About Dana Palmer
In 1988, Dana Odell Palmer graduated from Radford High School. During Dana’s tenure as a Radford High School student, he became the most popular person in school. He was recognized for his stocky but diminutive stature and polite demeanor. Despite his physical size he was a giant on the football field. At 5-foot-3 he rushed for 3,245 yards and 44 touchdowns. He was known as the “Smurf” among other nicknames that were given to him over the years. Anyone who ever saw him play the game of football was in awe of Dana’s accomplishments on the football field. He became a legend; his nature was kind and gentle off the football field. Everyone that was lucky enough to know Dana felt the love that shined from his smile into our hearts. After high school, Dana became a civil servant. He was a deputy Sheriff at Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and later became a Sergeant. He treated the prisoners there no different than he treated his friends and family. Everyone was equal in Dana’s eyes. Dana did not see the bad, only the good in a person and that is what made him special. Dana was married and the father of four children. Dana was dedicated to friends and family. He was hardworking, honest, kind, and true. The Dana O. Palmer Memorial Scholarship Award is given to a student athlete who exhibits a great attitude, courage, kindness, school spirit, and community service.
This event has been established in Dana’s memory to give honor and respect to student-athletes with the same or similar characteristics. This foundation desires to inspire student athletes to be the best they can be scholastically and athletically.