Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
Hallie Wolfe will be attending Virginia Western Community College in the fall. After she completes her Bachelors degree, she plans to transfer to Radford University, where she will pursue her Bachelor’s in Special Education for Elementary School.” My heart is to teach children, based on a child’s ability, not their disability,” Wolfe shared. “With the help of this scholarship, it moves me closer to achieving my dream.”
Though some people leave this world ‘too early’, others seem to find a way to carry on their legacy, especially when they touched other people’s lives so intimately.
Bobby Scruggs passed away in January of 2005, however, his wife Jackie and NASCAR supporters are faithful in continuing his legacy. He was the founder and owner of Racing Image in Roanoke. Scruggs was a NASCAR official for forty years, holding many positions at the track as well as racing in many divisions, including truck and the exciting tractor-trailer races.
Scruggs fought lymphoma and esophageal cancer for 13 years. Jackie Scruggs-Taylor and his friends at NASCAR complimented Bobby on his determination to fight. Taylor was married to Scruggs during his battle and said that he was never a quitter.
“He lived by two scriptures,” she said. “The first being, Hebrews 12: 1-3 which talks of not allowing anything to hinder us, regardless of what it may be, but to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart as well.” she added.
“His second favorite scripture was 2 Timothy 4: 7 that said, ‘I have fought the good fight and finished the race; I have kept the faith’,” Taylor said.
The Foundation was formed to continue his legacy through fundraising to offer scholarships to students seeking a career in the Motorsports Industry as well as interns with Motor Racing Outreach and Wake Forest University Cancer Research Center.
The Bobby Scruggs Memorial Foundation was established as a component fund of the region’s community foundation, Foundation for Roanoke Valley, to:
• To memorialize James R. (Bobby) Scruggs’ longtime dedication to the sport of motor racing;
• To honor and commemorate his integrity, forthrightness, dependability and respect for others;
• To raise scholarship funds for young men and women who are pursuing a career in Motorsports
• To pay tribute to his long and determined struggle against cancer.
“The success of the Foundation is due to the support of family, friends, corporations, and The NASCAR Foundation,” Taylor added. Four scholarships were given this year to students from local counties, including Craig as well as one scholarship for internship to Motor Racing Outreach for assistance with children s program at races each week.
Dyland Gusler from Bassett High School will be attending Patrick Henry Community College and Nick Karnes from Glenvar, Ohio Technical School. Hallie Wolfe and Emily Craddock were the two recipients from Craig County this year. Though neither students are pursuing a career in Motorsports, they are both greatly appreciative of the scholarship.
“I learned of the scholarship in my English 12 class,” Wolfe shared. “I am so honored to have received this scholarship.” Wolfe will be attending Virginia Western Community College in the fall. After she completes her Bachelors degree, she plans to transfer to Radford University, where she will pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education for Elementary School.
“My heart is to teach children, based on a child’s ability, not their disability,” Wolfe added. “With the help of this scholarship, it moves me closer to achieving my dream.”
Craddock and her mother found the Scruggs Scholarship online when they were searching for available scholarships. “I was surprised, excited and honored to be chosen especially, as it is in honor of the late Bobby Scruggs.” Craddock shared. “I will be attending Radford University to study Criminal Justice and/or Psychology.”
“The Scruggs Foundation is very proud of the students who have received the scholarships since 2005!” Taylor exclaimed. Many say they heard Bobby Scruggs not only repeat his motto but live it daily, which was; ‘Never give up! Go over, Go under, Go around, but NEVER GIVE UP!’
“There have been 94 scholarships presented at 25 southwest Virginia High Schools and 14 Internships with Motor Racing Outreach, therefore Bobby would be very proud of the lives that have been touched by the Foundation.” Taylor added. “Thank you to everyone who has supported the Foundation and The NASCAR Family!”
