Paris, Tenn.–With the Henry County High School Class of 1971 celebrating its 50th reunion this year, the class is establishing the William F. Crosswy Scholarship Fund in honor of the school’s late Band Director.
According to a press release issued by Debbie Traver and R. Michael Holden, as a class project they are working to reestablish the scholarship fund in such a way that it will perpetually be available each year to a graduating senior planning to major in music in college. To do this they are asking for donations and/or annual pledges from former students, friends, and anyone with a love of music.
The scholarship fund is set up under the non-profit organization of the Paris Henry County Chamber Music Society.
In 1946, William Crosswy organized the Paris School Band from a group of 35 students in grades six through 12.
Crosswy continued to direct bands and choral groups in Henry County until his untimely death in June 1970. By August 1965 the number of school musicians under his direction had grown to 250. Having not only an interest in music but also in school administration he served as president of the Henry County Education Association. In June of 1964 he was presented the Jaycees annual Distinguished Service Award for outstanding community service.
The Grove High School band was one of the few chosen to march in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival parade in 1966 in Washington, D.C.
During the World’s Biggest Fish Fry events, Crosswy oversaw the visiting bands, the judges as well as seeing that his own junior high and senior high bands were ready to march.
In 1971 the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Book was dedicated in his memory. In August of 1969 he directed the Henry County High School Band at its first rehearsal of the school year. The band rehearsal was the first student activity in the new high school building, and the school’s new music department was the fulfillment of a dream Crosswy had long cherished.
At the time of his death a scholarship fund was created In his honor. The recipients of this award were Mark Brown in 1970 and R. Michael Holden in 1971.
The scholarship fund is tax deductible since the PHCCMS is a 501(c)3. A separate account has been opened for the Crosswy Scholarship. Checks need to be made out to the PHCMS with a note that it is to be directed to the William F. Crosswy Scholarship Fund. Please mail to PHCCMS, 175 Castleton Cove Paris, TN 38242. The scholarship will be given as an award presented by the PHCCMS and made possible by donations from former William F Crosswy students, friends and others.
Holden has set up a Facebook page under the title William F. Crosswy Scholarship and you can find a lot of information there.