Argillite student named first Craig
Thompson Memorial Scholarship Winner

   ASHLAND (06/12/2007) - Bridget Grace Gibson, of Argillite, Ky., was awarded the first annual Craig Thompson Memorial Scholarship from the Foundation for the Tri-State Community during an awards ceremony at Greenup County High School. Gibson, the daughter of Kim and David Gibson, will use the scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Cincinnati.
   Gibson was selected based on her academic performance, leadership skills and interest in pursuing a career in the sciences.  She has a 4.0 GPA and has received numerous awards for her efforts, including selection to participate in Operation Catapult at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. She is the co-captain of the Varsity Girl’s Basketball Team and a member of the Beta and Diversity Clubs. Outside of school, she is active in 4-H and volunteers with Upward Bound and at a local nursing care facility.
   “Bridget is an intellectually gifted student who is inquisitive, reflective and assumes responsibility for learning,” wrote Barbara G. LeMaster, Greeneup County High School Counselor, in recommending her for this scholarship.  “Bridget’s willingness to give of herself to benefit others exemplifies the characteristics that schools hope to foster in all students. She has proven that she has the leadership qualities that will ensure her future success.” 
   The scholarship will be given annually through the foundation to a graduate of Greenup County High School in memory of alumnus Craig Thompson, who died suddenly in September 2005 at the age of 36 due to a heart condition. Thompson, a native of South Shore, KY, graduated from Greenup County High School in 1987 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Berea College, a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from George Washington University Law School. Friends have contributed funds to the Foundation for the Tri-State Community to establish this scholarship in Craig’s memory.
   “The foundation is honored that Craig’s friends have established the Craig Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund with us”, stated Mary Witten Wiseman, president of the foundation.  “We look forward to working with Greenup County High School to award a scholarship each year to a deserving student like Bridget.  Through this scholarship, Craig will be remembered at his high school in a meaningful and permanent way.” 
   The foundation has its headquarters in Ashland. It serves eastern Kentucky, southern Ohio, and southwestern West Virginia and is the tri-state's only community foundation.   To learn more about the foundation or to contribute to the Craig Thompson Memorial Scholarship, visit http://www.tristatefoundation.org/html/about_us.html.