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.
The Dana Palmer Scholarship was founded in the loving memory of an athlete and friend who always held the highest hopes for everyone around them. Dana’s passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in the potential of others left a lasting impact on teammates, friends, and the community. This scholarship honors that legacy by supporting individuals who strive to pursue their goals with the same determination, integrity, and positive spirit that Dana exemplified every day.
Our mission is to honor the legacy of Dana Palmer by supporting high-school seniors of outstanding character, courage, and citizenship, providing opportunities that help them pursue their goals when support or resources may otherwise be out of reach.
We believe in honoring students who lead with character, demonstrate courage in the face of challenges, and show a strong commitment to citizenship through service and leadership. Through athletic participation, students develop discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that extend beyond competition. At the core of our mission is opportunity, providing support to those who strive to achieve their goals when resources or encouragement may otherwise fall short.
