New Scholarship Fund Established to Support Shady Spring High School Graduates

SSHS Class of 1969

To build a legacy of helping others, contribute to the community, and instill the value of education, the Shady Spring High School Class of 1969 recently established the “SSHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund”. This scholarship will support matriculating seniors from SSHS attending a college, technical or vocational school in West Virginia.

“As Co-Chairs of the SSHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fundraising Committee, we are so excited to announce we have totally funded our scholarship with Beckley Area Foundation. We appreciate their acceptance to help with the security of these funds and collection of the applications that meet the committee’s requirements for acceptance. This past year (2023) we selected a very deserving student as our first award winner and are looking forward to all the future awards that we will be presenting. We want to thank all of our classmates that so graciously gave to fund the scholarship and make an impact on the life of someone special.”
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—  Roy Shrewsbury, II, Drema Lovell Simpson and Terry Noel | Co-Chairs, SSHS Class of 1969

The SSHS Class of 1969 was diverse, but filled with comradery, as evidenced by the commitment to establishing a scholarship of posterity during their 50th year reunion. The foundational funding was realized within a short three years when they celebrated together in their 53rd year.  Their very first annual $500 scholarship was awarded this past school year (2023) during Shady Spring High School’s 100th year! The Class of 1969 were so proud to launch this representation of their legacy!

“I have always been amazed with the closeness and mutual support of my graduating class.  When planning our 50th year reunion, an unusually large number of classmates showed up at each planning meeting — visiting and offering details and excitement to the upcoming celebration. When the agenda item came up regarding the scholarship project, it was magic.  Who would have guessed that after all these years, the feeling of closeness and friendship would come flooding back? Nineteen hundred sixty-nine — the year the first manned, lunar walk occurred, and the year our classmates launched into our future! I am beyond proud of my classmates, and I treasure the experiences we’ve shared.”

— Linda Bennett Bragg | Fund Representative, SSHS Class of 1969​

​Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “SSHS 1969” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].

Support the SSHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund