The George Frissell Memorial & Scholarship Project
George Frissell, for over 30 years a legendary teacher, sponsor, leader, sage, and griot at David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri, passed away suddenly on May 14 of this year. His friends and family, in league with Hickman, are seeking to raise money for both a memorial on the school's east side--a 100-pound set of chimes strung from a pin oak limb that overhangs a memorial labyrinth George helped create (see above pic: the tree is in the center background)--and an annual scholarship, to be awarded to a senior with financial need who demonstrates a commitment to social justice, free speech, critical inquiry, and community outreach. Approximately $4000 of the funds raised will be applied to the purchase and maintenance of the chimes, a memorial plate at the foot of the tree that bears the chimes, and annual checkups on the tree's health. The amount of the annual scholarship is planned for at least $1000, but may increase depending on the success of the fundraiser.
As George's longtime friend and colleague, I am representing his friends and family in this fundraiser. Upon completion of the fundraiser, I will withdraw the proceeds to my own bank account and immediately write a check to Columbia Public Schools' "George Frissell Memorial and Scholarship" account, which will then be maintained by Hickman HighSchool's financial and guidance departments. George's wife Susie, his friend Hank Landry, Hickman guidance counselor Paige Reed, and I have formed a group to request the dispersal of the funds for the two projects described above.
Thank you for any support you can offer! Note: Individuals wishing to donate to this project directly rather than through GoFundMe will receive instructions in the very near future.
