New scholarship honors Madison resident, judge

A new scholarship honors a beloved Madison resident and judge.

The Madison County Democratic Committee (MCDC) recently announced the establishment of the Honorable Edward D. Berry Memorial Scholarship for graduating seniors at Madison County High School. 

Berry began practicing law in Madison County at the age of 23, after having completed both college and law school at the University of Richmond in just five years. He worked in private practice for 20 years, including acting as a guardian ad litem on cases involving children and families. In 1990, he began serving as a substitute judge for the district and in 1993 he was appointed juvenile and domestic relations district court judge, overseeing cases in the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Greene, Goochland, Louisa, Madison and Orange.

Berry was recognized for being a passionate advocate for children and families in the region. He was instrumental in the establishment of both the Piedmont and Goochland chapter of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a nonprofit that recruits, trains and supports volunteers to assist abused and neglected children in the court system. In 2016, Piedmont CASA presented Berry with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honored by the Family & Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia with an appreciation award in recognition of his efforts to enhance services and resources to support families. 

A lifelong Madison resident who grew up on the family farm, Berry once stated he had no desire to live elsewhere. 

“I love it here in Madison, why would you go anywhere else when you’ve found perfection,” he said.

Locally, Berry was the charter president of the Madison County Historical Society and a perennial volunteer at the Madison County Fair. 

“Ed was a lifelong resident of Madison County, a distinguished jurist and a former chair of the Madison County Democratic Committee before becoming a judge,” MCDC Chair Annette Hyde said. “Most importantly, he was a caring and generous man, loved by his family, friends and the community.”

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who meets one or more of the following criteria–a first generation college student, financial need, exemplary citizenship and leadership skills, a demonstrated commitment to community service, an appreciation for Madison County’s history and the preservation of our local heritage.

Applicants must attend Madison County High School and plan to attend a two-year or four-year accredited secondary institution in the upcoming fall or pursue a vocational education or other career-related advanced training program. Applications are available through the high school and are due April 23.

“Judge Berry clearly demonstrated his love of Madison through community service and his passion for local history,” Hyde said. “We are grateful for the wonderful example he set for all of us, particularly our youth.”