Fishermen net over $7,000 for scholarship
Published 11:02 am Friday, June 24, 2016
Brandon Lewis holds up the bass for which he won an award at the annual Christopher D. Ray Memorial Scholarship Fishing Tournament on Saturday. With him is John Barksdale, a close friend of the late Ray. Kevin Gunn also won for having caught a large bass. Over $,7000 was raised for the scholarship fund. — SUBMITTED | J.D. VINSON
FRANKLIN
There were 24 boats out on the Nottoway River this past Saturday, but it was not a typical day for the fishermen in them. You might say the sportsmen were fishing for a purpose.
They were participants in the seventh annual Christopher D. Ray Memorial Scholarship tournament, which was at the Hercules Boat Ramp on the river.
Kevin Gunn and John Barksdale with Bobby and Tom Barksdale. The latter two won for having caught the largest sunfish.
Esther Francis, one of the co-organizers, said that over $7,000 was raised.
As noted in the past, the event is named for the late Ray, a Southampton County Sheriff’s Deputy who died in the line of duty during an accident on Aug. 29, 2009. Afterward, his friend John Barksdale organized the tournament and scholarship with the family’s blessing.
To qualify for the $1,000, a qualifying high school or college senior must plan to or be enrolled in courses for a career in public safety; that can include criminal justice, fire science and paramedic/emergency medicine.
The money this year will go to a college student from Emporia who is majoring in criminal justice.
If you’re interested in participating next year, call Francis at 653-8342 or Barksdale at 653-8341.
