Gladys M. "Tafi" Yourtee

Tafi was a popular performer on stage in the Richmond area for many years. While visiting friends in Ashland, she fell in love with the area and moved here from New York. She soon became associated with the Barksdale Theater while it was located at the Hanover Tavern, playing in numerous productions including "Taking My Turn", "Once Upon A Mattress", and "Gypsy." She was remembered as an actress with a big soprano voice and an even bigger laugh, always the life of the party. She was also associated with the Virginia Museum Theater, the Catholic Theater Guild, The Swift Creek Playhouse, and The Huckleberry Players. She was always a soloist in the biennial Ashland Variety Show. Tafi also had a bit part in the TV movie, "Dream West" starring Richard Chamberlain.

While enjoying the theater, Tafi went to work at the Hanover Herald Progress in 1956 as an advertising salesman. To many of the merchants, she was considered the Herald Progress for nearly 30 years. Her editor remarked that she really cared about her clients and really cared about this community. At the H-P, she won numerous awards from the Virginia Press Association for creative advertising.

A native of St. Louis, she began her singing career with the St. Louis Municipal Opera Co. From there, she went to New York in the early 60's. She appeared in the Broadway productions of "Three Wished for Jamie" and "Flahooley." Touring with the review "Lend an Ear," she was in the chorus and also understudy for Carol Channing.

Always civic minded, she was one of the original four who founded the Ashland Strawberry Faire. She flew with the scouting party to Ohio to see a similar festival there and returned to Ashland ready to bring something similar here. One of the duties with the Faire that she particularly enjoyed was finding local talent to showcase on the stage throughout the day.

Tafi passed away on February 4, 1997. This scholarship is a tribute to the memory of Tafi. She would be proud of you and your accomplishments and we salute you in her name. Congratulations!