About Us

The Ryan “Stack” Clark Scholarship was founded in 2010, honoring Ryan Christopher Clark who tragically passed in the Virginia Tech Massacre.

About Ryan

Ryan Christopher Clark was raised in Augusta, GA and was a 2002 graduate of Lakeside High School. Ryan was beloved by so many people for his love of service to his community. He was an active volunteer and music director at Camp Big Heart in Fort Valley, GA. He also served in the Boy Scouts and was a volunteer for Communities in Schools and Golden Harvest Food Bank.

“He was the model of Ut Prosim in and out of the band. He found joy in the smallest things and served others with grace, dignity, and a joy that remains unmatched. He was a great student and the ultimate "lead by example" individual.”

— David Mckee, Former Director of the Marching Virginians

After graduating high school Ryan enorlled at Virigina Tech where he triple-majored in Psychology, Biology and English. Ryan was also a beloved member of the Marching Virginians Band at Virginia Tech, where he was affectionately known as “Stack”. He had a perfect 4.0 average and was set to graduate in May 2007. Unfortunately, on April 16, 2007, Ryan’s life was tragically taken when he went to help another student during the Virginia Tech Massacre. His last act on earth was like so many before that: helping others in need.

In response to Ryan’s passing, Ms. Letitie Clark, Ryan’s mother created the Ryan Clark Scholarship and Community Service Award to award high school students (9th-12th Grade) for their excellence in community service and helping others in their community. The scholarship has evolved over the years to include annual scholarships of various amounts, as well as events and community partnerships to help honor Ryan’s legacy of service to his community.