By Jennifer P. Brown, Kentucky New Era

Donations to a scholarship endowment in memory of David L. Riley, an editor, photographer and reporter for the Kentucky New Era for 24 years, will exceed $5,000 this summer and will eventually grow to at least $10,000.

The "Servant's Heart" Scholarship Endowment at Hopkinsville Community College has received $4,725 in individual gifts since Riley's death on April 13, said Jason Warren, the college's advancement officer.

The Kentucky New Era will add $1,000 a year for the next five years to the endowment, said Taylor Hayes, publisher.

Interest earned from the endowment fund will be used each year to provide a scholarship to a student at HCC.

Riley attended HCC, and his father, the late Dr. Thomas C. Riley, was the college's first president.

When the endowment fund reaches $10,000, it will provide at least $500 a year in scholarship money. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who plans to pursue a four-year degree and who shows a commitment to community service.

The first scholarship will be awarded in April 2006.

The endowment carries the name "Servant's Heart," in recognition of Riley's devotion to numerous community projects, including historic preservation, 4-H programs, the Pennyroyal Area Museum and Rotary Club.

Riley's wife, Toni Riley, said the family is overwhelmed by the number of donations to the scholarship fund.

"David loved Hopkinsville so much," she said. "It's important to us as a family to see his name continue in the community."

Hayes said the newspaper is honored to make a contribution in Riley's memory to HCC.

"What better place to make an investment than in a scholarship named in honor of someone who held his duty to civics and selfless acts so high?"

Additional information about the scholarship endowment is available by contacting Warren at 886-3921, extension 6107. Donations may be sent to the "Servant's Heart" Scholarship Endowment, Hopkinsville Community College, P.O. Box 2100, Hopkinsville, Ky. 42241-2100.