Virginia McKnight Memorial Scholarship fund

Scholarship Information

Fannie Virginia McKnight was a 1935 RU graduate who majored in Education. Soon after she began her education at Radford College, her father who was a Grayson County Sheriff was killed. She did not think she would be able to continue her education, but fortunately she was awarded a scholarship. With the assistance provided from the scholarship she was able to obtain her degree. Virginia McKnight taught in several Grayson County schools including a one room school teaching all age groups. She was also a Principal for Grayson County.

Mrs. McKnight stopped teaching before the birth of her daughter Emily. She passed away 17 months after her daughter was born. Growing up Emily found comfort and emotional support from Virginia’s sister, Pauline McKnight Thomas. Emily was encouraged to further her education and decided she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a teacher.

Mrs. Emily Wingate Watts attended Radford University and graduated in 1963 with a BS degree in Education. She taught in the Virginia Beach City Public schools and is now retired. When Pauline McKnight Thomas passed away in December 2011 she left a portion of her estate to Radford University to endow a scholarship in memory of her sister, Virginia. This scholarship is to aid graduates of Grayson County High School in Independence, Virginia.

Scholarship Criteria

• Must be a graduate of Grayson County High School, Independence, Virginia.
• Must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average.