Rev. Dr. Gloria Jean Wright established this scholarship as a tribute to her parents Paul and Donna Kyle. Her father’s love of mining, his concern for mine safety, and the love of nature and education opportunities which her parents shared. Paul and Donna were born, met and married while living in Edwight, WV. In 1961 Paul was left a quadriplegic after a car accident. Encouraged by Donna, Paul enrolled in George Washington University Hospital’s pilot program to train quadriplegic individuals in the relatively new field of computer programming. He went on to work at the Census Bureau and then the Department of the Interior/Bureau of Mines. Both Donna and Paul loved the mountains and streams of WV. This scholarship will benefit a graduating Liberty High School senior who has been accepted to an accredited 4 year college and will pursue studies such as earth sciences, forestry, atmospheric sciences, sustainable energy, mining engineering, mine safety, engineering and other sciences related to methods for cleaner fossil fuels, or working with disabled persons. Paul and Donna’s story serves as an inspiring example of how to live life with grace while overcoming seemingly insurmountable limitations.
