Clayton Bell Scholarship reception and fundraiser

A reception honoring Clayton Bell Scholarship interns for 2016-17, Ali Gilbreath and Dakota Marquez will be held at the Marsh House on March 19, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Marsh House on North Main Street, LaFayette. The public is invited to attend the event which is also the regular meeting for the Walker County Historical Society. Walker County Commissioner, Shannon Whitfield, is honorary chairperson for the event and fundraising campaign.

The Clayton Bell Scholarship was established in 2011 to offer high school seniors and college students a vehicle to nurture an interest in historic preservation and careers in the field of history and preservation through service and learning. The program operates under the direction of the Education and Living and Learning Museum Team of the Marsh House in LaFayette. Applicants for the 2017-18 scholarships are being accepted from mid- February to April 30, 2017.

To apply, rising seniors must be recommended by a school counselor or instructor, hold a “B” or better average, and be available for volunteer service up to 50 hours working with the Living and Learning Museum of Walker County in tourism, school programs, research and preservation of documents and artifacts, and submit a 300-word essay on the importance of historic preservation.

Applications will be in all Walker County counselors’ offices, at the Marsh House or may be requested by calling 423994-8485.

The scholarship is named in honor of Clayton Bell who served in many capacities in the Walker County Historical Society including president for a number of years. He was a strong force in the preservation and renovation of the Marsh House and other historic sites in the county. Talented in many areas, he was an exemplary example of serving in the humblest of ways.

Donations to the Clayton Bell Scholarship Fund may be made at the reception or can be sent to the Marsh House, P.O. Box 722, LaFayette, GA 30728. Donations are tax deductible and should be made payable to “The Marsh House” with Clayton Bell Scholarship in the for line. Up to $3,000 are awarded to deserving students each year.