Fisher to Accept Lisa Blankenship Memorial Scholarship

ATHENS, W.Va. – Concord University junior cheerleader Kaleen Fisher will be recognized as the first recipient of The Lisa Blankenship Memorial Scholarship that will be awarded to her at Saturday's football game versus Charleston.

A native of Meadow Bridge, West Virginia, Fisher is a psychology major and upon graduation from Concord plans to pursue her master's degree in the same study.

Fisher is in the middle of her third year as a cheerleader for the football team and men's and women's basketball teams under head coach Jessica Doty.

In a recent press release by the Concord University Advancement Office, Fisher said, "As a proud member of the Concord University cheerleading team, I have the amazing opportunity to represent our school, and support our team at games and events while boosting school spirit. In addition to the financial support for my education, this scholarship inspires me to embody the values that Lisa Blankenship stood for: leadership, dedication and a commitment to excellence. I'm truly grateful and determined to make the most of this opportunity by continuing to contribute positively to the university and community in honor of Lisa's legacy."

Blankenship, the former cheer coach at Concord and member of the Athletics Hall of Fame (Class of 2013), was also a Mercer County educator and sorority advisor to the Delta Zetas on campus. Blankenship passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in February 2012.

The Lisa Blankenship Memorial Scholarship was established by Lisa's family in her memory. This is the first endowed scholarship at Concord that assists cheerleaders in pursuing their academic goals.

My family and I are excited to be able to award The Lisa Blankenship Memorial Scholarship this fall, Lisa's daughter, Sara, a former CU cheerleader said. "We would like to thank everyone who has made this a reality, especially those who have generously donated to the scholarship fund."

In order to qualify for the scholarship, recipients must have fully completed two seasons on the Concord University Cheerleading team and be going into their junior or third year at Concord. Additionally, recipients must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 and meet additional criteria.

Contributions can be made here or by mail to the Concord University Foundation, P.O. Box 1405 Athens, WV 24712. Checks should be made out to Concord University Foundation with the memo The Lisa Blankenship Memorial Scholarship.

Fisher will formally accept the scholarship at halftime of Saturday's game. 

Concord University Public Relations Manager Nicole Smith contributed to this release.