Archives: Sponsorships

The James and Joyce A. McDonald Scholarship Fund, established at the Community Foundation in 2021, honors the memory of husband and wife of 49 years, James and Joyce McDonald. Joyce was a band director at Madison County High School and librarian at Augusta Military Academy where she was the first female instructor. She also taught for Augusta County Schools. Jim held teaching positions in Augusta and Page Counties, as well as several private schools. Both enjoyed giving back to the community and will do so through this fund for many years to come.

The Hailey Green Memorial Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in loving memory of Hailey and in honor of her compassionate and nurturing personality. Hailey graduated from Fort Defiance High School in May of 2019 and had plans to attend Eastern Mennonite University to pursue a degree in Nursing. Hailey was described by her friends, teachers, and family as “always having a smile on her face and a willingness to help and care for others.” During high school, Hailey spent 12 athletic seasons volunteering as a student assistant in the Fort Defiance Sports Medicine program. She was destined to pursue a career in which she could continue caring for others. Tragically, Hailey lost her life on July 31, 2019 in a head-on collision when a car veered into her lane. A beautiful soul taken from this earth far too soon.

If you would like to make a contribution in loving memory of Hailey, you may do so online or by mailing a check payable to the Community Foundation to P.O. Box 815, Staunton, VA 24402. Please contact Menieka Garber with any questions at in**@***br.org or 540-213-2150.

The Fritz and Mary Rogers Stout Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006, by Mrs. Stout and her five children, to honor the memory of their beloved husband and father. Mr. Stout was a farmer all of his life and he and his wife owned and operated Bellwood Service Station in the 1950’s (currently Taylor’s Grocery) in Fort Defiance, VA. Education was very important to both of them and remains important to their family, which is why they felt a memorial scholarship would be a wonderful way to honor the memory of their parents.

The Ethel Driver Memorial Scholarship was established by her family to serve as a memorial to Mary Ethel Driver. Mary Ethel Driver was a life long resident of Augusta County, who taught second grade in Staunton for 42 years.

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship Fund, established at the Community Foundation in 2018, honors the memory of husband and wife of 46 years, Doyle and Jane Bateman. Jane worked as a successful realtor in Waynesboro for over 25 years and enjoyed giving back to her community.

The Community Scholarship for Excellence was established in 1998 to provide funds for college scholarships to outstanding seniors attending high schools both public and private in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County.

Gary Kessler was a beloved teacher and coach.  He taught Mathematics and Physics for more than 30 years at Fishburne Military School and in Augusta County Public Schools, mainly at Wilson Memorial High School.  He coached Football, Wrestling, and was particularly passionate about Cross Country and Track and Field, leading teams to numerous District, Regional, and State championships throughout the years.  Coach Kessler died unexpectedly on April 3, 2020.  Tom and Diana Beam established the Coach Gary Kessler Scholarship in 2021 to honor his memory.

Donations to the Coach Gary Kessler Scholarship may be made online or by check made payable to the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge and mailed to P.O. Box 515, Staunton, VA 24402.  Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.