Judith Furr Memorial & David Stilwell BHS Unified

This scholarship supports students with financial need pursuing a career in special education, physical or occupational therapy, healthcare, or a related field that supports individuals with disabilities. Applicants from Montgomery County are preferred, but the scholarship is open to the entire New River Valley. 

Amy Stilwell is the founding donor and helped to establish the Unified PE program at Blacksburg Middle and High Schools that creates an inclusive PE class for students of all abilities. Her son, David, will graduate from Blacksburg High School this month (May 2026) after taking part in the program. 

The fund is also named in memory of Amy's mother, Judith Furr. Judith was at the vanguard of inclusive special education. In 1972, she worked at a preschool in Alexandria, Virginia, where mainstreaming children with disabilities into the general education classroom was practiced, before inclusion was even "a thing". 

In later life, Judy helped raise her grandson, David, who has Down syndrome. So, her life was bookended by teaching children with special needs.

Prefer to donate by check?

Make your check payable to CFNRV and mail it to the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, P.O. Box 6009, Christiansburg, VA 24068-6009. Please write 'Furr Stilwell Fund' in the memo line.