Re-Introducing the Monroe County Education Foundation

By Becky Crabtree

Surrounded by history, residents of Monroe County have solid reminders of the past. Many live in sight of the barn their grandpa and great-uncles built. Most kitchens have a recipe box or cookbook with faded, handwritten directions for dishes like apple butter or blackberry no-fool cobbler tucked inside: mamaw's love notes spanning the years. Well-maintained cemeteries dot the land with graves dating back to the 1700s, and the spine of Monroe County, rounded Peters Mountain, reminds viewers daily of ancient geological times.

Somehow, the nudges from the past and the natural beauty of the area invite reflection on one's own life. Spectacular views from atop Peters Mountain's Hanging Rock spark a craving for the panoramic vision of the viewer's life. "If I could see my future spread out before me, what would it show?" Likewise, from the riverbank at Shanklin's Ferry, as the New River flows peacefully toward Bluestone Lake, one may ask, "Where am I heading?" As obstacles loom for life's journey, the winding foot paths of the Appalachian Trail beg the question, "What's ahead for me, just out of sight?"

The answer to all these questions is "It depends..." Circumstances occur, and decisions are made that limit or expand possibilities. One factor that plays a large part in all future endeavors is preparation: training or education.

Preparation is not cheap: priorities must be set that take time and money away from other endeavors.

With an eye to the future of Monroe County, the Monroe County Education Foundation offers hope through financial support. The organization came into being in 2001, when a Monroe County family wanted to honor a deceased relative by donating to support a student's education. However, there was no structure in place to handle such a request. Business leaders and educators came together to create a 501(c)(3) organization and began offering scholarships in 2004. Since then, 239 deserving Monroe County residents have benefited from $211,050 in total. The foundation now manages a fund of thousands of dollars, which generates income for the scholarships.

The funds are managed by a ten-member board of directors and three advisors, all with roots in Monroe County, and an administrator, Mrs. Laura Rice, who oversees the MCEF office in Union, located within the Rice Accounting building.

Their stated mission is "to assist the residents of Monroe County, of all ages, as they pursue a higher education and to promote the betterment and enhance the quality of life for the people of Monroe County." Scholarships are offered to all county residents, not just high school students, specifically college-bound seniors. Adults and others seeking vocational or other training are encouraged to apply.

Echoing the time-honored values of rural America, Monroe County residents have two strong beliefs: working to help one another, such as sharing manpower and equipment when hay is ready, or preparing potluck dinners and fundraisers for the sick or bereaved. Most contribute simply for the good of the community. A second value is helping younger folks become aware of more choices than their parents and grandparents may have had by encouraging them to develop skills that set them apart and ensure their lifelong success. Once, skills like quilting and baking were passed down in the home, and animal husbandry, plowing, and harvesting were learned on the land. The world has changed, and successful employment may depend on skills taught outside the home. Often, these professionals contribute to improving the community where they reside.

Both these values are espoused by the MCEF. The short-term goal of educating citizens becomes part of the long-term goal of lifelong success, which improves not only individuals' lives but also those of others in the community.

This is the first in a series of articles about the work and far-reaching impact of the Monroe County Education Foundation. A variety of donors and recipients will be spotlighted, along with information about its history, how to apply, and how to donate. More information can be found at mcefwv.org.