Southern Exceeds Goal for Maynard Scholarship

The Southern Foundation has fully funded the Sgt. Cory Maynard Memorial Scholarship, exceeding its $50,000 goal. Foundation members are (from left to right) Crystal Cook, Development Coordinator, Robert “Stacy” Dingess, Chief External Affairs Officer, and Tammy Toppings, Assistant to Chief External Affairs Officer.

Southern WV Community & Technical College has announced that funding for the Sgt. Cory Maynard Memorial Scholarship has more than met its goal.

The scholarship, established to honor Maynard, is given to first responders or their immediate family members to attend Southern. Anthony Stollings and Joshua Smith were the first to receive scholarships.

A goal of $50,000 was set to endow the scholarship, which means the funds will be invested into the stock market to generate returns.

Maynard was tragically killed in the line of duty on June 2nd, 2023, in Mingo County. The Southern Foundation created an annual softball tournament in his memory to generate funds for the scholarship. That, along with generous donations, has exceeded the $50,000 goal.

Southern’s Development Coordinator Crystal Cook called the effort the most rewarding career experience. “I have developed strong relationships with Cory’s family and local law enforcement since working on this scholarship. They have always held a special place in my heart, but those ties are strengthened even more.”

Robert “Stacy” Dingess, Chief External Affairs Officer, echoed her sentiments by saying, “It’s a privilege for me personally to be involved in creating a lasting memorial in honor of a man who did so much for our community.”

Maynard’s wife, Rachel, says she is grateful to everyone who has given so much to the effort. “I am so incredibly thankful for all the support that made this scholarship endowment possible. From the dedicated hard work of everyone at Southern WV Community & Technical College to the generous donors that stepped up all across the state and those from outside West Virginia.”

“I cannot express how grateful I am that our children will be able to see their father honored year after year and for his legacy to include helping local people pursue their education,”

Sgt. Jamie Harris with the West Virginia State Police, who was close to Sgt. Maynard and his family felt this was an important way of honoring his legacy. “This scholarship will make sure Sgt. Maynard’s commitment to helping and serving others will continue for future generations of first responders.”

Because the local law enforcement community supported the scholarship, the Southern Foundation wants to pay it forward by helping fund their local law enforcement Christmas relief efforts. For their Giving Tuesday campaign, the Foundation will sponsor “Shop and Go with a Local Hero,” an effort to assist local Shop with Cop programs in the counties in which we serve.