(CHATTANOOGA) – The Ralph Buckner Foundation has established the Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial Scholarship in memory of the 18-year-old Baylor School senior, who died in a tragic automobile crash in May 2010 only days prior to her graduation.
The Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial Scholarship was announced March 13, on what would have been Shipley’s 20th birthday. The need-based scholarship is to be awarded annually to a deserving Baylor School day student with preference to Bradley County residents.
“I just want my daughter to be remembered and after a year or so of thought I think this is one of the best ways to do that. She loved Baylor… every year I gave her an out on whether she wanted to return and she always did. I wanted this to be my birthday present to her,” said Ralph Buckner, Jr., owner of Ralph Buckner Funeral Homes in Cleveland, Tenn.
“Shipley’s legacy indeed has a permanent place in Baylor’s history and spirit, and her family’s generosity ensures that other students will forever benefit from that legacy. It is a beautiful and meaningful way to remember her,” said Baylor School Headmaster Scott Wilson.
Families interested in more information about the scholarship should contact Jim Kennedy, Baylor’s Director of Admission and Enrollment at 423-267-8506, ext. 609.
