ORANGE PARK – The Cmdr. Richard and Sherry Murray Scholarship Fund recently awarded scholarships to three graduating Clay County high school seniors.

Cadet/Master Chief Savannah Green and Cadet/Commander Charese Chandler, both of Clay High and Cadet/Commander Vanessa Rodriguez of Ridgeview High were each awarded $1,000 scholarships from the Fund.

Green will attend Savannah State University in Savannah, Ga., while Chandler will attend the Citadel in Charleston, S.C. and Rodriquez will attend the Navy Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island and each graduate plans to become Marine or Naval officers.

The scholarships were awarded May 26 to cadets who have demonstrated determination, perseverance and a personal resolve to better themselves and their communities in the face of adversity. Nominees should have demonstrated strong values such as honor, courage and commitment to their unit in a leadership role throughout the school year.

Sherry Murray established the award in 2012 in recognition of her late husband, Cmdr. Richard Murray who was diagnosed with ALS in 1999. Cmdr. Rick Murray fought the disease courageously and nearly tripled the life expectancy given by his doctors. His determination to persevere in the face of insurmountable odds served as an inspiration for many. Although Sherry Murray succumbed to cancer in 2014, she left an indelible imprint on the philanthropic community of the greater Jacksonville area.

From left are Mark Murray, son of Rick and Sherry Murray, Rodriguez, Green, Charese Chandler and Allison Hastie, Cmdr. Murray’s daughter.