Allen Brothers Establish New Scholarship in Honor of the RHS Class of 1970

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.   

Craig Allen received a BS in Mathematics Education from Va. Tech and a MS in Mathematics from the College of William and Mary.  Craig owns a commercial real estate development and management company in Virginia Beach, VA and the Tidewater area. 

Russell Allen received a BS in Civil Engineering from Va. Tech and an MPA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   After a career as City Manager in South Carolina, he completed his public service career as City Manager of Raleigh, NC.  He then formed a real estate investment and development company in the Raleigh area. 

The Allen brothers have committed to initial funding of $2,500 per year during each of their respective lifetimes, with provision in their individual estates for a significant gift upon their passing. Once the fund has generated at least $20,000 in contributions, a scholarship award will be offered.

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. 

Russell Allen (Left) and Brother Craig Allen (Right) RHS class 1970

RHS Foundation Hosts Dynamic Baseball Tournament 06/09/23

The Radford High School Foundation hosted Dynamic Baseball for a 3-day tournament June 9-11.  Teams from Virginia and surrounding states visited Radford and the New River Valley.  A total of (11) games were played at Radford Municipal Baseball Field, while (28) additional games were split between Virginia Tech and Radford University.  Players, fans, and spectators enjoyed the venue.

RHS Foundation Awards $46,350 In Spring Scholarships to Students 05/15/23

See the award winners on the Scholarship page.

November 30, 2022

The RHS Foundation, Inc. presented a $1,600.00 classroom grant to the McHarg Elementary kindergarten teachers for a project they submitted entitled “Learning to Listen…Listening to Learn.”

Pictured left to right: Lindsay Lesko, Ashley Frost, Jayne Cox, Amanda Bush, Emily Harless and Nicki Watson.

The Radford High School Foundation, Inc awarded $ 13,537 to teachers in the Radford city school system in the fall cash grants program. Sharon Woinski of McHarg Elementary won a grant in the amount of $2,160 for “BrainPop Jr.-Digital Learning Platform.”

Pictured left to right, Elaine Argabrite, RHS Foundation Cash Grants Committee, Sharon Woinski, Michelle Greene, Principal McHarg and presenting the award, Abie Williams, Chairman RHS Foundation, Inc

June 8, 2021

The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. recently awarded $40,250 through 18 separate scholarships at the local high school. 15 of those scholarships were awarded to graduating students during the annual RHS Academic Awards program, and three scholarships were awarded during the RHS Athletic Awards event. Over $350,000 in scholarships has been awarded for graduating students since the foundation was formed in 1986. The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization that was formed by friends and alumni for the sole purpose of supporting Radford’s already successful 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 18 scholarships awarded this year are in memory or recognition of outstanding folks who were loved and who contributed greatly to our schools and community. Three new endowed scholarships were awarded at this year’s Academic Award ceremony.

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.

They truly believed in the profound impact education could have on their respective students, and this scholarship was created to memorialize their dedication to and love of academia. Mary Ellen and Jim were happily married for 68 years until Jim’s passing in 2015. Mary Ellen Moore passed in 2020. The first winners of the Moore Memorial Scholarships awarded this spring in the amount of $3500 each were graduating seniors Mandolyn Mullins, and Sam Kennedy. Both Mullins and Kennedy plan to attend New River Community College.

The Robert P. Asbury and Carol C. Asbury Public Service Scholarship was also awarded for the first time this spring. The scholarship purposes 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.

The estate of Julian “Doug” Croy established the Julian D. Croy II Memorial Scholarship in memory of Doug’s son, “Jay” Croy who passed in 2001 due to cancer. Jay was a happy young man who enjoyed life, family, fishing and cars. Jay played football while at Radford High School and enjoyed making his friends laugh. His working career was focused in instrumentation. The endowed scholarship purposes 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.

The first winner of the Julian D. Croy II Memorial Scholarship is RHS graduating senior John Hayes. Hayes plans to attend Virginia Tech.

Other Radford High School Foundation Academic Awards 2021:

Richard P. “Dick” Price Memorial Scholarship
Nell M. Price Memorial Scholarship
Mary S. Shelburne & Harvey D. Shelburne Memorial Scholarship
Roy & Mayme Epperly Scholarship, a 4 year scholarship 2020-2021 School Year winner
Brian T. Hannifan Memorial Scholarship
Lois Carr Education Scholarship
Sally Hendrix Memorial Scholarship
Sevareid Family Memorial Scholarship
Benny C Ridpath Memorial Scholarship
Nell Collins Hatcher Memorial Scholarship
Charles E. Fretwell Endowed Scholarship
Elizabeth & Melburn Williams Scholarship
Radford High School Foundation Senior Sports Awards 2021:
Dana Palmer Memorial Scholarship
4909 Basketball Honorarium Scholarship (a 2 year scholarship)

2020-2021 School Year
Allen “Big Al” Hall Memorial Scholarship

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, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization may contact or make contributions to: Radford High School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2823 Radford, VA 24143.

Presenting the ceremonial check for recent scholarships are:
left -Harrison Williams, RHS Foundation Advisory Board Member and far right –Abie Williams, Chairman, Radford High School Foundation to local School officials center left-Jeff Smith, Principal Radford High School; center right-Rob Graham, Superintendent Radford City Schools.

Pictured left to right are award winners: Mandolyn Mullins and Sam Kennedy, winners of the Mary Ellen Moore and James M. Moore Scholarships; Kara Armentrout, first winner of the Robert P. Asbury and Carol C. Asbury Public Service Scholarship; and John Hayes, first winner of the Julian D. “Jay” Croy II Memorial Scholarship.

Radford High School Foundation Awards Grants to Teachers January 29, 2015

The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. recently awarded $13,775 to teachers in all four of the city’s schools for innovative classroom projects, which benefit local students. In all, 22 projects, submitted by teachers, were funded by the RHS Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization which traces its roots back to its founding in 1986.
Teachers apply in the fall for available funds from the Foundation’s long running “Campaign for Continuing Excellence”. Teacher applications are reviewed by the foundation’s cash grants review committee. The selection committee is composed of foundation board members, former teachers, and senior high school students who help evaluate the applications and determine the winning projects.
Since 1992, the Radford High School Foundation, Inc. has awarded over $448,000 to Radford City Schools in the form of classroom grants for teachers and scholarships for graduating students. In addition, the foundation was the driving force that built the $1.2 million James P King Center on the campus of RHS in 2000 and led the drive to construct the $600,000 Radford Municipal Baseball Field in 2006 at the Radford Recreation Center on George Street, which is known as one of the finest high school baseball fields in the region.
George A. “Abie” Williams, Jr., Chairman of the RHS Foundation, commented, “The long history of the Radford High School Foundation and what has been accomplished for the Radford City School system, its students, and its teachers is something to be proud of. Our 14 member board is all-volunteer, has no paid staff, and receives the majority of its support from the private sector.”
Williams applauded the efforts of those who serve as board members. Others currently serving as the Executive Committee are Vice 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.
The RHS Foundation is currently working to complete fund raising efforts to install lighting on the Radford Municipal Baseball Field. The field supports JV and Varsity Baseball for the schools during their season and is the home field for the senior youth leagues in the summer. The field has been the host site for college club baseball and tournament play, bringing in teams from out of state and providing a great tourism vehicle for the City of Radford. The lighting project cost is estimated at $200,000.

Those wishing to donate may make contributions to: Radford High School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2823 Radford, VA 24143.

Radford High School Foundation, Inc. Awards 4909 Basketball Honorarium Scholarship

Radford High School Foundation, Inc. Awards 4909 Basketball Honorarium Scholarship

June 26, 2015

At the recent Radford High School 2015 Athletic Awards Ceremony, Radford High School Foundation, Inc. awarded this year’s 4909 Basketball Honorarium Scholarship. The 4909 Basketball Honorarium Scholarship was established by Charles L. “Chuck” Eaton and his wife, Mary Jo Eaton, in October 2009. Chuck Eaton served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors several years until his death June 22, 2014. 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 athletic achievements of the 1949 and 2009 State Basketball Championship teams of Radford High School, 60 years apart. The Foundation awarded a total of $5,000 in funds this year from the 4909 Basketball Honorarium Scholarship. Each year the 4909 Basketball Honorarium presents two year scholarships to two new deserving college bound students/athletes (one male, one female) 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 recipient may or may not play basketball at the college level. 

Able Williams, Chairman of the Radford High School Foundation, explains that all 12 Foundation scholarships are in memory or recognition of outstanding folks who were loved and who contributed greatly to our schools and community. Endowed Scholarships are a wonderful way to continue the legacy of those who have been memorialized for future years. Scholarships are very helpful to the student and his/her family financially. With the support of generous alumni, like Chuck Eaton, scholarship recipients are aided as they pursue their goals,
The two recipients from the Radford High School Class of 2015 are Jada Penn and Luke Wheeler. Jada Penn plans to attend Emory & Henry College to play basketball. Jada plans to major in Sports Medicine. Luke Wheeler plans to attend Virginia Tech, and major in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics. At its last meeting, the Radford High School Foundation Inc. Board of Directors presented a Resolution celebrating the life of Charles “Chuck” Eaton to his son, Steve Eaton, of Christiansburg, Virginia.

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.

Non-Profit of the Year

The Radford High School Foundation was awarded the “Non-Profit of the Year” by the Radford City Chamber of Commerce.

Fall 2016 Classroom

The Radford High School Foundation, Inc. was pleased award $14,050 in classroom grants for Fall 2016. The grants are given each fall to teachers in all four of the city schools for innovative projects for students. Teachers apply for the grants and the foundation’s cash grant review committee chooses the winning grants. The foundation has awarded $524,858 in classroom grants and scholarships since 1992.

Abie Williams (right) Chairman of RHS Foundation, Inc. presents a check for $14,050 to Principals and Administrators in the school system. Pictured L to R; Darden Freeman, Assistant RHS Principal; Mike Brown, Principal McHarg; Ken Keister, John Dalton Intermediate; Jeff Smith, Principal RHS; Rob Graham, Superintendent; and Tara Grant, Principal Belle Heth.