The Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship was awarded to three female graduates of Suffolk Public Schools in 2022.

The winners, who each received $2,500 donated directly to their post-secondary university, are Brooke Howe from Lakeland High School, Emily Mousso from Nansemond River High School and Evelyn Taliaferro from Nansemond River High School.

Howe was a valedictorian at Lakeland and a graduate of the Biomedical Sciences (BMS) program, earning the First Governor’s College Scholar’s Certificate. She was a member of the softball team for four years, served as team captain for two years, won regional awards as a catcher, and played travel softball for four years. Howe was on the LHS swim team for four years, serving as captain this year. She played volleyball for two years and junior varsity soccer for one year, being selected as captain in both sports.

She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Biostem Club, the Scholastic Bowl Team and the Student Council Association and volunteered with the Suffolk Animal Shelter. She has worked in several local businesses. Howe attended the University of Virginia and considered a career in medicine.

Mouso graduated with an advanced degree from Nansemond River. She played college softball for four years, travel softball for seven years, and Little League for four years. She was a member of the NRHS football team for two years and the volleyball team, as co-captain.

Mousso was a member of the National Spanish Honor Society, National Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Key Club. Her volunteer experience has included the St. Therese Homeless Mission and Deep Creek Baseball/Softball Association. She has also worked for several local businesses. She attends the University of Mary Washington. Her career goal is to become a lawyer.

Taliaferro was valedictorian at Nansemond River and a graduate of the Project Lead the Way engineering program, earning the First Governor’s College Scholar’s Certificate. She was a starter for four years for the varsity women’s soccer team, as captain. She also played Suffolk Youth Athletic Association football for 12 years.

At Nansemond River, she was a member of the Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and the Travel and Culture Club. Her volunteer experience includes serving on the church board and leading the youth group. She was also employed at Chick-fil-A. Taliaferro attends Princeton University to prepare for a career as an electrical engineer.

The Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding female graduates of public grammar schools in Suffolk for outstanding achievement in five areas: athletics, academics, scholastic pursuits, religious and community pursuits. Entrants must write a 500-word essay expressing their goals, family support, and financial needs.

Baker, an honors graduate of Suffolk High School in 1989, planned to attend Campbell College. She died on July 9, 1989 from head trauma following a fall from a horse. Her parents, Robert Baker III and Linda Drummond, and her friends and family established the scholarship in her memory to recognize outstanding female graduates of Suffolk Public Schools who are compassionate leaders in their school and community. Sixty-four girls have been recognized since 1990.

Tax-deductible contributions to the scholarship fund may be made to Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship, Care of Mrs. Lynn Cross, 409 Forest Hill Crescent, Suffolk, VA 23434. Applications for the 2023 scholarship will be due by April 5 at each Suffolk Public High School.