Zachary Scott Thompson was awarded the inaugural Rusty Coffman Memorial Scholarship at graduation ceremonies June 4, 2004 at Narrows High School. The $3,000 scholarship was the largest award presented that evening.

The scholarship honors the late Robert “Rusty” Coffman Jr., a Giles County native and graduate of Narrows High School, who died in 2002 of renal cell cancer at the age of 41. Proceeds were funded by the Rusty Coffman Memorial Golf Tournament, which took place Aug. 25, 2003.

“The scholarship was set up to reward a graduating senior at Narrow High School who exemplifies many of the qualities that made Rusty such an amazing person: Enthusiasm, dedication to achieving goals, and a profound love of life,” said Brenda Coffman, Rusty’s widow, who presented the scholarship. “The award is based on academic and athletic excellence as well as community service.”

Thompson ranked 11th in his class academically. He was senior class president, recipient of the DARE Good Citizenship Award (chosen by the faculty for leadership), member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, member of the NHS Pep Club, NHS Band and Pep Band, yearbook staff, and four-year member of the school’s golf team. In addition, he is active at the Glen Lyn Church of Christ, volunteering in the nursery, teaching “junior church” and traveling with a puppet team to area churches, competitions and on mission trips.

Thompson said he plans to pursue an education degree at Concord College in Athens, W.Va. His ultimate goal is to become an administrator in the Giles County Public School System.