Radford High School Foundation Awards Grants to Teachers January 29, 2015

The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. recently awarded $13,775 to teachers in all four of the city’s schools for innovative classroom projects, which benefit local students. In all, 22 projects, submitted by teachers, were funded by the RHS Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization which traces its roots back to its founding in 1986.
Teachers apply in the fall for available funds from the Foundation’s long running “Campaign for Continuing Excellence”. Teacher applications are reviewed by the foundation’s cash grants review committee. The selection committee is composed of foundation board members, former teachers, and senior high school students who help evaluate the applications and determine the winning projects.
Since 1992, the Radford High School Foundation, Inc. has awarded over $448,000 to Radford City Schools in the form of classroom grants for teachers and scholarships for graduating students. In addition, the foundation was the driving force that built the $1.2 million James P King Center on the campus of RHS in 2000 and led the drive to construct the $600,000 Radford Municipal Baseball Field in 2006 at the Radford Recreation Center on George Street, which is known as one of the finest high school baseball fields in the region.
George A. “Abie” Williams, Jr., Chairman of the RHS Foundation, commented, “The long history of the Radford High School Foundation and what has been accomplished for the Radford City School system, its students, and its teachers is something to be proud of. Our 14 member board is all-volunteer, has no paid staff, and receives the majority of its support from the private sector.”
Williams applauded the efforts of those who serve as board members. Others currently serving as the Executive Committee are Vice Chairman Chip Craig, Secretary Ruth Clark, and Treasurer Mandy Martin. Other board members include former Superintendent Dr. Michael Wright, Dr. John Semones, Frances Hunter, Palma Clark, Bev Davis, Jean Umberger, Greg Ridpath, and Albert Mah. School Administration representatives are current school Superintendent, Dr. Becky Greer, and RHS Principal, Jeff Smith.
The RHS Foundation is currently working to complete fund raising efforts to install lighting on the Radford Municipal Baseball Field. The field supports JV and Varsity Baseball for the schools during their season and is the home field for the senior youth leagues in the summer. The field has been the host site for college club baseball and tournament play, bringing in teams from out of state and providing a great tourism vehicle for the City of Radford. The lighting project cost is estimated at $200,000.

Those wishing to donate may make contributions to: Radford High School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2823 Radford, VA 24143.