Posted in January 2025

Creative Art Students Eligible for Unique Scholarship Fund. Marion, VA - Marion Senior High School’s inaugural memorial scholarship for graduating seniors pursuing degrees in music, art or the performing arts is available. Creative students with an interest in the entertainment fields can now apply for the new scholarship for the college of their choice.

“This new educational grant is unique for Marion Senior High,” said Jeri Deel Barnett, Class of 1970 reunion organizer. “As such, it is an especially touching tribute that honors those alumni who have left this earthly existence by helping talented students reach for the stars.”

The first scholarship was awarded in the Spring of 2008.

The college scholarship is dedicated in memory of Marion Senior High School alumni and attendees who have died and is the school’s first memorial scholarship. Initially proposed at a recent class reunion by former Marion resident and schoolmate of the Class of 1970 graduates, Rick Mercer, said the scholarship reflects his own passion for the theatre from an early age.

Applicants must be MSHS graduating seniors with a GPA of at least 2.5 in a declared music, art or performing arts major. They must enroll in accredited two or four-year colleges or universities, have demonstrated the talent—as well as a desire to grow their abilities—in the artistic or entertainment fields, are able to complete college-level studies and in need of financial assistance. In addition, applicants must submit a two-page written essay explaining how the grant will help them achieve their goals.

Eligible students can obtain application packets from their MSHS senior guidance counselor or the Foundation for Roanoke Valley, Inc., the Virginia community organization managing the scholarship. Completed packets—including an application form, financial need form, three recommendations with at least one from a music, art and/or performing arts teacher and an official transcript of the applicant’s most recent academic studies—must be returned by the deadline provided by the Foundation. 

The existing MSHS Scholarship Committee will serve as the fund’s scholarship advisory committee, screening, discussing and interviewing applicants. A written recommendation from the committee will be sent to the Foundation for its final approval of the scholarship recipient for that year. Grants will be made directly to the college or university in the successful student’s name.

The genesis of Marion Senior High’s first memorial scholarship in this highly creative and entertaining field resulted from the 37th Class of 1970 Scarlet Hurricane reunion. Alumni from around the nation converged on the Hemlock Haven conference center after more than three decades from receiving their high school diplomas, advancing on to higher education and creating successful families and careers. 

After embracing the idea, several Class of 1970 alumni members initiated steps to make the concept real. The next phase of the fund includes contacting and recruiting local community leaders and organizations to contribute to the newly created memorial fund for the scholarship. 

The initial donation to the fund by reunion members was an impressive $11,000. The Roanoke Community Foundation requires an initial ten thousand dollars to be invested to produce a perpetual scholarship of approximately $500 per year. However, reunion organizers said funding for the scholarship will depend on all MSHS alumni, attendees, and community committed participation and regular donations in order to sustain the financial assistant grants into perpetuity. 

The Foundation for Roanoke Valley, Inc. will manage the fund, working with Marion Senior High School in awarding its memorial scholarships. Tax deductible donation checks made out to the Foundation for Roanoke Valley at P.O. Box 1159, Roanoke, VA 24006 with “MSHS Memorial Scholarship Fund” written on the check’s reference line will be applied towards the scholarship. The FFRV can be contacted through their website, www.foundationforroanokevalley.org or 540-985-0204.