Throughout her life, Freda Burge exhibited a keen interest in education and saw the need for the community to be actively involved with the school system. To honor Mrs. Burge's commitment to education, her family created the Freda Burge Scholarship Fund, a fitting memorial for their mother, according to Rita Stealey, one of Mrs. Burge's daughters.

Selection for this award is primarily based on financial need. Eligibility is open to graduates of Williamstown High School who plan to attend West Virginia University at Parkersburg in the upcoming academic year. A minimum 2.5 grade point average is required.

Freda Burge was born on October 15, 1910, in Murraysville, West Virginia, and became a resident of Williamstown in 1919. She attended Williamstown schools, and later married Harold Burge. They had nine children, all of whom attended Williamstown schools and six of whom went to college.

Mrs. Burge worked at American Viscose and for several area families. She was a member for the First United Methodist Church in Williamstown, where she participated in the Friendly Bible Class. Freda Burge died on January 3, 1994, at the age of 83.