March 22nd, 2017 by WCBC Radio

Averey’s Changup Foundation, formed in memory of Mountain Ridge High School student athlete, Averey Bridges, has created a scholarship in her honor. Ten area high school students will have the opportunity to earn a $1,000 scholarship. Selected high schools include Allegany, Fort Hill, and Mountain Ridge; Bishop Walsh, Calvary Christian Academy; Northern and Southern Garrett; Keyser and Frankfort; and Hope for Hyndman Charter School.

               Eligible student athletes must have lettered in one or more varsity sports; must be of high moral character and exhibit leadership qualities; must be involved in their local communities; must have at least a 3.5 GPA taking Honors and/or AP classes (National Honor Society membership is desired); and will be required to compose a short essay on the importance of showing compassion.

               Two representatives from each selected high school, identified by members of the Foundation, will be responsible for selecting one recipient from their pool of applicants to advance to a selection committee who will name the winner of the Averey Bridges Memorial Scholar Athlete Scholarship.

               Averey was a well-known high school athlete who excelled in softball and volleyball. She was a member of the National Honor Society at Mountain Ridge and carried a 4.2 GPA in her honors courses. Before her passing, Averey had committed to a full scholarship to play softball for Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. She was also known for her compassion and her commitment to children, and her hope was to pursue a career as a pediatrician focusing on children with special needs after earning a college degree.

               Interested scholarship applicants should contact their school counselor or athletic coach for information on how to apply. The winner of this year’s Averey Bridges Memorial Scholar Athlete Scholarship will be announced in May.