Lorraine Rigsby Memorial Scholarship Fund

For most of her 100 years, Lorraine Rigsby dedicated her life to children. In addition to being the mother of six children, all Waynesville High School graduates, Lorraine worked as a cook, secretary, and transportation routing specialist for the Waynesville School District. When she passed away on July 11 of last year, her family wanted to do something to remember her service and commitment, so her children decided to provide scholarships in her memory – including the single largest endowment to the Waynesville R-VI Foundation in the foundation’s history. Lorel Rigsby, a former Waynesville Mayor, and her husband Gary Gaffner recently donated $50,000 to establish the Lorraine Rigsby Memorial Scholarship Fund, an endowment in her mother’s memory. The scholarship endowment will provide approximately two $1,000 scholarships every year for Waynesville High School graduating seniors, beginning in May 2024. In addition, Gordon Rigsby and Cherie Newcomb-Rigsby, Kathleen Brinson, Elmer Rigsby Jr., and Christine and Willie Rowell donated $1,000 for four $1,000 scholarships to be given in May 2023 to Waynesville High School graduating seniors in memory of Lorraine Rigsby. Foundation President Janice Dye says, “We are so thankful for the generosity of the Rigsby family and the touching way that they are honoring Lorraine’s memory. Together, they are helping to meet the short-term and long-term scholarship needs of Waynesville students. The four siblings will provide $4,000 this year and then Lorel and Gary’s gift will provide scholarships forever for Waynesville High School students. It’s gratifying to know that Lorraine lived to be 100 and 100 years from now, a scholarship in her memory will continue to be given.” The scholarship will go to those with the greatest need who are attending an in-state trade school or public college/university. More information about how students can apply for the scholarships will be provided in late January through the Waynesville High School Counseling Office at waynesville.k12.mo.us/Page/8098. Waynesville R-VI endowment funds are managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and require a minimum gift of $25,000. The earnings from the investment of the funds allow for scholarships to be awarded in perpetuity. If anyone is interested in funding a scholarship through the Waynesville R-VI Foundation, please contact Janice Dye at [email protected] or call 573-842-2040.