Nail scholarship drive to get underway Sept. 13

The annual “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships” fundraising drive gets underway in a couple of weeks.

Sponsored by the Albany Ex-Students Association, the campaign traditionally starts the week of Robert Nail’s birth date, Sept. 13. This is the 51st 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.

With interest rates continuing to be low, and the awards made only from the earnings, contributions are more important now than ever, according to Lucas.

When rates were high, the committee was able to give up to $10,000 in scholarships per year, but this past spring, only three $1,000 awards were made.

The Robert Nail Scholarship Fund was founded in 1967, and has provided a total of $196,475 in local scholarships to 152 graduates over the last 51 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.

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 is emphasized during the Albany High School homecoming activities. 

This year’s homecoming events are set for Oct. 12.