A phone call trying to find a space for a youth football league has led to a relationship between a Valley businessman and Fishburne Military School that has, to this date, impacted 18 local students, with more to come.
The more to come is because Scott Simons, managing partner of Valley Auto Group, has made a second $100,000 donation to establish scholarships at FMS through the Virginia Department of Education’s Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credit.
Simons made his first $100,000 donation to FMS back in 2018.
He had come into contact with the school through his youth football club, the Augusta Spartans, which provides opportunities for more than 100 local youths ages 5-13 to practice and play football, when he contacted FMS to inquire about the use of the school’s drill field for practices.
From there, Simons developed a great appreciation for Fishburne.
“This is one of the best military schools in the nation, right here in our backyard,” said Simons, who visited the school on Thursday to write a check, to tout FMS and to encourage others in the community who have the means to do so to provide similar support for Fishburne.
“The investment we’re making new will pay dividends in the future,” Simons said.
Fishburne Superintendent Capt. Mark Black thanked Simons for his efforts, which he said will “open up a wealth of opportunities for young people who might never otherwise be able to explore their fullest potential.”
Story and Video by Chris Graham
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