The Albemarle County Democratic Party is pleased to offer four $500 scholarships in the names of James and Nellie Butler to honor their contributions to the community, specifically their support of public education. The annual scholarships will be awarded to one Albemarle County public high school senior at each of the County high schools, who is planning to attend college and has demonstrated a determination to contribute to his or her community as the Butlers have done.

Since the creation of these scholarships by the Albemarle County Democratic Party to honor James and Nellie, we have provided over $20,000 to county high school students to help defray some of the costs of college.

About the Butlers

James and Nellie Butler have lived in Albemarle County for over 40 years. They have contributed through their involvement in public education, voter registration, their church, and in numerous other leadership roles in the community. James served as an agricultural extension agent for over 26 years and as a member of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Nellie worked as a teacher in technical education for 20 years. In addition, they have lent encouragement and support to their foster sons and numerous nieces and nephews and have enriched the lives of many in our community

Jim Butler served in Albemarle County for over 35 years as an agricultural extension agent and was the first African-American to be named Unit Chairman for an agricultural extension office in Virginia. He was the first African-American elected to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors from the Rivanna Magisterial District in 1981.

Nellie Butler was a Girl Scout leader and a 4-H advisor. She taught at Piedmont Technical Education Center in Culpeper for over 25 years.

Jim Butler was recognized for his many contributions to Albemarle County in 2000, when the Baker-Butler Elementary school was named for him, as well as for John Baker, the first African-American Chair of the Albemarle County School Board.

Previous Winners

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