Scott Day Scholarship Honors Late Teacher
When beloved teacher and coach Scott Day departed this world on August 24, 2014, he left behind not only his family, but a generation of Hatteras students whose lives he had enriched as an educator, mentor, and friend.
And now, Mr. Day is leaving an even larger legacy.
Earlier this month, the Outer Banks Community Foundation announced a new scholarship fund in memory of this treasured father, husband, 6th grade teacher, and baseball coach.
Starting in 2015, the Scott Day Family Scholarship will be awarded each spring to one extraordinary college-bound Hatteras senior with outstanding community service and leadership. Preference will be given to students with financial need who plan to major in an education-related field.
Mr. Day’s wife, Kristin, explained that toward the end of her husband’s seven-year battle with cancer, the entire community raised funds to help the family with the medical bills. After his passing, she used the remaining community contributions, along with the family’s own contribution, to establish the scholarship fund.
“One of the best ways to honor his memory and celebrate his life is to give back to this generous, loving community,” she said. “May Scott’s love for his students and his passion for teaching be an inspiration for others to become teachers.”
When the Community Foundation announced the new scholarship, Facebook erupted with the news. Former students, colleagues, and friends of Mr. Day’s wrote:
“Mr. Day was a major inspiration for me to become a teacher. I can’t thank him enough for everything that he did for me. This would make him so happy to be influencing students’ lives with this scholarship.”
“What an honor it will be for the students receiving this scholarship! Can’t think of one that would mean more to Mr. Day’s students!”
“He would be so happy and proud to be able to help a student reach their goal of obtaining a higher education! Anyone who had the pleasure to work, coach, volunteer, or be taught by him couldn’t help but be inspired by him and hopefully pass that inspiration on!!”
And, “The best teacher and friend ever. He would love this.”
Established by his family as a perpetual endowment, the principal of the Scott Day Family Scholarship Fund will remain invested, while only the earnings are used each year to award scholarships. That way, the scholarship will endure in perpetuity… Along with Mr. Day’s legacy of inspiring and helping students.
To contribute to the Scott Day Family Scholarship, go to www.obcf.org/donate. Or mail your check, payable to OBCF, to 13 Skyline Road, Southern Shores, NC 27949; please write Scott Day Scholarship in the memo line.
Students may apply for the Scott Day Family Scholarship starting in March; applications are accepted online at www.obcf.org. The Outer Banks Community Foundation manages over 45 scholarships for local students, along with 100 other charitable funds. For more information on establishing a fund in memory of your loved one, call Lorelei at 252-261-8839.
