Maggie Cox, an upcoming sophomore at Grayson County High School, has been awarded the 2021 Phyllis Minton Endowed Memorial Fund Scholarship. The Fund was established in 2019 to forever honor the life of Phyllis Minton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and educator.
Educating the youth of Grayson County was very near and dear to her heart. “Phyllis Minton left an indelible impression on those she touched, through her passion for both math and for kids,” said Supt. Doug Robinson. “She had a powerful impact on the lives of so many, and the continued opportunity this scholarship provides will allow her legacy to live on.”
On September 28, 2018 Phyllis Minton was struck and killed by a train at an unprotected railroad crossing while driving to her daughter’s home after school. In the wake of her passing the Minton family wanted to develop a way to pay tribute to Phyllis’s life. Therefore, in lieu of flowers or sympathy gifts the family established a scholarship and requested any donations be made to the Scholarship Memorial Fund. In doing so, Phyllis’s memory, honoring her dedication to education and generosity, may be shared for years to come with the youth of our community.
The Memorial Fund is administered by the WKU Foundation and supports young people who wish to attend programming at The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU. Multiple programs are offered through The Center to appeal to curious and high achieving students from kindergarten through their senior year. Special consideration will be given to students who demonstrate an aptitude or interest in mathematics.
VAMPY (Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth) is one such program that Phyllis had helped numerous students attend in the past. As the first $500 scholarship recipient, Maggie will now attend the program with assistance from that funding.
“Obviously the opportunity it gives gifted youth to study in a specialized class with a very qualified teacher is amazing as it is,” Cox said. “However, the environment of people it creates makes the whole camp. You’ll always feel accepted and appreciated by everyone who you encounter and people will make marks on your heart that will never fade.”
Maggie’s passion is music. She plays the bass and sings in her own band. She also enjoys long days hanging out with friends. Maggie was an obvious choice given her personal qualities of character, integrity, dependability, and human compassion. All of which produces a leader and merits the honor of the award. The Minton family wants to thank Maggie for applying and wish her the best with her future endeavors.
The family also appreciates the generosity of countless donors to the Fund that has allowed Phyllis' legacy to live on, and will continue to provide opportunities to gifted students.
WKU, Phyllis Minton’s Alma Mater, continues to accept donations towards the fund. If you would like to join in honoring Phyllis’s life and supporting our youth for the future, you may donate at alumni.wku.edu/phyllismintonfund