FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Fayetteville High School Alumni Association has announced the recipient of its 2026 scholarship award, continuing a tradition that has supported Fayetteville students for generations.
This year’s scholarship recipient is Natalee Rice, a Fayetteville High School student who plans to pursue a career in rural healthcare.
The scholarship program is funded through year-round donations and the Alumni Association’s annual reunion event. In 2026, the Fayette County Community Foundation partnered with the Alumni Association to help manage the scholarship fund.
Rice said growing up in Fayetteville helped shape her values and future goals.
“Growing up in Fayetteville has taught me many valuable lessons in the importance of perseverance, respect, kindness and working together to improve our community,” Rice said. “I feel that Fayetteville has given me the opportunity to develop close bonds with others in such a small town, and also learn about the beauty of where we live.”
She also reflected on the area’s connection to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and the impact tourism has had on the community.
“As our town became a National Park, I have also learned to be welcoming to those who come to see the beauty of our state, while also respecting them and their cultures as well,” she added.
Rice plans to attend West Virginia University Institute of Technology to earn her bachelor’s degree before attending West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Her goal is to become a rural family health physician serving southern West Virginia communities.
“I want to help those in our community by making them feel heard, respected, and important, while also nursing them into better health,” Rice said. “Due to the lack of family physicians in our community, I believe my contributions may help to shorten the gap and provide citizens with the best healthcare possible.”
Community members interested in supporting future scholarships can contribute through the Fayette County Community Foundation.
