Founded in May 2009, the Stuart H. Slusher Memorial Scholarship Fund’s mission is to provide scholarships and educate the community on prevention of teenage and young adult suicide. The Stuart H. Slusher Memorial Scholarship Fund grants scholarships for seniors of Douglas S. Freeman High School who are attending an accredited post-secondary school or vocational training program as well as toward suicide prevention education and training.
About Stuart H. Slusher
Stuart was a a gifted student and athlete and a beloved son, brother and friend to all. He attended Three Chopt and Maybeury Elementary Schools and George H. Moody Middle School, where he was enrolled in its International Baccalaureate Program. He loved wrestling and baseball and was a member or co-captain at both middle and high schools.
Stuart was a junior at Douglas S. Freeman High School, where he was co-captain of the Varsity Wrestling Team and had been co-captain of the J.V. Baseball Team. He was a member of the National Honor Society, reporter on the school newspaper, member of the Interact Club, and an Eagle Scout at Troop 799. Stuart was also a member of the Seventh Street Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon Team Leader and a member of its youth group. He was a past member of the Virginia Tigers AAU Baseball Team.
Stuart excelled at everything he undertook, from academics…to sports…to scouting. He had everything to live for. Sadly, Stuart took his life in May 2009. His family and friends looked to each other for answers and sought to help other teens and young adults who might be suffering from undiagnosed depression. Today, Hold Hope and the Stuart H. Slusher Memorial Scholarship Fund are dedicated to making a difference in our community.