Cumberland High School senior Ebony Jones recently verbally committed to run track for St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, N.C.

“I felt really confident in making my decision to go there (St. Andrews),” said Jones.

“When I visited, I got to see how I would have a one-on-one relationship with my professors and how they would help me scholarship money.”

Jones was offered a $20,000 track scholarship by the school and a $10,000 Presidential Scholarship.

The school is a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference under the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“She has done very well academically and athletically,” said CHS principal Jeff Scales. “We are proud of Ebony and her accomplishments, and we know that she has a bright future at St. Andrews.”

Jones is a dual-enrollment student at CHS and participates in the nursing program, which will give her a Certified Nursing Assistant license upon graduation in May.

CHS track coach Kenneth Jasey says that Jones’ began loving St. Andrews during a visit to the school in November, and he could not be more excited for her.

“She expressed really liking their academics as well as their track program,” Jasey said of Jones visiting the school with her parents.

“I’m extremely proud of Ebony and her accomplishments with juggling school, excellence and athletics. She is extremely polite, yet relentless in pursuing goals. Ebony has been very valuable with our track program, and a dedicated leader and team co-captain.”

This is Cumberland’s second consecutive year that a female track athlete has been offered to go to college on an athletic scholarship.

Last year, Annesha Harris signed a letter of intent to run track for Lindsey Wilson College.

Although her graduation is nearing, Jones still has one goal she would like to accomplish before her high school career comes to an end. “For state’s this year, I plan on becoming state champion in the 400-meter dash.”

Last season, Jones finished second in the 400-meter dash event at the VHSL Group 1A Conference 44 Outdoor Track & Field championships with a time of 1:02.46, and finished fifth at the VHSL Group 1A/2A State Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a time of 1:02.46.

Jones is the daughter of Darren and Tiffany Jones, of Farmville.