MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Paige Fox, a senior at PikeView High School, has been named a 2025-26 West Virginia University Foundation Scholar, the highest academic scholarship the University awards.
Fox is among five exceptional incoming students who will engage in research and contribute to their chosen fields of study as part of the new cohort of Foundation Scholars.
The scholarship is valued at more than $90,000 and covers four years of undergraduate studies, including tuition and fees, room and board, and a book stipend.
Each scholar also receives a $4,500 stipend for study abroad, internships, or research.
“Our Foundation Scholars come from across West Virginia and will bring with them to West Virginia University their own perspectives as they pursue their purpose,” WVU President Gordon Gee said.
“Paige and Zoey are the first students from their respective high schools to be awarded the Foundation Scholarship, while Noah, Emily and Luke follow in the footsteps of previous recipients. Like those before them, I know they will all seize this opportunity to challenge themselves as they learn and grow.”
Fox, a 4-H member who learned to play the banjo in third grade, is an aspiring pharmacist. Coming from a small rural community that lacks academic resources, she said she is eager to engage in research and other hands-on experiences at WVU.
She also looks forward to joining the WVU Collegiate 4-H Club. In her spare time, Fox enjoys hiking and plans to use her stipend to study abroad while exploring Europe.
Four of the five new Foundation Scholars will pursue biology degrees as they prepare for future careers.
In addition to Fox, the other scholars include Noah Galvin from Martinsburg High School, Emily Garrett from Braxton County High School, Zoey Hoffman from Buffalo High School, and Luke Tiu from Wheeling Central Catholic High School.
Since the inaugural class in 1987, WVU has awarded 195 students with Foundation Scholarships.
To qualify, students must meet a rigorous set of criteria, including West Virginia residency, a minimum GPA of 3.8, and a minimum composite score of 30 on the ACT or the equivalent SAT score.
The scholarships are part of the University’s comprehensive awards program and are supported, in part, by the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
