Press Release
Amelia Island Book Festival
Submitted by Raffaela Marie Rizzo Fenn
October 6, 2017 2:00 p.m.
2018 Scholarship application period now open
Each year, an important part of the annual Amelia Island Book Festival is the awarding of the Amelia Island Book Festival scholarship dedicated to the late Christa Powell Walley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell of Fernandina Beach. Christa was a young woman passionate about writing, saw one of her creations published in Seventeen Magazine and intended to make writing a part of her future. Following her untimely death in an auto accident, her parents, Billie and Bob Powell, having moved to Amelia Island, decided to honor their daughter through a scholarship to keep their daughter’s memory and passion alive. The Powells joined forces with the Amelia Island Book festival several years ago to form a joint sponsorship of an annual college scholarship, dedicated to encouraging young writers in their pursuit of a literary or communications career.
The 2017 recipient, is Taylor Allen, a graduate of Yulee High School, whose written submissions were judged worthy of receiving this honor. Taylor is enrolled at the University of Florida where her love of the written word will serve her well in her Public Relations major. Of her selection as the winner of this scholarship Taylor says, “Winning this scholarship is a huge honor which has reinforced how I feel about my writing. I have learned that with enough determination I can accomplish great things through my writing.”
Taylor’s mother, Therese Allen-Kopinski, says, “Taylor comes from a family of readers so it was fitting that her love of books and written word started early in life; it has been wonderful watching her writing talent evolve over the years. We are all so proud of her for winning this scholarship!”
Taylor goes on to say, “I am incredibly grateful to the Amelia Island Book Festival for this opportunity and for all the amazing things they do in our community.”
Applications for The 2018 Christa Powell Walley Scholarship, are now open. For details and further information about the scholarship, please visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org
Editor’s Note: Attached is photo of Taylor Allen, Yulee High School graduate and winner of the 2017 Amelia Island Book Festival, Christa Powell Walley Scholarship.