Radford High School Foundation Awards Scholarships June 29, 2015
The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. recently awarded $23,200 through 12 scholarships at the local high school this spring. Nine of those scholarships were recently awarded to graduating students at the RHS Academic Awards ceremony and three scholarships were awarded at the RHS Athletic Awards event. The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that was formed in 1986 by friends and alumni for the sole purpose of supporting our already successful school system. The foundation provides grants to every public school in Radford each fall for innovative projects in the classroom and awards scholarships to college bound seniors in recognition of their academic achievement, community service, leadership, career goals, personal characteristics, and/or athletic participation, etc. The Foundation has awarded over $472,000 in classroom grants and scholarships to teachers and students since awarding the first classroom grant of $520 in 1986. The Foundation also spearheaded the fund raising efforts to build the James P King Center and the Radford Municipal Baseball Field.
All 12 scholarships awarded this year are in memory or recognition of outstanding folks who were loved and who contributed greatly to our schools and community. The following scholarships were awarded this year:
Eli Facemire is the recipient of the Brian T. Hannifan Memorial Scholarship. Eli plans to attend VMI in the fall and major in Biology. This scholarship was established in 2002 in memory of Brian T. Hannifan (member of the Class of 2001) by his parents and friends for the purpose of providing an annual scholarship to a graduating senior of Radford High School for his/her characteristics of unselfish concern and kindness to others.
Jada Penn is the recipient of the Lois Carr Education Scholarship. Jada plans to attend Emory and Henry College in the fall and major in Sports Medicine, and play basketball. This endowed scholarship was established in June 2004 by former students, colleagues, and friends in memory of and to honor Lois Carr, a talented musician and long-time educator in the Radford City School system. She was also a well-respected worker in church and an energetic volunteer for community service. The first award was presented in the spring 2005.
Devin Fisher is the recipient of the Dana Palmer Memorial Scholarship. Devin plans to attend Liberty University and major in Outdoor Adventure and Business. The scholarship is given in memory of Dana Palmer, a former Radford High School student athlete who died of cancer as a young man in 2001. Annual scholarships in Palmer’s memory have been given through the Radford High School Foundation since 2001 to a Radford High School senior student athlete who exhibits a great attitude, courage, kindness, school spirit, and community service. Chester Black and Derrick Smith lead a group of dedicated individuals who give of their time and talents each year to organize a Weekend Classic in the Dana Palmer Scholarship Fund.
Charlie Morris received the Allen “Big Al” Hall Scholarship and plans to attend Emory and Henry College or UVa —Wise in the fall. Charlie plans to study sports management. The Allen “Big Al” Hall Scholarship Fund was established April 2011 with gifts in memory of Allen Hall, known fondly by the name, “Big Al”. The endowed scholarship is given annually to a graduating senior (male or female) of good character from Radford High School, who plans to attend a Division III college. He or she should also plan to participate in athletics or “walk-on” for athletics. Al’s wish was to assist well-rounded young men and women pursue their dreams by providing financial help. Other 2015 RHS Foundation scholarships and recipients are as follows:
Mary Shelburne Memorial Scholarship
Adiah Coleman NRCC
Richard P. “Dick” Price Memorial Scholarship
Jacob Hobbs NRCC
Nell M. Price Memorial Scholarship
Laura Puckett Va. Tech
Sally Hendrix Memorial Scholarship
Queena Stovall Piedmont Comm. College
Roy and Mayme Epperly Scholarship Fund
Natalie Cox Roanoke College
Sevareid Memorial Scholarship
Lovevette Sheppard NRCC
Benny C. Ridpath Memorial Scholarship
Emily Thornton NRCC
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. Those wishing to donate to the Foundation may contact or make contributions to: Radford High School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2823 Radford, VA 24143.
