FRANKLIN

Nominations are now being taken for the Christopher D. Ray Safety Memorial Scholarship, and the deadline has been extended to Monday, June 3. This is for a $1,000 grant available to a high school senior that plans to major in the public safety field at either a community college or four-year college/ university, or to a college student already enrolled. The studies include criminal justice, though not pre-law, fire science and paramedic and emergency medicine.

The scholarship, which was started in 2011, was created to remember the deputy who was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 29, 2009, just a few months after finishing his undergraduate degree in criminal justice at Radford University.

Money for the scholarship comes through a fishing tournament fundraiser as well as generous donations from family and friends of Ray, as well as residents who recognize the need for qualified public safety workers.

Ray himself had graduated from Radford University in May 2009 with a degree in criminal justice, and had been a sheriff’s deputy for three months before his death.

Enthusiastic about hunting, fishing and the Nottoway River, the scholarship will continue to honor his commitment to public safety by helping a deserving student in achieving his or her educational goals.

The next event will be on Saturday, June 15, at the Hercules landing off of General Thomas Highway.

For more information on the Christopher Ray Memorial Scholarship, contact John Barksdale at 653-8341 or email jbarksdale@jlbpartners.com. To donate to the foundation, make checks payable to CDRMS Foundation, P.O. Box 382, Courtland, VA 23837.