News

Christmas Eve Reindeer Run supports scholarship

Ryan Jones

By Bill Moss, Published: December 12, 2014

Education runs in the Jones family.

Ryan Jones's grandmother, Betty Jones, was a longtime librarian at Edneyville High School, and his mother, Kathy Jones, is a guidance counselor at NHHS. His father, Daniel, the retired Asheville postmaster, is the twin brother of Henderson County schools superintendent David Jones.
"A lot of family members have been involved in education," Jones said. "It was important for me to give back once I was in a position to do so. That's why I started it and why I wanted to keep increasing it."
A 2002 graduate of North Henderson High School, Jones started the Jones Family Scholarship Fund three years ago. This year he is adding a 5K run on Christmas Eve that he hopes will increase the amount he can give.
The first Jones Family Scholarship Fund Reindeer Run will be held on Dec. 24 at 9 a.m. at North Henderson High School, 35 Fruitland Road. Registration is $20 for adults, $15 for runners 18 and under and free for children 3 and under for those that register by Dec. 12. Holiday attire is encouraged for the race. To sign up visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hendersonville/JSFReindeerRun5K.
All funds will go to a scholarship fund Jones created three years ago for graduating seniors at NHHS who show leadership qualities and the willingness to give back and mentor future scholarship recipients. Isaac Dalton and Kaylene Lee were the first two scholarship recipients.
Jones, who lives in Washington, D.C., is director of development at the University of Maryland Athletics. He has an undergraduate from the University of South Carolina and a master's degree in sports management from UNC at Chapel Hill.
He's given two $500 scholarships that he paid for himself.
"I really hope to double it this year with donations and people that come to the event," he said. "Both of the scholarship recipients will be there."
Jones, 30, said he picked Christmas Eve because his own schedule is unpredictable. As the chief fundraiser for Maryland athletics, he expects to be on the road for a football bowl game.
"With my job, I'm working a ton of weekends," he said. "I knew I was going to be home for a short period of time. I get that it's a tough time. I thought it was the lesser of evils. Most people are off that day and it may take an hour of your time in the morning" to run a 5K.
For questions write to jonesfamilyscholarship@gmail.com.