2014 Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship

Stephen and Chelsea
at her wedding

We were very privileged to have one of Stephen's best friends, Chelsea Yarbrough McDonald,  and Scott Reeves present the 2014 Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship at ELCA.  Stephen met Chelsea in the first couple of weeks after moving to Georgia in his Sunday school class.  When it was time to enter middle school, Stephen wanted to attend ELCA with Chelsea and another friend from the church.  It was one of the best decisions he ever made.  They remained close throughout school and afterwards.

The scholarship at ELCA was presented to a very special young man, Gib Pounds.  Gib was born legally blind, but he never thought of himself as having a disability.  He is an outstanding young man with a work ethic to match.

Judy, Gib, and Chelsea after the ceremony

Gib began his career at ELCA in 2001 and attended for 13 years.  He played football at a young age in elementary school and won a starting position as the center for the first time as a senior.  Gib graduated ELCA with a 4.26 GPA.  He is currently attending University of Georgia and majoring in education.  The following is an article that appeared in the Henry County Herald after Gib's acceptance of the scholarship.

In spite of being legally blind, Eagle's Landing Christian senior Gib Pounds has never let that take away from his focus.

"Having 2200 vision means I cannot drive but that's my only limitation," Pounds said.  "My vision could be worse.  I could have tunnel vision but I'm just extremely nearsighted and totally colorblind."  

A week ago, Pounds was awarded the Stephen Dale Elrod Memorial Scholarship at ELCA Athletic Awards Ceremony.

"I was completely shocked," said Pounds, who started at center for the football team this past season.  "I walked up there speechless.  I think I whispered thank you.  I didn't see it coming."

Pounds was well deserving of the honor, thanks to his 4.26 grade-point average.

"It doesn't matter if you have a disability or not," Pounds said.  "Hard work is going to get you where you want to go.  I could've come out of here with a lower GPA if I had not taken the time to spend my time studying."

During his time on the gridiron last season, Pounds helped the Chargers earn an 11-1 record.

"Football has been something I've been glad to play with all of my friends here," Pounds said.  "I found the perfect position as a center.  Let's face it: I wasn't going to be catching the ball."

This fall, Pounds will pursue a degree in education at Georgia.

Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships 2013

In 2013, we were pleased to award Garrett Appleton at the awards ceremony at PCHS on May 8.  Garrett was a member and leader of the basketball squad.  He was very involved in other leadership roles in the National Honor Society and the Senior Council.  During his senior year, Garrett demonstrated a strength and faith unlike other normal high school seniors.  He was forced to sit the sidelines on the basketball court due to some heart issues.  While others might have dropped off the team, Garrett continued to be part of the team with his daily support and uplifting attitude.

After Garrett had received the honor of Stephen's scholarship, he sent us a thank you note saying that out of all the scholarships he had applied for, this was the one scholarship he wanted the most.  Garrett continued his education at Morehead State University.  He is currently in his second year and is majoring in Sports Medicine.


The scholarship at ELCA was awarded to Miss Ellie Jagus.  Due to my niece's wedding in Houston, Texas, we were unable to personally present Ellie with the scholarship.  However, at the awards ceremony the following year, Ellie sought me out and introduced herself to me.  She is a true example of what Christ wants from all his children.

Ellie exemplifies Christian character in all she does.  She is loved and respected by her fellow students, teachers and coaches.  Ellie came to ELCA as a freshman from public school and quickly adapted to her new environment and emerged as a leader at ELCA.  She participated in Cross Country all three years where her coaches recognized her Christian character and positive influence on the lives of others.  Ellie also traveled to Jamaica all three years of her high school career at ELCA.  She humbly served the people of Martha Brae, Jamaica as well as her team members on the mission trip.

Other activities that she was involved in at ELCA included Mock Trial and Model United Nations team.  She also served as a volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium and was a recipient of the James Michael Everett Scholarship for Fine Arts.  

Ellie is compassionate, hardworking, friendly, funny, and always leaving a positive impact on those she meets.  When Coach Queen sent out the criteria for the Elrod Scholarship to over 30 faculty, staff, and coaches – Ellie Jagus was the nomination that surpassed all the other students.

Ellie is attending the University of North Georgia with a double major in Early Childhood and Special Education.  Her life dream is to return to the mission field and work with special needs children.   

About our Heart Design

The Heart Design and its components have been adopted by our family.  Stephen's initials are strategically placed inside the heart as to always carry his memory with us.

The turkey tail feather has become symbolic to us as a message sent from Stephen.  The day following his funeral when the back porch was being cleaned after all his family and friends had been gathered the previous day, a turkey tail feather was found lodged between a heavy pot of flowers and the brick of the house.  Stephen loved turkey hunting, and we felt it was his way of letting us know he was experiencing the love of God and the beauty of His creations.  Since then, we have found turkey tail feathers at the memorial sculpture at Georgetown College while mulching and cleaning, on random walk and hikes around the farm, and other unlikely places.  It always seems to bring a smile to our faces no matter what the circumstances are at the time.

The dragonfly is a reminder that "what is unseen is eternal."  Although we cannot fix our eyes on Stephen today, he is experiencing the beauty and glory of Heaven.  While plans were being made for "Stephen's Dinner for Life", the symbolism of the dragonfly was revealed to all attendees from the story of the double organ recipient speaker.  It is as follows.

Once, in a little pond in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little nymph in a community of dragonfly nymphs.  She lived a challenging yet gratifying life in the beautiful pond.  Once in a while great sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow nymphs would climb the stem of a lily pad and never be seen again.  They knew when this happened their loved one was gone forever.  Then one day, the little water nymph felt the irresistible urge to climb up that stem.  Yet, she was determined that she would not leave forever.  She would come back and tell her fellow nymphs what she had found at the top.   When she reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, she was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that she decided she must take a nap.  As she slept, her body changed and when she woke up, she had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.  So, fly she did!  And as she soared, she saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life than what she had only hoped existed down in the pond.  Suddenly she remembered her nymph community and how they must be thinking by now she was dead.  She wanted to go back to explain to them that she was now more alive than she had ever been before.  Her life had been fulfilled rather than ended.  But, alas her new body would not go down into the water.  She could not get back to tell her family and friends the good news.  Then she understood that their time would come soon when they too would know what she now knew.  So, she raised her wings and flew off into her joyous new life!

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." --2  Corinthians 4:16-18

3rd Annual Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships (2012)

On the evening of May 3rd, the annual Senior Scholarship and Award Ceremony was held at the Pendleton County auditorium. This year proved to be one of the most difficult in selecting a recipient for the Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship. However, Ethan Stahl impressed the committee with his work ethic and thoughtfulness towards others. In reading his essay and recommendation letters, we believed he exhibited the qualities most like Stephen. Stephen was an individual that could spend hours talking to older adults. As one of the recommendation letters states, "Ethan is well liked not only by his peers but by adults of all ages. He welcomes them and constantly reaches out to them."

Jon presenting Ethan with his scholarship

Ethan maintained a 3.71 GPA while participating in football, track and field, and band. He is a member of Grassy Creek Christian Church.  Much like Stephen, he loves the outdoors and hunting.  His future plans include attending Morehead State University and majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship was presented at the annual Eagles Landing Christian Academy Athletic Banquet to Mr. Tyler McCammon by Clay and Scott Reeves.  They began the scholarship after Stephen's untimely death.  Matt Harless, a friend of Stephen's, read a passage of scripture and told the audience how he remembered Stephen.

Judy Elrod, Matt Harless, Tyler McCammon, Clay and Scott Reeves

Tyler is an individual that attended ELCA since the 1st grade.  He played varsity football all four years of high school and as a senior decided to add tennis to his schedule.  Academically, he was tops in his class holding a 4.01 GPA.  Tyler holds strong Christian values and exhibited them being active in FCA and the Student Leadership Institute at ELCA.  He will be attending Mercer University to major in Biology.

After the committee recommended Tyler for the scholarship, I pulled his profile up on Facebook and discovered he shared the same birthday (February 7th) as Stephen.  In addition, he loves his dog and hunting just as Stephen.

Congratulations Tyler and Ethan on receiving the Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship.

Stephen's Dinner for Life

Stephen's Dinner for Life was held at Stonewood Gardens on June 18th and was a huge success. Over 275 people attended the event and it raised $4000 for the Kentucky Circuit Clerk's Trust for Life organization.  It is the objective of the Trust

Dick Veale, double organ recipient and author

to raise public awareness and encourage organ and tissue donation throughout the Commonwealth.   Following a delicious meal, Dick Veale, double-organ recipient and author, spoke about the miraculous gift that saved his life. The night concluded with live music with Borderline, a local band that donated their time and talents to the worthy cause.

Rick and Judy Elrod with Shelley Heaverin and
Mike Redden, Pendleton County Circuit Clerk.

Stephen's father, Rick, spoke of how Stephen valued the organ donation program and registering as a donor. He recalled the day of Stephen's accident. "It doesn't bring him back, but it brings awareness," said Rick. "With all of the other horrible things going on that day, we didn't have to make the decision for him to donate. He did that for us, and tonight is a way to continue his work and spread his name."



He concluded by giving a check for $3500 to Shelly Heavrin, Executive Director for Ky. Circuit Clerk Trust for Life. After all the bills were paid, an additional check for $500 was sent to the organization. For our first benefit, our hopes were to break even and possibly make a couple hundred dollars to donate to such a worthy cause. Little did we believe we would receive the support that we did.

Mark and Carra Surgalski
Stephen's best friends and roommate.

The event received monetary support from several businesses and individuals such as Ale-8 Marketing Company, Sunrise Corporation, Can-Dew Recycling, Bob and Carol Griffin, Brian and Beth Griffin, Happy and Bobbi Osborne, State Representative and Mrs. Tom McKee, Dr. John Reid, Sean Roseman, Chad and Melody Simms, James and Allison Biggs, Robert and Joyce Carmack, Jim and Jill Conway, Barth and Pam Johnson, Carol Klaber, JoEllen Mitchell and family, Doug and Judith Spritzky, Dan and Pam Moreno, Dale and Peggy Prebble, Marvin and Sandy Sullivan, Steve and Patti Thomas, Gary and Marsha Thompson, and Xanadu Salon.

Jackson Stephen Reed and proud dad

We received other support from the attendance of good friends and acquaintances.  One of the guests that attended  the evening was Jackson Stephen Reed. He is the newborn son of Chris and Lauren Reed, a couple that went to Georgetown College with Stephen. They wanted to name their son after one of their best friends, Stephen.


We have learned these past couple years that in the hardest of times, it is with the support and shoulders of your friends, family, and the church that give you the strength to overcome adversity.

Molly Faust and Emily Kiniyalocts, co-workers of Stephen

2nd annual Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships Awarded

It is a privilege to announce the recipients of the annual Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarships for 2011. On May 16, at Pendleton County High School, Chelsea Gosney was awarded the scholarship. While at Pendleton County High School, she was involved in basketball and the Future Farmers of America, while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Chelsea continues to be a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist church, where she has attended since she was little. She has volunteered her time as the pianist and assisted in whatever ways needed in other areas of the church. Chelsea participated in the Kentucky Changers mission project by stripping siding and an old porch off a house and replacing them with new.

She is a special young lady. Her activity in events like the Make a Wish Foundation and Walk for Wishes highlight her empathy for others. She is a very-well rounded lady who is very deserving of the Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship. Her plans are to attend Gateway Community and Technical College in Edgewood, Kentucky and receive a degree in Medical Assisting Technology, so that she might become a medical assistant and continue to help others upon completion.

At the annual Eagles Landing Christian Academy athletic banquet, Taylor Echols received the Stephen Elrod Memorial Scholarship. "Once the criteria for the scholarship was sent to all the head coaches, booster club board of directors and ELCA administration, it was pretty much unanimous that Taylor would receive the honor," said Scott Queen, ELCA athletic director. "Taylor is so much like Stephen in many ways." Taylor lettered in basketball four years, golf three years, and soccer his senior year. He received the following basketball honors: All-State honorable mention, All-Region 1st team Junior and Senior years, All-Region honorable mention his sophomore year, ELCA Basketball Athlete of the Year his Junior and Senior years, and was a member of the 1000 point club. He was also a standout in the classroom. He held a 4.23GPA when he graduated and a 1730 SAT score. In addition, Taylor was involved with the mission field in Nicarauga and the Haven House ministries. Upon graduation from Eagles Landing Christian Academy, he plans to attend University of Georgia. Congratulations Taylor.

Stephen's Dinner For Life

To remember and honor our son who saved lives through the gift of organ donation, the Elrod family is sponsoring an evening, Saturday, June 18, dedicated to raising awareness about the crucial need for organ and tissue donation in Kentucky. Dinner will be served promptly at 7:00 followed by a double-organ recipient speaking. We will complete the evening with live country and southern rock music with the band, Borderline. Reservations are required by Sunday, June 12, by calling Judy at 859-472-1109 (h), 859-322-6332 (c), or email kybred60@aol.com. Seating is limited. Ticket price $35, or $250 for table of eight. Checks should be made out to "Stephen Elrod Memorial Fund" and can be mailed to "10568 Hwy 10 North, Foster, KY 41043". Proceeds from the event will benefit KY Circuit Court Clerk's Trust for Life, a non-profit organization for organ donation.