Rodney Holder Memorial Scholarship Grant

Rodney Holder Memorial Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Abilene
Amount: US $500 - US $5,000
Last Updated: November 11, 2025

Summary

The Rodney Holder Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors the legacy of a dedicated police veteran who served his community for 28 years. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and current college students, particularly children of Taylor County first responders. With awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000, it aims to ease educational expenses and ensure that Rodney Holder's commitment to service continues to inspire future generations.

Overview

Note: Payments will not be processed until your acceptance form is completed and submitted. The Community Foundation of Abilene is home to more than 150 scholarship funds. Through the generosity of our donors, the Foundation is privileged to offer scholarships to graduating high school seniors, currently enrolled undergraduates, graduate students, non-traditional students, and those pursuing trade certifications. The Foundation’s scholarship process provides students access to scholarships with awards ranging from $500 to more than $5,000. Rodney Holder Memorial Scholarship Rodney Holder was born April 18, 1960, (Auburn, Alabama,) and moved to Abilene at age 3. Rodney lived a life of service. He was a 28-year police veteran, having graduated from Police Academy in 1982 and was named one of two officers in the motorcycle patrol division in 2005. He was serving his community on April 29, 2010, when he died after a car collided with his patrol motorcycle. Cherished memories remain in the hearts of his family, wife Annemarie, son Kyler, daughter Hilary Erfurt and twin granddaughters, Reese and Rylee. Having lived in Abilene for many years and graduating from Cooper High School, Rodney’s countless friends will remember him fondly. At his service, Dr. Phil Christopher, pastor of Abilene’s First Baptist Church, said, “Rodney reminds us that there are heroes in this world and in this community.” Rodney Holder will always be remembered for his legacy of service. Scholarship award payments are sent directly to the educational institutions in August (fall semester) and, if applicable, in January (spring semester).

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Graduating senior or already enrolled in college as a full-time student (12 hours)Child of a Taylor County First Responder (Abilene firefighter, sworn Abilene Police Dept., sworn Taylor County Sheriff’s Deputies, APD-AFD Dispatchers, TCSO Public Safety Dispatchers)