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Although Fort Gay High School no longer exists, its legacy lives on through a group of alumni who remain dedicated not only to memories of their school, but to helping young people from the area further their education. The Fort Gay High School Alumni Association began with a small group of friends who graduated in the 1930s and 1940s. They met occasionally over the years to discuss old times. The total enrollment of the high school was only about 150 people, but the group continued to grow as later graduates became interested. At one of the group's reunion dinners, they decided it would be a good idea to establish a scholarship. Richard Plymale, Class of 1960, took over as chairman of the project. "What greater legacy to leave than educational benefits for young people," Plymale said. "The only way to change the world is to help young people -- the ones who will shape the world."
In 1996 Plymale contacted 10 people who might be interested in helping. Four showed up: Plymale, Fred Reid, Charles Frazier and Charles Topping. "Some of them wanted the scholarship to be for West Virginia University," Plymale said, "but I held out for Marshall. I knew the people there were very approachable, they focus on the individual, and it is close enough for the students from Fort Gay to attend." Dr. Carolyn Hunter, then vice president for development, helped the group endow the scholarship. "We continued to raise money, and the first Fort Gay Alumni Scholarship was awarded in 2000," Plymale added. The endowment has grown to $178,000 with another $18,000 committed." The scholarship, which commemorates Fort Gay High School, is for a graduating senior of Tolsia High School, which was formed in 1988 when Fort Gay consolidated with Crum. The student must be registered at Marshall, and priority is given to the student with the highest GPA and greatest financial need. The alumni group is quite creative with its fundraising efforts. "Our biggest fundraiser is our Annual Banquet and Golf Tournament during Fort Gay Heritage Day," Plymale said. "Marshall University sends a golf team and President (Stephen) Kopp comes. He ranks among the top of college presidents. He is a true people person. His priorities are the students, the health of the university, and offering more programs at Marshall. "We also have four ladies called the Jude Girls who sell cookies and cakes in a booth ... a quilter donated a quilt that raised $3,500. Various needlepoint works, including one of the old high school, raised almost $7,000. One lady sells quarts of green beans. Everyone helps in their own way. “People come from all over the country and in that one weekend the Alumni group will raise a net amount of up to $18,000. This is not to say, however, that they are idle the rest of the year. Their fundraising efforts do not end with that weekend. They are working throughout the year to add to and support the scholarship. The group has grown to a board of directors comprising 19 people who meet six times a year. Dr. H. Keith Spears, Marshall's vice president for communications and marketing, serves as an unofficial advisor.
“As a graduate of both Fort Gay High School and Marshall University, I am exceedingly pleased to see my home community support the education of college students," Spears said. "It is heart-warming to know that some Marshall students are pursuing a degree because of the faith and confidence our good friends have in the students and this university.”
"Marshall is a great school," Plymale said. "There is so much promise for the future. I see it growing to be in the Top 10 of public universities. I would love to see my great-great grandchildren go to Marshall."
For more information about the Fort Gay High School Memorial Scholarship, contact the Office of Development at (304) 696-6214.
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