrity.  “Students in the City of Duquesne deserve the same opportunity to receive a quality education as other students in the county, state or country,” said Tennon.

Scheduled to open September 5th for the 2012/13 academic year, VA, a non-public school will motivate its students to achieve academic excellence and positive citizenship through a rigorous curriculum, virtuous values and a concentration in the arts. In previous years students have excelled academically and socially one grade level from their learning ability.

Located at One Library Place in Duquesne, Tennon’s goal for the school is to provide quality education for students throughout the Mon Valley not just Duquesne. Her plan is to build strong foundations and to make positive changes within the families of the students that attend VA.

Tuition at Virtuous Academy is $5,225 for a full academic year, but no donation is too small. Students pursuing a private institution or higher education are able to apply.   Disadvantaged youth going through the foster care system are encouraged to apply. Donations to the LaMont F. Toliver Sholarship fund can be made on-line www.VirtuousAcademy.org or check can be made payable to:

Virtuous Academy
c/o LaMont Toliver Scholarship Fund
One Library Place
Duquesne, PA 15110