The Cameron Fitzwater Memorial Scholarships
In Cameron's memory 4- $1000 scholarships are awarded annually to Pulaski County High School graduating seniors.
A committee of PCHSadministrators, faculty, and staff select the 4 recipients each year who best meet the following requirements:
▪Must be accepted into a 2 year or 4 year College/University or a Technical School.
▪Must have participated in one or more of the following activities that Cameron enjoyed: Boy Scouts, Choir, Drama, MACC Academic Team, Track, Wrestling, and/or Young Life.
▪Write an essay on one specific topic.
About Cameron
As a senior in high school, Cameron was ready to start the next chapter of his life. He was starting to see his life evolve around the future he had planned. Cameron was so excited when he received his Early Acceptance Letter from West Virginia University. He wanted to teach High School Biology in Colorado. Hed never got the chance…
On a rainy Wednesday afternoon, April 4, 2012, Cameron was driving to work after school as he had done so many times before, but this day was different…This day changed the lives of many. Cameron died tragically in a single car accident. Cameron was only 18; just two months shy of graduation.
To look at Cameron you would see an ordinary kid, but to meet him was an entirely different story. Cameron exuded love and compassion towards others far beyond our small-town limits. Cameron was known for living life to its fullest, but more importantly for living his life OUT LOUD. He touched so many lives in his short time here on earth, and he continues to touch lives today through the good works he left behind and the legacy he left in the hearts of all who knew him.
Cameron is remembered for his adventurous spirit, his outgoing personality, his sense of humor, his love of life, his huge bear hugs, and his contagious smile. Friends, teachers, and community leaders describe Cameron as “talented,” “gifted,” “a natural leader,” “a smile that lit up our lives,” “an outgoing, fun-loving student who stood up for others.” He is also described as smart, funny, loving, loyal, unpredictable, fearless, witty, generous, sincere, unassuming, courageous, fun, thoughtful, empathetic, ambitious, independent, stubborn, and a protector of others. He is described as “Magnetic. He was a person you were automatically drawn to, a sense of humor and charm that would make you love him regardless of what a wild mess he could be at times lol, he was naturally easy to be around, instant comfort (especially with the phenomenal hugs. though sometimes I thought my ribs might break, lol) but Cameron always just felt like family no matter what. He never met strangers, the boy was a champion chameleon, placed himself comfortably and effortlessly in any endeavor or environment.”
He was a free spirit who lived his life with no inhibitions. As often as he could he would be heading off on a new adventure somewhere. He could be found hiking, climbing, or kayaking whenever he got the chance. He found peace, beauty, and balance in the outdoors. Cameron inspired others to love God, appreciate nature, live big, dream big, embrace their fears, and to never give up.
Cameron had a very busy life. He participated in Boy Scouts, where he was an accomplished Eagle Scout, Choir, Drama, MACC Academic Team, Track, Wrestling, and Young Life. In addition to attending Pulaski County High School, he also attended the Southwest Virginia Governor's School for Math and Science. While in school he worked at a restaurant in the next county over. When summer arrived, he worked at the Boy Scout Reservation and life guarded at the community pool.
Cameron wrote; “Kindle the fire within yourself. Use its light to stay the path. No matter how hard it gets stay ever cheerful.” This is how Cameron lived his life every day.