Paul L. and Donna M. Kyle
​Eco-Science ​Scholarship Fund

Donate Now

The Rev. Dr. Gloria Jean Wright established this endowment as a tribute to her parents: her father’s love of mining, his concern for mine safety, his caring about miner’s quality of life and their families, and the love of nature and education opportunities which her parents shared. Paul and Donna were born in WV, and married while living in Edwight, WV. Paul worked in the coal mines becoming the youngest coal-mine foreman in WV. They had 3 children, Jean Kyle Wright, Paul E. “Bob” Kyle, and Donna Kyle-Delp, all graduates of Marsh Fork HS who continued their education pursuits and enjoyed successful careers. Determined to complete her HS education, Donna, already a wife and mother, enrolled as a 9th grader at Marsh Fork and graduated in 1957 as class co-valedictorian. In 1961 their lives changed when Paul was left a quadriplegic following a car accident. Determined to be useful and encouraged by his wife, Paul enrolled in George Washington University Hospital’s pilot program to train quadriplegic individuals in the relatively new field of computer programming. He then worked at the Census Bureau and later at the Department of the Interior/Bureau of Mines. Both Donna and Paul loved the mountains and streams of WV. This scholarship shall be awarded to a graduating Liberty HS senior who has been accepted to an accredited 4 year college and will pursue studies such as earth sciences, forestry, atmospheric sciences, sustainable energy, mining engineering, mine safety, engineering and other sciences related to methods for cleaner fossil fuels, or working with disabled persons. Paul and Donna’s story serves as an inspiring example of how to live life with grace while overcoming seemingly insurmountable limitations; through this scholarship, they will continue to make a difference. 

​Scholarship eligibility information and how to apply  can be found in the scholarship section of our website.