Welcome to The NC DKG Educational Foundation Endowment Page

Lynda Tamblyn Endowment
Greensboro, North Carolina
Lynda Tamblyn was a treasured member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG). She held a variety of leadership roles on local and state levels. NC DKG honored Lynda with the International Star of the Southeast Award in 2014, acknowledging her many contributions behind the scenes, never seeking public acclaim.
As a dedicated educator and coach, Lynda Tamblyn touched the lives of many. Her gentle manner and genuine interest in the wellbeing of others made her a respected colleague and loyal friend. Lynda brought her passion and talent to her professional career at Grimsley High School. She was named Conference Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year eight times! Following her retirement from Guilford County Schools, she served as office manager at the Greensboro NC Coaches Association for many years. Lynda was the first woman to be granted lifetime membership in the North Carolina Coaches Association.
Following Lynda’s unexpected death in November 2014, many contributions were made to The NC DKG Educational Foundation in her memory. The Greensboro DKG chapters collaborated to create the Lynda Tamblyn Endowment focusing attention and financial support on educational pursuits in Guilford County.
Click here to see grant proposal form.
Greensboro, North Carolina
Lynda Tamblyn was a treasured member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG). She held a variety of leadership roles on local and state levels. NC DKG honored Lynda with the International Star of the Southeast Award in 2014, acknowledging her many contributions behind the scenes, never seeking public acclaim.
As a dedicated educator and coach, Lynda Tamblyn touched the lives of many. Her gentle manner and genuine interest in the wellbeing of others made her a respected colleague and loyal friend. Lynda brought her passion and talent to her professional career at Grimsley High School. She was named Conference Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year eight times! Following her retirement from Guilford County Schools, she served as office manager at the Greensboro NC Coaches Association for many years. Lynda was the first woman to be granted lifetime membership in the North Carolina Coaches Association.
Following Lynda’s unexpected death in November 2014, many contributions were made to The NC DKG Educational Foundation in her memory. The Greensboro DKG chapters collaborated to create the Lynda Tamblyn Endowment focusing attention and financial support on educational pursuits in Guilford County.
Click here to see grant proposal form.

Marilyn Grinwis Gray Scholarship
Marilyn F. Grinwis Gray received a BS in Education from the College of New Jersey in 1948 and a Master of Arts in music education from New York University in 1968. She began her professional career as an elementary school teacher in New York and New Jersey and later became a music educator.
Mrs. Gray was a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in the Southeastern NC District She served as music chair and pianist. As a member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, honorary organization for women educators, Mrs. Gray served as music chair. She was also a member of the International Music Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota.
In retirement, Mrs. Gray volunteered with many local organizations. She continued to share her musical talents as pianist for New Hanover Health events and Christmas activities at Cape Fear Hospital.
Mrs. Gray won recognition for her photography and poetry writing, but her passion was music and teaching. Her desire to help others pursue the same dream was realized in her bequeath to DKG Theta Chapter in Wilmington. A portion of her estate was designated to be used to support college students majoring in elementary and music education. In September 2018 Theta Chapter established an endowment through NC DKG Educational Foundation providing two annual scholarships of $2500 each. The first Marilyn Grinwis Gray Scholarships for students enrolled in elementary and music education were awarded for the 2018-2019 school year. Go to Scholarships for the 2020 scholarship opportunity.
Marilyn F. Grinwis Gray received a BS in Education from the College of New Jersey in 1948 and a Master of Arts in music education from New York University in 1968. She began her professional career as an elementary school teacher in New York and New Jersey and later became a music educator.
Mrs. Gray was a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in the Southeastern NC District She served as music chair and pianist. As a member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, honorary organization for women educators, Mrs. Gray served as music chair. She was also a member of the International Music Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota.
In retirement, Mrs. Gray volunteered with many local organizations. She continued to share her musical talents as pianist for New Hanover Health events and Christmas activities at Cape Fear Hospital.
Mrs. Gray won recognition for her photography and poetry writing, but her passion was music and teaching. Her desire to help others pursue the same dream was realized in her bequeath to DKG Theta Chapter in Wilmington. A portion of her estate was designated to be used to support college students majoring in elementary and music education. In September 2018 Theta Chapter established an endowment through NC DKG Educational Foundation providing two annual scholarships of $2500 each. The first Marilyn Grinwis Gray Scholarships for students enrolled in elementary and music education were awarded for the 2018-2019 school year. Go to Scholarships for the 2020 scholarship opportunity.
![]() Groves-Little Endowment Established December 28, 2018 North Carolina Delta Kappa Gamma Past State Presidents Linda Little (2011-2013) and Sheila Groves (2015-2017) collaborated to establish the Groves-Little Endowment for Early Career Educators, December 2018. During their professional careers, both Linda and Sheila worked with classroom teachers as well as students pursuing a career in education. The importance of supporting teachers in their beginning years has become a passion. Recent attrition rates of 12.31%, for NC teachers with fewer than three years of service, motivated Linda and Sheila to work with the NC DKG Educational Foundation to create funding that targets this professional group. The Groves-Little Endowment is intended to recognize the value of beginning teachers, 0-4 years of experience, and to acknowledge and support the contributions of these early career educators working in NC public schools. Grants may be used for continuing education, pursuing an advanced degree or certificate, enrichment opportunities such as travel or developing a personal talent/skill, educational research to improve instructional settings or systems, and special projects or programs enhancing classroom, school, and/or community experiences. Click here to see grant proposal |

The Betsy and Fred Cranford Endowment was established in November 2016 in memory of two outstanding Burke County educators by members of Alpha Nu Chapter. Betsy was a beloved member of Alpha Nu Chapter for 35 years, serving as treasurer for 20 years. She was the recipient of the Eta State Golden Key Award for her quiet leadership and dedicated service to the chapter.
Fred Cranford was a revered teacher and administrator. He served as the associate superintendent of Burke County Schools. Fred was also a noted leader in the community. Fred was the author of the outdoor drama From this Day Forward. This production tells the story of the Waldensian’s settlement in Burke County.
Fred Cranford was a revered teacher and administrator. He served as the associate superintendent of Burke County Schools. Fred was also a noted leader in the community. Fred was the author of the outdoor drama From this Day Forward. This production tells the story of the Waldensian’s settlement in Burke County.

Maxine and Donald McCall Endowment, established May 2017, honors the McCalls' commitment to and passion for Gifted Education and the Fine Arts. Grants from this fund support -- at any grade level -- stimulating and challenging educational experiences for students deemed to be academically gifted and/or exceptionally talented, as well as educational endeavors for all students in any area of the Arts --including theatre, dance, instrumental and vocal music, painting, sculpting, hand-crafts, creative writing, graphic arts, architectural design, and the like.
Click here to see grant proposal
Click here to see grant proposal
Linda G. Richards Endowment

This Endowment honors the life and work of Linda Richards, a beloved high school volleyball coach well-known throughout the state of North Carolina. Known for setting high expectations for her players, Linda encouraged them to play to win and to play with heart. The majority of Linda’s career was spent at Fred T. Foard High School in Catawba County. She also taught at Newton Conover High School in Newton. She retired from teaching in 2013.
During her 27 years of coaching volleyball Linda,known as LR to her players and friends, amassed over 500 wins, had a perfect 30-0 season in 2002 and led her teams to total of five state volleyball championship titles.
In April 2019 Linda lost her brave 2-year battle against ovarian cancer.
The Linda G. Richards Endowment will support female high school volleyball coaches in North Carolina public schools by awarding 2 grants of $400 which can be used to purchase volleyball equipment, to support their professional development as coaches, and to support the operation of summer volleyball camps.
The grant may not be used to purchase clothing or other items which are the responsibility of the school to provide. The grant may be used to fund attendance at coaches’ clinics or other professional development activities related to coaching volleyball.
Priority will be given to female high school volleyball coaches in Catawba County.
During her 27 years of coaching volleyball Linda,known as LR to her players and friends, amassed over 500 wins, had a perfect 30-0 season in 2002 and led her teams to total of five state volleyball championship titles.
In April 2019 Linda lost her brave 2-year battle against ovarian cancer.
The Linda G. Richards Endowment will support female high school volleyball coaches in North Carolina public schools by awarding 2 grants of $400 which can be used to purchase volleyball equipment, to support their professional development as coaches, and to support the operation of summer volleyball camps.
The grant may not be used to purchase clothing or other items which are the responsibility of the school to provide. The grant may be used to fund attendance at coaches’ clinics or other professional development activities related to coaching volleyball.
Priority will be given to female high school volleyball coaches in Catawba County.

Click here to see Grant proposal | |
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