PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING To The Clark Memorial Foundation

| R.C.T.S. Scholarship Foundation Initiative

"Wilkie & Hattie Clark Scholars"

As far back as we can remember, there has been and will always be a strong connection between the Randolph County Training School (R.C.T.S.) and the late Mr. & Mrs. Wilkie and Hattie Lee (Peters) Clark. It was here at this very institution where they left strong footprints in the sands of time, etching their names and influence onto the cause of public education and equal opportunities for black students.

One of the most outstanding and beloved students of Mrs. Clark's entire teaching career is the eminent Dr. Alvin Thornton, a Roanoke native, who rose from the dusty roads of Randolph County to become a prominent education leader, political scientist, and ultimately Provost at the prestigious and beloved HBCU, Howard University in Washington, DC. Dr. Thornton's influence is far too extensive for us to elaborate on here. But, we have elaborated more on the significance and contributions of

Dr. Thornton at this link: [Webpage dedicated to Dr. Alvin Thornton and his relationship to Mr. and Mrs. Wilkie and Hattie Clark]. Thus, it was through the tireless efforts and insightful leadership of Dr. Thornton, three (3) of his siblings (Lonnie Earnestine and Gene), and numerous alumni of the school, that the long-running history of the iconic Randolph County Training School, [the historically black high school in Roanoke, AL during the "separate but equal" era], was permanently affixed into the history of Alabama, and the world. Throughout her life, she ALWAYS remembered him as one of her best and brightest students of the R.C.T.S. era. As a result of his heroic efforts to etch this respected institution into the historical fabric of our community, the Randolph County Training School Scholarship Foundation was established, and to date has conferred more than 100 scholarships to African American Students of Randolph County.

For that reason, it is one of our sincere goals to support the Randolph County Training School Scholarship Foundation with an annual donation of $1,200.00, through which to provide two scholarships to deserving graduating Seniors. One scholarship to be issued in the name of Wilkie Clark, and one scholarship to be issued in the name of Mrs. Hattie Lee Peters Clark. Through our on-going contributions.

We are committed to fueling this fund with a monthly contribution in the amount of $100.00 (PER MONTH) which will translate into the two (2) annual Scholarship Awards. BUT, we desperately need your wholehearted support and assistance, to grow this fund for generations to come.

Our ultimate goal is to "Endow" this fund so that it will support the educational aspirations of coming generations of students, for the next 25 to 30 years. If we are able to successfully generate $30,000, within the next 12 months, this will support the R.C.T.S. scholarship foundation for the next 25 years (more or less) — for decades after we ourselves have fallen asleep for eternity.

Wilkie & Hattie Clark Scholars

"Fueling futures from a historic legacy"

Randolph County Training School (R.C.T.S.) shaped generations of Black excellence in East Central Alabama. Among its fiercest advocates were Wilkie Clark and his wife and business partner, Hattie Lee Peters Clark — entrepreneurs, organizers, and champions for equal educational opportunity. In their honor, the Wilkie & Hattie Clark Scholars program provides two annual scholarships for graduating seniors who carry the R.C.T.S. spirit of scholarship, leadership, and service into the world. Your gift keeps that legacy alive by removing financial barriers for college-bound students and by affirming the dignity and promise of our youth.

What your gift does

Awards two $600 scholarships each spring (one in the name of Wilkie Clark, one in the name of Hattie Lee Peters Clark).
Covers immediate education costs (tuition deposits, books, fees).
Signals to young leaders that the community stands with them. Give with confidence

Scholarships are paid directly to the institution upon enrollment.
Recipients are chosen by an independent 3-person committee using published criteria.
We publish an annual impact update with recipients’ bios and total funds awarded.

Eligibility Criteria (as outlined by the R.C.T.S. Scholarship Foundation)

Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

A descendant of a family member who attended or graduated from R.C.T.S.
A graduating senior enrolled in good academic standing at one of Randolph County’s four public high schools.
Submit an essay addressing the required topic.
Indicate a plan to enroll in a two- or four-year college or career development training program.

Scholarship Essay Topic
Applicants must submit an essay on the topic:
“Why is voting important to the development and maintenance of our democracy?”

The essay should not exceed two double-spaced typewritten pages.
Essays must be carefully proofread before submission.

Ways to give

$75 supplies an acceptance deposit or campus fee for a scholar.
$250 equips a scholar with required textbooks.
$600 – Adopt a Scholar: Fund one full scholarship in honor/memory of someone you love.
$1,200 – Class Champion: Fully fund both annual scholarships for one year.
$6,000 – Five-Year Pledge: Lock in the program for 5 classes of graduates.
$30,000 – Endow the Fund: A gift at this level (assuming a 4% annual distribution) can sustain $1,200/year in awards long-term.
Actual returns vary.

Call to action
Give a college-bound graduating senior a clear shot at college
DONATE TODAY TO THE R.C.T.S. SCHOLARSHIP FUND

You may designate gifts “in honor of” or “in memory of” and request recognition on our Honor Roll of Donors.

Anyone interested in applying for the RCTS Scholarship should access additional information by visiting the following link: RCTS Scholarship Information

We welcome your public donations/contributions which will advance our cause in this regard.

The link below provides the opportunity to contribute.

DONATION FAQ

Is my gift tax-deductible?
The Wilkie Clark Memorial Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Contributions support our programs, but are not tax-deductible as charitable donations.
Can I restrict my gift to a specific scholarship?
Yes — note Wilkie Clark or Hattie Lee Peters Clark in the memo line.
Can my business sponsor a scholarship?
Absolutely. We welcome corporate partners; contact us for recognition options.

“Contributions support our programs but are not tax-deductible as charitable donations (501(c)(4) status).”

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse