Forrest G. Clark Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund honors a lifelong educator and coach who championed sports, fitness, and academic excellence across West Virginia.
TYPE OF FUND: Scholarship
DATE ESTABLISHED: July 19, 1992
PURPOSE: To provide a scholarship for students in Tucker County.
DISTRIBUTION: To be awarded to students upon the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee and the approval of the TCF Board of Directors.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: In memory of her husband, Forrest G. Clark, by Catherine Patton Clark of Bridgeport, WV.
BACKGROUND: Forrest G. Clark, the youngest of nine children of James E. and Mary Shannon Clark, was born in 1906 and passed away on January 21, 1989. A 1925 graduate of Buckhannon High School, he attended Broaddus College (now Alderson-Broaddus University), where he was a standout athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He completed his undergraduate studies at West Virginia University, followed by graduate work at Michigan State College and Northwestern University, earning his master’s in physical education from Columbia University in 1938.
Clark’s 45-year career in education included teaching and coaching in Parsons, Mannington, and Parkersburg. He famously coached the Parsons High School boys’ basketball team to a state championship in 1934, when all schools competed in a single class. In 1968, he joined the administrative staff at Alderson-Broaddus College, helping to develop its physical education program and the construction of the Memorial Coliseum.
Throughout his career, he was a tireless advocate for physical education and athletics. He served as president of the West Virginia Physical Education Association, vice president of the Mid-west Physical Education Association, and held roles in the American Association for Health and Physical Education. He was recognized with the Ray O. Duncan Award and Alderson-Broaddus’ Apollo Award for Outstanding Achievement. He also served on the College’s Board of Governors.
Clark was a member of Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, Alpha Gamma Rho National Fraternity, and a life member of the BPOE. His legacy of leadership, sportsmanship, and service lives on through this scholarship.
