Founding

The fund has been established by Lisa Russell Hall to honor her parents, Allen and Mary Ann Russell, both of whom had a deep love for Murray High School.

Mr. Russell, Class of 1945, lettered in three sports while at Murray High. He played football and basketball at Murray State University. After earning his B.A. in Health and Physical Education and his M.A. in Education, he coached high school football for one year. Although pursuing other vocational endeavors, Mr. Russell continued to support Murray High athletics as he kept the clock for Murray High football games from 1946 until 1982. He also refereed First Region basketball for 25 years.

Mrs. Russell was valedictorian of the class of 1950. She received her B.A. and M.A. from Murray State University and her Ph.D. from Peabody College in Nashville, TN. Mrs. Russell taught English at Murray High for 32 years. Noted for her expertise in teaching Shakespearean literature, she received the Ashland, Inc. Teacher Achievement Award, the first teacher from Western Kentucky to receive this prestigious award.

Purpose

The fund will be used to establish two scholarships to be awarded annually. 1. The Allen Russell scholarship will be awarded to a student who intends to major in physical education in college, with a view to becoming a coach. 2. The Mary Ann Russell scholarship will be awarded to a student who intends to major in English.

Selection process

Graduating seniors may apply for the scholarships by completing a form available from counselors or on the foundation’s website. The form requires identification of persons who will provide letters of recommendation, including a coach for the first scholarship and a teacher of English for the second.

Preference and consideration in selection will be based on such qualities as demonstrated character, achievements, and service. Financial need also may be considered.

Participation in sports, including participation as a manager or statistician, will be considered for the first scholarship; participation in creative writing activities or selection as the Outstanding Senior English Student may be considered for the second.

Recipients will be chosen by a committee consisting of the MHS scholarship committee, a member of the foundation’s Endowments Committee, and a representative of the Russell family.

Management

The fund is managed by the MISD Foundation for Excellence, and contributions are welcome. The initial contribution will provide for two scholarships of $1000 each and shall be invested as an endowment governed by foundation policies. The foundation’s Endowments Committee will determine the amount of the scholarship award in subsequent years, based on returns on investment.

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