Announcing the Sue McEvoy Strong Memorial Scholarship
By Tucker Farris
REDSTONE—The Crystal Valley Echo in partnership with the Redstone Historical Society is proud to announce the founding of the Susan McEvoy Strong Memorial Scholarship. Dedicated to the memory of Susan “Sue” McEvoy Strong (1958-2019) who left an indelible mark on the communities of the upper Crystal Valley. In her work as tour guide, caretaker and docent of the Redstone Castle, Sue welcomed many visitors to the historic halls of Cleveholm Manor, inspiring both local school groups and visitors from far beyond the valley. Sue was a central figure to the board of the Redstone Historical Society and the Redstone Community Association where, during her tenure her work continued to preserve, protect, and present Redstone’s history and its future.
Sue also served as an editor and staff writer for this paper for much of its early history, authoring many articles from historical Vintage Valley essays under her role in the Historical Society, to features in the bi-annual guidebooks. Her approach to local, community journalism was unique in that it kept readers informed both of present stories in our communities, but always through a carefully applied lens of historical knowledge. This historical context carries through in The Echo today, and it is in part because of the many articles and features written by Sue that we continue the thread of keeping the current events grounded in the history we share collectively.
Sue’s work with The Echo helped to cement it as a pillar of community journalism in the Crystal Valley; through her editorial and assignment prowess she helped to facilitate a robust community publication that has stood completely independent for nearly a quarter of a century. Curiously, through a fateful turn of history, my editorship of the paper is directly tied to Sue’s work as both matron of Cleveholm and staff of The Echo. As I wrote in my first letter from the editor before fully taking over The Echo (February, 2026 issue), Sue was the first person to introduce me to the world of print journalism, and published a collection of photographs I had taken of The Castle, becoming the first person to publish any of my work. In a full-circle moment, it fills me with immense pride to announce a scholarship in her name, so that her memory can continue to inspire and support lifelong learning in our community.
Sue McEvoy (1958-2019) in her signature Lady Bountiful costume giving a tour at the Redstone Castle
The Sue McEvoy Memorial Scholarship will be issued jointly by the Crystal Valley Echo and the Redstone Historical Society to two local high school students planning to study journalism, social science (Sue held a degree in psychology), or the humanities and will be fully funded by community donations. The place to donate can be found at the link below (or by emailing editor@crystalvalleyecho.com) and are 100% tax-deductible with an issued nonprofit donation receipt. The scholarship is designed to provide local students entering these fields of study with school equipment necessary for the work they will be doing (an Apple laptop, accessories, software, etc.) with the goal of elevating the voices of the next generation of Crystal Valley residents through helping them arrive at their college life ready to spread their wings.
The scholarship will be open to all graduating high school seniors in the Crystal Valley and will feature an essay-based competition for deciding the winners. Applications will open September 1st and will be due December 15th, with winners announced in February. Scholarship essays will be reviewed by staff of The Crystal Valley Echo and volunteers from the Redstone Historical Society. Winning students will be notified by email and then presented with their scholarship winnings either at their school’s scholarship awards event, or by other arrangement.
The Crystal Valley Echo is proud to lend support to local students working hard to preserve, protect and present their histories through compelling stories told in journalism, the humanities or social sciences, and appreciates the partnership with the Redstone Historical Society in establishing this scholarship in memory of one of the most dedicated local historians, journalists and friends in the Redstone community.
Donations may be made here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-susan-mcevoy-strong-memorial-scholarship?share=true
