By Andrew Dys

adys@heraldonline.com

The foundation that continues the learning and teaching legacy of late Winthrop University English professor Cynthia Furr handed out its 2013 awards this week.

Furr, 45, and her 2-year-old daughter, McAllister, were killed in an April 2009 crash on N.C. 49 just north of the Buster Boyd Bridge. A York woman and a North Carolina man are in prison after being found guilty of their roles in the crash after their cars were found to have been travelling at least 85 MPH. A 13-year-old from Clover, Hunter Holt, also died in the crash.

Cynthia Furr was a beloved English professor and musician who taught high school and worked her way through college. After Furr died her sister, Sharon Furr, and her parents created the CindyMackie Foundation to help aspiring students and teachers with scholarships.

In the past three years the foundation has given out about $50,000 in scholarships and grants to students and teachers from both Carolinas, all of which comes from donations. This year about $22,000 was awarded.

Winners this year are:

* Chester Academy of Teaching and Learning teacher Melinda Abercrombie;

* Lillianna Sirmon, 9, a student at Gaston Christian School;

* Christopher Belk, student, North Lincoln High School;

* Amy Giebel, student, Winthrop University.

* Brittany Boswell, student, Winthrop University;

* Katherine Ware, student, Winthrop University.

Winners in past years used awards for programs such as buying instruments for York Comprehensive High School’s band, purchasing books for elementary students in Chester, and helping aspiring teachers pay for college.

Andrew Dys * 803-329-4065

Want to help?

CindyMackie Foundation – The Furr family scholarships are open to students and teachers in South Carolina and North Carolina. The foundation Web site is www.cindymackiefoundation.org.