PFC Barrett Austin Memorial Scholarship Established

A memorial fund set up in honor of PFC Barrett Austin will assist students in pursuing their educational dreams.

Austin, 20, died April 21 in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained when his vehicle was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device in Wardak Province, Afghanistan on April 17.

Memorial funds established after Austin's death have enabled the creation of the PFC Barrett Austin Fallen Hero Memorial Scholarship.

The $2,500 scholarship will be award to a student who is selfless, caring, committed, non-judgmental and full of life, according to the “Bows for Barrett” Facebook page.

Pickens High School teachers have been asked to nominate up to 5 students they feel are deserving on the scholarship and to submit a short synopsis regarding why the student should be considered. A independent third party will review the them and make the final selection.

The first scholarship will be awarded at Pickens High School later this month on Awards Day. Austin was a member of the PHS Class of 2011.

Contributions to the memorial fund may be made to the Curtis Austin/Special Fund at BB&T Bank. Memo must say Austin Memorial.

A petition effort asking school district officials to name the stadium at Pickens High School after PFC Barrett Austin is still underway and has received more than 1,300 signatures so far.

Click here to sign the petition.