The Fund was endowed by Charles J. Cooper (52), in memory of former Principal John M. Pryde whose guidance and encouragement helped Mr. Cooper to graduate from Surrattsville.  The Fund is administered by a Foundation Committee.  Its purpose is to provide a source of funds to be used to assist current Surrattsville High School students in succeeding at the School and beyond.

The School Principal, with input from teachers, counselors, coaches, students and others,  identifies students who could benefit from the Fund, and suggests appropriate Fund expenditures to the Committee.  For instance, the Principal might identify a student who would benefit from private tutoring in a particular subject or from focused counseling, and the Principal could suggest to the Committee that money from the Fund be used to pay for this tutoring or counseling.  Similarly, the Principal might identify a student who would be likely to qualify for college admission only with some S.A.T. test preparation, and the Principal could suggest to the Committee that money from the Fund be used to pay for this preparation.  Similarly, the Principal might identify a student who would benefit from a study skills or similar course, and the Principal could suggest to the Committee that money from the Fund be used to pay for this course.  The uses of the Fund to assist current students would not be limited, so costs such as needed school supplies and equipment, eye and ear examinations and the like also could be paid from the Fund.