Radford High School Foundation awards scholarships

RADFORD – The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. recently awarded $27,750 through 13 separate scholarships to RHS students.

Ten of those scholarships were awarded to graduating students during the RHS Academic Awards program to graduating seniors, and three scholarships were awarded during the RHS Athletic Awards event.

More than $315,000 in scholarships has been awarded for graduating students since the foundation was formed in 1986. The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. Was formed by friends and alumni for the sole purpose of supporting the school system. The foundation awards scholarships to college bound seniors in recognition of their academic achievement, community service, leadership, career goals, and/or athletic participation.

All 13 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: 

Yasmin Inez Brown is the recipient of the Brian T. Hannifan Memorial Scholarship and plans to attend Hampton University in the fall. 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. 

Keely Renae Carrow is the recipient of the Lois Carr Education Scholarship and plans to attend Mary Baldwin University in the fall.  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 Lois Carr Education Scholarship award was presented in the spring 2005.

Andrew Olverson is the recipient of the 2020 Dana Palmer Memorial Scholarship. Andrew plans to attend Averett University. 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 numerous events to raise the awareness of and funds for the Dana Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Tyashia Renee Gellner received the Allen “Big Al” Hall Memorial Scholarship and plans to attend Bridgewater College in the fall. 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.

Two of the newest scholarships are the Charles E. Fretwell Endowed Scholarship and the Elizabeth & Melburn Williams Scholarship. The Fretwell Scholarship was established in June 2018 with funds received from the Charles L. “Chuck” Eaton Charitable Remainder Unitrust established by Chuck Eaton (RHS Class of ’49) and his wife Mary Jo Kinder (’50).  The Eaton’s established the scholarship in Charles Fretwell’s name to recognize all of the good Fretwell had done for the Radford community over the years. A letter Charles Eaton wrote to Charles Fretwell in 1976 seems as pertinent today as when he wrote it: “It doesn’t seem to matter where a person travels to or lives, you don’t forget the area or friends where you grew up…and, in essence, were molded.  I have good and fond memories of Radford and a sense of appreciation for what it has meant in my life.” Charles Fretwell was a founding member of the Radford High School Foundation, Inc.The two 2020 Fretwell scholarship winners are: Hallie Le Phung (Virginia Tech)

And Micah-Reid Marzelle Collins (Old Dominion University).           

The Elizabeth and Melburn Williams Scholarship was established in June 2018 following their deaths.  Mel and Elizabeth Williams came to Radford in 1946. They were active members of the community, supporting Radford University, Radford High School, and a variety of civic and community activities.  Mel began his career in Radford in 1946 as the Executive Secretary of the Radford Chamber of Commerce. In 1948, he opened Builders Ready Mix Concrete (the first ready mix concrete company in the New River Valley) and served as President until his retirement.  He also served as President of the Virginia Ready Mix Concrete Association and President of the Radford Coal and Lumber Company.  Following his retirement from Builders Ready Mix Concrete, Mel served as a regional director of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board.  Elizabeth worked for many years in the trust department with First National Exchange Bank in Roanoke.  She later worked in administration in the Radford City School Board Office.  For over thirty years, she was a volunteer at Radford Community Hospital.  Elizabeth died in May, 2014.  Mel died in October, 2017. The 2020 winner of the Elizabeth & Melburn Williams Scholarship is: Jairen Alijah Cheek (Radford University).

Other 2020 RHS Foundation scholarships and recipients are as follows:

Richard P. “Dick” Price Memorial Scholarship: Jaron Tyreses Jenkins (NRCC)

Nell M. Price Memorial Scholarship: Timothy Griffin Pierce Johnson (Virginia Tech)

Roy and Mayme Epperly Scholarship Fund: Amber Elysia Duncan     (University of Virginia)

Sevareid Family Memorial Scholarship: Naomi Dove McLucas (NRCC)

Benny C. Ridpath Memorial Scholarship: William Cordell McGuff    (NRCC)

Nell Collins Hatcher Memorial Scholarship: Isabella Louise Burgoyne (Columbia University)

Basketball Honorarium Scholarship: Alexis Cierra Rader (Sewanee TN) and Jonathan Asher Woods: JMU

The RHS Foundation is a nonprofit, tax exempt organization. Currently serving as the Executive Committee are Chairman Abie Williams, Vice Chairman Chip Craig, Secretary Ruth Clark, and Treasurer Mandy Martin. Other board members include Dr. John Semones, former School Superintendent Dr. Michael Wright, Palma Clark, Bev Davis, Albert Mah, Jeff Caldwell, Nikki Cumberland, and Eli Mullins. School Administration representatives on the board are school Superintendent, Rob Graham, and RHS Principal, Jeff Smith. Foundation Advisory Board Members are Harrison Williams, and Whitney King Stokes. Those wishing to donate to the Radford High School Foundation may contact or make contributions to: Radford High School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2823 Radford, VA 24143.