Couple Endow Scholarship for Cocke County Youth

Lawrence Dale Townsend and Amy W. Conner, seated, have endowed a Walters State scholarship for Cocke County students. Standing is Chris Cates, assistant vice president of college advancement at Walters State.

Couple Creates Legacy for Adopted Hometown

Amy W. Conner and Lawrence Dale Townsend have created a legacy to assist young people in their adopted home, Del Rio, Cocke County, for many years to come. The Conner-Townsend Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually from an endowment with the Walters State Foundation.

The scholarship is for residents of Cocke County working toward an associate degree in health programs, education, mathematics, business and technical education or political science, with demonstrated need. The first priority preference is a resident of Del Rio, with second preference given to Cocke County residents who are the first generation in their family to pursue a college degree. Subsequent priority will be given to any Cocke County student who has achieved a minimum of a “B” average in previous educational pursuits.

The couple moved to Tennessee nine years ago from Maryland. Townsend is the creator of the “Voice of Cocke County” Facebook page. A California native, his father was a state legislator and involved in various governmental agencies in that state. He is a graduate of El Camino College and has had a career in industrial maintenance. Conner, a University of Maryland graduate, was a medical laboratory administrator. After earning a master’s degree at George Washington University, she taught in public high schools in the Washington, DC area and was Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs.

Throughout their lives, both have seen individuals, including family, neighbors and students, struggle living in poverty and know that education is a powerful way to improve one’s financial situation. Conner watched her father, an orphan, spend 13 years completing college after serving in World War II, to become a successful engineer. Her mother earned a bachelor’s degree in 1943.

“While Tennessee has created opportunities through Tennessee Promise, we know many expenses related to college are not covered,” said Townsend. “This scholarship may be used for tuition, textbooks, commuting expenses, meals and any other school-related expenses.” 

Tennessee Promise is a last-dollar scholarship awarded to all qualified students when they graduate from high school. The award pays for tuition at the state’s community colleges.

Recipients will be encouraged to donate to the scholarship fund after becoming financially secure. The endowment is also open to other donations. The scholarship will be funded through interest gained, allowing awards to continue in perpetuity. 

For more information, contact Chris Cates, assistant vice president of college advancement, at chris.catesFREEWS or 423-585-2618.