MARTINSVILLE, Virginia (WFXR) – A small group of retired educators gather to honor a friend and former colleague who died earlier this year from COVID-19.

Amy Thompson Ferguson taught grades six and seven at Carver Middle School and Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School.

Since his death, a group of his fellow educators, Kathy Thacker, Cindy Boyles, Amberlyn Sordelett and Sybill Landreth, have developed a scholarship that will be awarded to a student who plans to pursue a college education in math or art – two subjects that were close to Ferguson’s heart.

“Not only were we all fellow teachers, we also became close friends. Amy had this effect on people and students. She has enveloped you in her love and kindness.

Sybille Landreth

The scholarship was launched with a donation of $ 250 from Ferguson’s colleagues and friends who hope to raise at least $ 2,500, although they are aiming high as they hope to endow the scholarship which would require $ 25,000.

To raise money, Landreth says they are asking anyone who knows Ferguson or who she taught the child to publicize the scholarship.

The Patrick & Henry Community College Foundation (P & HCC) accepts donations for the Amy Thompson Ferguson Scholarship in Arts and Mathematics which can be made online by click here or by cash or check to the Patrick & Henry Community College Foundation.

While she was a math teacher, Ferguson also raised two daughters who now teach art in Richmond.