BECKLEY — From the beginning of a child’s education to the time when he or she becomes an adult and pursues a career, studies have shown that the arts enhance both personal and academic success.

Reports from The College Board indicate that students who study the arts in high school earn higher S.A.T. scores.

The Journal of Research in Music Education reports that elementary school students who participate in music programs score higher in reading, mathematics, language and overall achievement tests.

The National Arts Education Center indicates that students who participate in studio art courses improve their writing and vocabulary skills.

Each of these findings underscores the value of the arts in positively shaping the lives of all people.

Local residents Becky and Kent Walker also recognize the importance of arts in education. They have established the Walker Family Scholarship Fund at the Beckley Area Foundation to recognize their mothers, Zetta “Peggy” Walker and Sue Chapman. The annual income from the fund will be used for a scholarship to be awarded to a college qualified graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School who will pursue a degree in the arts.

Recipients must have a 3.00 or better grade average.

Both merit and need will be considered in selecting the scholarship recipient.

Kent’s mother, Peggy, was a graduate of Marshall University and the University of Pittsburgh. She was a former teacher of English and a librarian with the Kanawha County Public Library. She loved music, reading, writing poetry and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She encouraged her two children to pursue their artistic abilities in music and art. Kent was an art major at Glenville State College and was an art teacher at Stratton Junior High School before forming his own business, Appalachian Signs, in Beckley.

Becky’s mother, Sue Ann Mason Chapman, was a 1963 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She earned an Associate in Business Administration degree from Beckley College and then worked for the Raleigh County Board of Education as a bookkeeper.

She was a lover of music, reading, writing, dance and art; she encouraged her children to pursue these interests as well. All of her children were in the school band and took music lessons. Becky took dance lessons from Jerry Rose for many years.

“Pursuit of the arts and art education teaches us discipline, patience, persistence and strong work ethics,” noted Becky. “Kent and I both feel that art education is an important benefit for kids. Our son is currently at West Virginia University working on a degree in graphic arts and advertising.”

As is the case of all BAF endowments, anyone may make a gift in any amount to this fund.

Memorial gifts are welcomed. Mail checks made out to BAF-Walker Family Scholarship Fund, and mail to Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV  25801.

Contact funds@beckleyareafoundation.com or 304-253-3806 for information about establishing a new permanent endowment.