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The Mary B. and Perry A. Thompson Scholarship Fund honors two of the Fredericksburg region’s prominent civic leaders of the 50’s and 60’s: Mary Thompson, an educator who served Fredericksburg City Schools for nearly 40 years, and Perry Thompson, who retired as advertising director of the Free Lance-Star after 40 years of service. Mr. Thompson established this scholarship fund in July of 1989 to support meritorious local high school seniors with a demonstrable need for financial support. The fund was transferred to The Community Foundation in January 2013.

Mary B. Thompson was a favorite teacher and administrator at James Monroe High School, where she served as an English teacher, registrar, administrative assistant and guidance counselor during her tenure. When she retired in 1963, then Superintendant of Schools Paul G. Hook said that he knew of noone who had contributed more to the health, help, education and guidance of the 2,500 students who had graduated from the school system while she was there.

“Mrs. T”, as she was known, received numerous awards during her lifetime, such as the Fredericksburg Business and Professional Women’s Club’s Outstanding Woman of the Year for 1967 And the Beta Sigma Phi, Alpha Mu Chapter’s inaugural award for Outstanding Service in a Professional Field. She was active with Trinity Episopal Church, the Fredericksburg Women’s Club and the Stafford Health and Welfare Association. She was a member of the Stafford Tuberculosis Association, the Fredericksburg Gallery of Art, the Mary Washington Hospital Auxiliary, and served as a docent at the James Monroe Museum.

Perry A. Thompson, known as “Mr. T”, played a key role in the growth of the Free Lance-Star, where he worked from 1928 to 1968. On his death, Charles and Josiah Rowe III said, “his boundless enthusiasm was an inspiration to all who worked with him.” When he started in advertising, he was half of a two-person staff. By the time he retired, the newspapers circulation had tripled and the size of its daily editions had doubled.

Mr. Thompson was known not only for his newspaper advertising and business expertise , but for his commitment as a civic leader. He was a longtime director and a chairman of Fredericksburg Savings & Loan. He served for twelve years as a member of the Mary Washington Hospital board and was a member and past president of the Fredericksburg Rotary Club. As a member of the Stafford Ruritans, he chaired a committee responsible for bringing public water to Falmouth. He also served as a past president of the Falmouth Fire Department, as a civil defense coordinator during World War II, and in several other such leadership roles.

As a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Mr. Thompson is said to have held every elective office of the vestry. He served consistently as both junior and senior warden and was superintendent of the Sunday school for 10 years. He chaired the committee that that planned the construction of the church building at College Avenue and William Streets.

The Thompson’s Scholarship Fund to supports the college or university education of graduating high school seniors from the City of Fredericksburg or the counties of Spotsylvania or Stafford. In particular, the donors intend for their gift to support the further education of high school students who have strong character and who demonstrate applying their intellect. Priority will be given to students for whom financial need or other circumstances create barriers to further education.

To contribute to this fund, simply click Donate Now.

Donations may also be mailed to:
The Community Foundation
The Mary B. and Perry A. Thompson Scholarship Fund
PO Box 208
Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0208

Please make your check payable to:
The Mary B. and Perry A. Thompson Scholarship Fund