Heather Bell
RADFORD – Deborah Effler Taylor, the dedicated Bobcat football supporter who provided videos and insight to the team’s rise to the state championship, was honored by Radford City Council Monday, Jan. 8 with the Robert Allen “Big All” Hall Humanitarian Service Above Self Citizenship Award.
Hall was known as the most ardent fan of all things Bobcats and volunteered his time to many efforts in the City of Radford. When he passed away, the city wanted to honor that service and thus the award was born.
At Monday’s city council meeting, Vice Mayor Seth Gillespie reads the resolution honoring Effler.
“This award recognizes unsung heroes who contribute to make the City of Radford a better place. A humanitarian is someone who extends benevolence and kindness by putting others before oneself,” said Gillespie. “The City of Radford wishes to honor Deborah Effler Taylor for her dedication and service to support and share the games and activities of the Bobcats football team. Deborah faithfully utilized social media to share videos of games, home and away, for the Bobcats in heat, cold, rain and more.”
“Deborah exhibits the Bobcats spirit that Big Al held dear, and for which he was the biggest advocate,” he continued. “Deborah’s efforts helped connect the entire Radford community, both within the city and beyond our borders, to the thrilling undefeated state championship 2023 football season.”
