Donations still sought for scholarship

During September, on the late Robert Nail’s birth date, and on through the Albany High School homecoming week, support was sought during the annual fundraising drive for “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships.” 

However, the fundraising effort continues all through the year, and members of the Albany Ex-Students Association are asking Albany graduates and others to rememeber the fund in their end-of-year giving.

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, continuing as the show’s only director until his death in 1968.

The Robert Nail Scholarship Fund was founded in 1967, one year before Nail’s death, and has provided a total of $198,975 in local scholarships to 154 graduates over the last 52 years.

Last spring, two scholarships of $1,500 each were awarded to Albany High School seniors.

The amount of the annual scholarships has increased from the fund’s first award in 1967 of $100 to an all-time high of $10,000 in 2000 and 2001. The board was forced to reduce the total in 2002 and 2003 because of dramatically lower interest rates, but after seeking out new investment opportunities, earned enough to give totals of $8,000 for the next three years. The amount was reduced again several years ago to $2,000, also because of low interest rates. During the past three years, because of special gifts and slightly increasing interest rates, the amount was bumped up to $3,000.

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.