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With her environmental consciousness, London Paige hopes to change the world. “People are dealing with so much right now during this coronavirus pandemic and we all need to spread positivity,” she says. “I really love being in this community and putting myself out there” in a way that can assist others. 

London Paige, who will be a senior this fall at Roanoke’s William Fleming High School, is ColorsVA Magazine’s Scholar of the Year! “I’m so honored. This is amazing to receive this for my community,” she says. London is part of several organizations in the Roanoke area and credits her community for encouraging her to always be the best she can be. That is what makes her work hard, she says. London hopes her accomplishments encourage others to work hard as well. “I’m hoping other will be motivated to do their best, and push further and be more passionate about everything they want,” she says. 

London is environmentally conscious and wants other to be just as aware so they can help promote the importance. London competes in science fairs and her extensive research on the effects of plastic pollution on marine life has won numerous honors. She’s a S.T.E.M. student and understands all of the intricate details of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. 

London also volunteers and serves in many capacities in the community. “I have worked within my community doing activities such as donating to Bethany Hall House, volunteering at the Henry Street Festival and volunteering at a Juneteenth event,” she shares. “I plan to continue being involved in the community and encourage others to become involved as well,” London adds. 

London’s extracurricular activities are widespread. She’s currently a member of Be That Girl at Fleming, the current Student Government Association’s junior class president, the second vice president of the NAACP Youth Council, a member of Jack and Jill and a member of the William Fleming Chess Club. London also has participated as a debutante of tomorrow as part of the Altruist Club’s annual Debutante Ball and is a member of the S.T.A.R Council. “The STAR Council is comprised of students from Patrick Henry and William Fleming High Schools who work together to support homeless students in Roanoke City, and the rallies I have participated in were on the premises of pushing for stricter gun control policies and putting an end to separating families at the border,” says London. She’s highly decorated and documented at her high school. 

Last November, London was ColorsVA’s Scholar of the Month. Sheila Herron with student support services at William Fleming High School nominated London. Herron says London is soaring. “She’s a wonderful academic student,” says Herron. “London understands science in a way that most struggle. I am truly excited for her to be recognized. She’s excelling here, not only academically, but London is well connected and very involved in her community.” London also attends the governor’s school. She ranks 16 out of 411 in her junior class. “It’s very important for individuals in our school – all of the students to see that yes, you have to have the academics.” 

Principal Archie Freeman III, says, “You can be a very skilled person in school leading the charge, and a student first, well rounded with extracurricular activities, buy into school spirit and still be a leader and be able to see the bigger picture.”

 London is cherished by her family as well. “We are so proud of her and just honored that she’s being recognized. She works so hard and it’s always good especially when a teenager’s hard work pays off,” says her mom, Holly Paige. 

“I just wanted to give everyone at ColorsVA another thank you for your hard work and this award,” says Longs. “This means the world to me and this is an award that I cherish. Again, I would also like to thank my community for keeping me grounded through their support, kindness and motivation.” 

ColorsVA Magazine wishes you much success in all of your future endeavors.