Radford High School Foundation Scholarships

We are proud to offer 20 Scholarship funds each year for Radford High School Students. In 2023 the foundation has awarded $46,800 in Student Scholarships

  • The RHS Class of 1970 Endowed Scholarship was established by 1970 graduates and identical twin brothers, Craig and Russell Allen. The scholarship fund is dedicated to members of the Class of 1970. The Allen brothers are proud of their roots in Radford and especially the Class of 1970 as they had the distinction of being the first graduating class after a devastating fire destroyed the original 1928 Radford High School building in spring 1970.

    The purpose of the RHS Class of 1970 Endowed Scholarship Fund is to award an annual scholarship(s) to deserving college bound students at Radford High School who may attend a 2 year Community College or a 4 year College/University. It is anticipated that other 1970 classmates will contribute to this fund.

  • This Scholarship was created to recognize the many years of dedicated civic service by the Radford “Host” Lions Club, Inc. The Radford Lions Club was founded in 1941. The club and its many members over the years have provided community services to school children and citizens of Radford by providing eyeglasses and medical exams for the needy. Eyesight has been a primary focus of Lionism on the local, state, and federal levels through Lions International. Beginning in 1948, the Radford Lions Club hosted the annual Lions Variety Show each spring until 1998 at the former Radford Recreation Center on Main Street, “a community favorite” event. The Lions were also known to sell Christmas trees in Radford for many years to raise funds for donations to humanitarian and community causes. The purpose of the scholarship is to award an annual scholarship to a deserving college bound student or students.

  • The S.V. Subba Rao & Kishore Family Scholarship was established by Dr. Lakshmi Kishore in honor of her father, the late Mr. S.V. Subba Rao, who was an eminent lawyer and legal adviser to the Government of India and state of Andhra Pradesh. He encouraged Dr. Lakshmi Kishore to pursue higher education, including becoming the first female physician in the entire family. Dr. Lakshmi Kishore and her husband Dr. Anand Kishore are physicians who have practiced in the New River Valley area for over 30 years. Their sons, both Sandeep & Sanjay graduated from Radford High School and attended Duke University for undergraduate studies. Both are physicians who completed their residency at Harvard Medical School. The purpose of the S.V. Subba Rao & Kishore Family Scholarship is to award an annual scholarship to the most deserving student who has interest and passion in the field of medicine and commitment to pursue further studies in the medical field. The recipient should be a graduating senior at Radford High School with a GPA of at least 3.0. The recipient should be committed to pursue a four-year college degree in a premedical related field. A letter is required from the student describing his/her reasons for pursuing a career in a medicine related field, as well as a letter from a teacher supporting the candidate.

  • The scholarship is named in memory of Mary S. Shelburne and Harvey D. Shelburne, longtime residents of Radford and the New River Valley. Mary devoted a lifetime of service to the health care profession, and Harvey worked in sales for the Armour Food Company, now known as Conagra.

    The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize a Radford High School Senior who desires to pursue a post graduate degree in a science related field, including nursing and agriculture. While academic achievement should receive weighting, financial need should have an equally important weighting in determining the recipient.

  • Established in 2002 in memory of Brian T. Hannifan (member of the Class of 2001) by his family and friends for the purpose of providing an annual scholarship to a graduating senior of Radford High School for his/her displayed characteristics of altruism, humanitarianism, and kindness to others.

  • This fund was established in 2002 under the will of Roy and Mayme Epperly. This scholarship is payable annually for up to four years as long as the recipient continues their studies at an accredited two-year or four-year college. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates a high level of motivation in his/her studies, one who needs financial assistance for college or university study, and meets the requirements for graduation from Radford High School.

  • The Lois Carr Education Scholarship was established in June, 2004 by former students, colleagues and friends to honor Lois D. 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 income generated by the endowment will be used to fund the annual award. The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors will determine the amount annually. The first award was presented in the spring 2005. The scholarship is awarded to a college bound student who meets certain academic achievement, financial need, and supported character qualities.

  • Dana Palmer was a Radford High School student athlete who died of cancer as a young man in 2001. Memorial contributions were initially received by the Foundation and held in the Lineburg Fund until 2006 when friends and community supporters raised enough funds to make the fund a permanent endowment. Scholarships have been awarded annually in Palmer’s memory since 2001. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a Radford High School senior student athlete who exhibits a great attitude, courage, kindness, school spirit, and community service. The student recipient selected will also pursue a post high school education.

  • This memorial scholarship endowment was established in recognition of the many contributions made by Dick Price in the City of Radford as a businessman, community leader, and supporter of students and activities in the Radford school system. The Foundation expects to award an annual scholarship to a deserving college bound student at Radford High School who desires to pursue a vocational/industrial/technical college education.

  • This memorial scholarship was established in recognition of the contribution made by Nell Price in her career at Radford University in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Foundation expects to award an annual scholarship to a deserving college bound student from Radford High School who desires to pursue a liberal arts degree, preferably in the College of Arts and Sciences, at a four year college or university.

  • The Sally Hendrix Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 in recognition of the many contributions made by the late, Sally Hendrix in the Radford City School System as an outstanding teacher of art and outstanding leader of young people. An annual award is expected to be presented to a deserving college bound student at Radford High School who desires to pursue a 2- or 4- year degree in an art-related field, including graphic design, art education and art history.

  • The Sevareid Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Jean Marie Sevareid, a 1973 graduate of Radford High School. Initially established by Jean’s parents, the late Col. John W. Sevareid and Tharsella A. “Tar” Sevareid, Jean’s remaining siblings contributed funds to endow the scholarship permanently through the Radford High School Foundation. Endowed in 2009, the scholarship seeks to recognize a Radford High School senior who exemplifies triumph over adversity; one who has demonstrated leadership and maturity when encountered with challenging life situations.

  • The 4909 Basketball Honorarium Scholarship was established by Charles L. “Chuck” Eaton and Mary Jo Eaton in October 2009. Chuck Eaton graduated from Radford High School and was a member of Radford’s first state championship basketball team in 1949. Chuck was selected a member of the Radford Bobcat Hall of Fame in 2010. The 4909 Basketball Honorarium Scholarship was established to recognize the athletic achievements of the 1949 and 2009 State Basketball Championship teams of Radford High School. The scholarship seeks to award a two year scholarship to a deserving college bound student/athlete at Radford High School who participated in the girls or boys basketball program at RHS. Academic achievement and the student’s overall success in high school are given strong consideration in the recipient selection process. The student’s financial need will also be weighed in determining the recipient. The recipient may or may not play basketball at the college level.

  • 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”, he asked that an endowed scholarship be established upon his death with a portion of the proceeds from his estate plus any funds his friends could contribute. The scholarship is designed for graduating seniors (male or female) from Radford High School, of good character, who plan to attend a Division III college. They 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 dream by providing financial help.

  • The Benny C. Ridpath Memorial Scholarship was established in May 2012 with gifts in memory of Benny Ridpath by his family and friends. This scholarship fund was established in recognition of Benny for his many years of service as a local Radford businessman in the insurance and real estate professions, as well as his love for the City of Radford, the school system, and Benny’s personal passion for the trade industry. Benny enjoyed multiple hobbies and pursuits, many of which required a craftsman’s working skills. The Benny C. Ridpath Memorial Scholarship fund is designed to provide an annual scholarship to a deserving college bound student at Radford High School who desires to pursue a vocational/industrial/technical college education. Academic achievement in a vocational curriculum and the student’s overall success in high school, are strongly considered in the recipient selection process. The student’s financial need will also be weighed in making this determination. Applicants desiring to attend New River Community College, Dublin, VA should receive first priority during the selection process.

  • The Nell Collins Hatcher Memorial Scholarship was established in August 2015 in recognition of Nell Hatcher’s leadership and community service as a teacher in the Radford City School system for over 40 years. Nell came to Radford in 1946, was married to William “Bill” Hatcher, her husband of 63 years, who also served a distinguished career in the Radford City Schools as teacher/administrator. Nell enthusiastically taught U.S. Government classes at Radford High School and initiated the “Student Government Day” where her students were placed in local government positions for the day; a tradition which still continues. Mrs. Hatcher recommended the establishment of the National Honor Society at Radford High School to recognize students with exceptional classroom achievement. Her effective leadership qualities were recognized by the community as she twice received “keys to the city.” Mrs. Hatcher took tremendous pride in her teaching career, encouraging students until her retirement in 1986. Nell and Bill Hatcher were great friends, contributors and supporters of the Radford High School Foundation, Inc.

  • The Charles E. Fretwell Endowed Scholarship was established in June 2018 to recognize all of the good things Fretwell (now deceased) had done for the Radford community over the years. He was a charter member of the Radford High School Foundation, Inc. The scholarship was established by Chuck Eaton (’49) and his wife Mary Jo Kinder (’50), both graduates of Radford High School. The scholarship fund was established to provide annual college scholarships to two deserving students graduating from Radford High School. Financial need of the recipient shall also be a consideration.

  • The Elizabeth and Melburn Williams Scholarship was established in June 2018 to provide an annual scholarship to a deserving college bound student at Radford High School. The scholarship recipient shall (i) have attained at least a 2.5 minimum GPA; (ii) have exhibited a strong work ethic in academic and extracurricular pursuits; and (iii) shall have been accepted and be planning to attend a college or university (either 2-year or 4-year). Financial need of the recipient shall also be a consideration.

  • The Mary Ellen Moore and James M. Moore Memorial Scholarship was established in recognition of Mary Ellen Moore’s leadership and community service as a teacher in the Radford City School System from 1964 until her retirement in 1984. Mary Ellen began her career teaching in Indiana. While in Indiana, Mary Ellen married her husband, James “Jim” Moore in 1947. They moved to Blacksburg in 1964, and Mary Ellen chose the field of Home Economics, and continued her teaching career at Radford High School. Jim became an educator at Virginia Tech, where he was an associate professor of agriculture until his retirement in 1988. Mary Ellen and Jim were friends and supporters of education.

  • The Robert P. Asbury and Carol C. Asbury Public Service Scholarship is awarded to recognize students who desire to enter public or civil service, or the students are children of parents who have devoted their careers to the public sector. Bob and Carol Asbury have been long time members of the Radford community. Bob and Carol lived the large part of their adult lives in Radford supporting the City of Radford, Radford City Schools, and participating in civic and community activities. Bob served as a successful Radford City Manager from 1970 thru 2002. Carol taught in the Radford City Schools from 1979 thru 2011. Bob and Carol continue to live in Radford after their respective retirements from public service. The endowment was established by their son and daughter-in- law, John C. Asbury and Wendy Asbury. The recipient of the 2021 Asbury Public Service Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is Kara Armentrout. Ms. Armentrout plans to attend Virginia Tech.

  • In memory of Julian D. “Jay” Croy II, former Radford High School student who passed in 2001 due to cancer. Jay was a happy young man who enjoyed life, family, fishing and cars. He played football while at Radford High School, and he enjoyed making his friends laugh. His working career was focused in instrumentation. The scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving college bound student at Radford High School who desires to pursue a vocational/industrial/technical college education. The first scholarship was awarded in 2021.

  • The Marilyn Alley Memorial Scholarship is established by Radford High School in memory of Marilyn Alley. Marilyn planned to graduate from Radford High School with her classmates in 2022, until her untimely death on February 26, 2022 as the result of a car accident. Marilyn had plans to attend Liberty University and become a nurse. Through the joint effort of Radford High School, the Alley family and community support, funds were provided to award a first year scholarship to one member of Marilyn’s graduating class of 2022. All other funds are endowed through the Radford High School Foundation to fund future scholarships.

    The purpose of this scholarship is to award an annual scholarship to a deserving college bound student at Radford High School who desires to pursue college in the service areas of nursing, missions, or education.