By Karli Ratliff
Patrick County High School graduate Lindsey Marshall scored big after Martin Clark Jr.’s book signing on July 9. Marshall was awarded a $15,011 scholarship to go to college this fall.
Clark acknowledges the kindness he receives from his community with the release of each new book. This year, proceeds from sales of Clark’s new book, The Substitution Order, were tapped to award a scholarship to a local student headed to college this fall.
Marshall was chosen to receive the scholarship by Ann Belcher, a retired teacher. Marshall’s plans to return to live and work in Patrick County were a factor in the selection process.
Marshall, daughter of Angie Marshall of Patrick Springs and Jeff Marshall of Ararat, plans to study Physical Education and then return to Patrick County to teach and coach.
She initially signed with Randolph College to play basketball. After all of her scholarships were tallied, she was unable to attend because of the remaining cost. Plan B was to attend Patrick Henry Community College.
With the scholarship award, she will be able to go to Randolph College as she originally planned.
According to Deana Clark, Martin Clark’s wife, they originally pledged $12,500 maximum for the scholarship. The money from book sales ended up totaling $15,010.76. In addition, they also pledged a $10,000 scholarship to Marshall every year for the next three years.
The signing at the Patrick County Library was the kickoff celebration of Clark’s summer book tour.
According to branch manager Garry Clifton, the library has 200 to 250 visitors on a normal day. On the day of the signing they had 856 visitors.
Following the kickoff event, Clark embarked on the summer tour for the book, with plans to travel from Jackson, Miss. to Jackson Hole, Wyo., according to Alfred A. Knopf Publishing.
