RADFORD – Forty years ago, in 1985, it was just a vision for some Radford High School alumni, school administrators and community members who first met to brainstorm the creation of an organization for the enhancement of the educational activities of the students of the City of Radford schools.
Then in 1986 that vision became a reality with the creation of the Radford High School Foundation. The goal was, and still is, to enhance an already successful school system on all levels through scholarships, cash grants for classroom projects for teachers, and provide a means for the establishment of permanent endowments.
The first scholarships were awarded by the organization in 1992 from the Brian Hannifan Memorial Fund and the Dana Palmer Memorial Fund. The first cash grants were awarded in 1992 from the Foundation’s Campaign for Continuing Excellence fund. Its first endowed fund was established through the Foundation in November 1989, the “Norman Lineburg Honorarium Fund” by former student athletes and friends of Coach Lineburg in recognition and appreciation of his 20th anniversary as an outstanding coach, school administrator, and human being.
Today, the success of the Radford High School Foundation, Inc. can be measured by not only the good deeds it does for our schools and students, but through its growth currently reflecting assets exceeding $2,250,000. In May 2025, the foundation awarded a record amount for scholarships to Radford High School graduates and other former students totaling $56,650. The foundation awarded both academic and sports awards in separate presentations at Radford High School. The foundation has awarded over $975,000 in grants and scholarships to teachers and students in the Radford City school system.
Abie Williams, Chairman of the Foundation since its inception in 1986 says, “the Foundation is an all-volunteer organization, and we have been very successful and have accomplished our objectives set 40 years ago. The foundation is an example of what can be accomplished when people work together for the common good. Our board has been dedicated to the mission, “the future is purchased by the present”. Just another reason why Radford City is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The 2025 Radford High School Foundation scholarship award winners are:
Nell M. Price Memorial Scholarship: Eryn Dove- $3,000
Mary S & Harvey D Shelburne Memorial Scholarship: Alexandra Bernethy- $1,000
Roy & Mayme Epperly Scholarship (four-year award): 2024-2025 school year- Lauren Owens- $1,750; 2023-2024 school year- Valeria Sosa-Flores- $1,750; 2022-2023 school year- Jacqueline Duncan- $1,750; 2021-2022 school year- Gracie Davis- $1,750
Brian T. Hannifan Memorial Scholarship: Justin Frisby- $1,000
Lois Carr Education Scholarship: Collin Baron- $1,500
Sally Hendrix Memorial Scholarship: Ella Semple- $1,000
Sevareid Family Memorial Scholarship: Asia Marunich- $450
Benny C Ridpath Memorial Scholarship: Dakota Lawrence- $500
Nell Collins Hatcher Memorial Scholarship: Elizabeth Woolery- $1,500
Charles E. Fretwell Endowed Scholarships: Justin Anzziani-Luzito- $3,000 and Olivia Spaulding- $3,000
Elizabeth & Melburn Williams Scholarship: Nathan Haga- $1,500
Julian D. Croy II Memorial Scholarship: Edwin Guzman- $600
Mary Ellen & James M Moore Mem Scholarships: Juliana Bishop- $5,000 and Carlos Dalton- $5,000
Robert P Asbury & Carol C Asbury Public Service Scholarship: Haley Linkous- $2,000
S.V. Subba Rao & Kishore Family Scholarship: Whitney McGregor- $500
Marilyn Alley Memorial Scholarship: Abigail Slate- $1,000
Radford Lion’s Club Endowed Scholarship: Kadince Cales- $2,000
RHS Class of 1976 & Friends Career Advancement Scholarships: Emory Caldwell- $500 and Lucien Morris- $500
Dana Palmer Memorial Scholarship: Sincere Taylor- $4,500
4909 Basketball Honorarium Scholarship (two two-year awards): 2024-25 school year- Melody Burks- $1,500 and Luke Woodard- $1,500; 2023-24 school year- Max Kanipe- $1,500 and Claire Fender- $1,500
Allen “Big Al” Hall Memorial Scholarship: Sincere Taylor- $1,600
Total all scholarship awards: $56,650.00
of the scholarship for the first time. Pictured (left to right) Cheri Boggess Spence ‘76, Emory Caldwell scholarship winner, Susan Rockwell ‘76, and Marinda Keck Rives’76 (not pictured Rick Weyer, RHS Class of 1976 Class President, and J.C. Caudell)
