Nail scholarship campaign begins

The annual “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships” fundraising drive gets underway later this month.

Sponsored by the Albany Ex-Students Association, the campaign traditionally starts the week of Robert Nail’s birth date, Sept. 13. This is the 56th anniversary of the first scholarship.

Although the annual goal is always set at a minimum of $1,000, fundraising efforts will hopefully bring more in donations.

Regular contributions are very important in keeping the fund stable, according to board secretary Melinda Lucas.

Twenty years ago, when interest rates were at an all-time high, the committee was able to give up to $10,000 in scholarships per graduating class. For a couple of decades,  only two $1,500 awards have been made. However, with interest rates higher again, the proceeds allowed four $1,500 scholarships to be made in 2023 for a total of $9,000

The Robert Nail Scholarship Fund was founded in 1967 and has provided a total of $215,475 in local scholarships to 164 graduates over the last 56 years.

Nail was an Albany native and playwright who created and directed the Fort Griffin Fandangle and the Nativity. Born in 1908, Nail produced the first local outdoor production of the Fandangle in 1938 and remained the show’s only director until his death in 1968.

The amount of the annual scholarships increased from the fund’s first award in 1967 of $100 to all-time highs of $10,000 in 2000 and 2001.

“Donations are an excellent way to offer memorial gifts, to honor someone, or for former recipients to show their appreciation for their scholarships,” said Lucas.

Donations are tax-deductible and can be made by mail, payable to the Robert Nail Scholarship Fund, PO Box 2650, Albany TX 76430. Memorials are also accepted and acknowledged.

The fundraising effort continues all through the year, but it is emphasized during the Albany High School homecoming activities.

This year’s homecoming events are set for Oct. 20.