Foster B. Gresham Award

Foster Bagwell Gresham (1905-1980) taught English at Emporia High School, Randolph-Macon Academy, Charlottesville School for Boys, Lane High School, and Longwood College. He was a key figure in the growth of VATE; he became president in 1951, the second editor of the VIRGINIA ENGLISH BULLETIN in 1952, and VATE's first Executive Secretary in 1958. His leadership during those seven years help propel VATE from a struggling membership of about one hundred teachers to over two thousand. He was instrumental in organizing VATE into the twenty current local affiliates.

Results for VATE came from his creative ideas combined with his perseverance, persistence, and enthusiasm, all of which he applied to whatever undertaking claimed his interest and attention. His cheerful, winsome personality produced the faithful following of his policies; his magnetism brought others into the act.

To name this award for him recognized the indebtedness of the Association to him and exemplified at the same time what Foster B. Gresham meant to the teaching of English in Virginia--EXCELLENCE. (Condensed from Richard Meade's article, "Tribute to 'Mr. VATE'" in VEB, Spring, 1981)

• (1-22-77) The recipient of the Foster B. Gresham Award must be a teacher in Virginia who is a VATE member, college, secondary or elementary, who has distinguished himself/herself in commitment and service to his/her students.
• (1-22-77) Recommendations for the nominee from two persons, along with a resume from the nominee, must be submitted by the nominator(s), not the nominee.
• (1-22-77) The Foster B. Gresham Award is to be presented at the VATE Fall Conference; the recipient will receive a plaque, Conference registration, room, auto mileage, and banquet fees.
• (1-22-77) The College Member-at-Large will chair the Foster B. Gresham Award Committee. The committee shall consist of all eight members-at-large.
• (2-11-89) Applicants' files may be kept active for three years upon the recommendation of the Foster B. Gresham Committee Chair, following his/her communication with the nominees and nominators. It is the Foster B. Gresham Committee Chair's responsibility to make the contacts with the nominees and nominators and to keep the list of three-year files accurate.
• (2-11-89) Foster B. Gresham application procedures will appear in the NEEDLE'S EYE.

All completed materials should be postmarked by September 15 and sent to current College Member-at-Large.