Recent News
Emory and Darlene Riseley Family Scholarship
This new endowed scholarship is given by the family of Emory and Darlene Riseley. Emory is a 1957 graduate of Lovillia High School. He served on active duty in the United States Navy from 1957 -1961 and is currently active as Vice-Commander of Knoxville’s Baty Tucker Post 168 of the American Legion and is a member of the Funeral Honor Guard. Emory was employed at the Knoxville VA Hospital from 1961 until his retirement in 1994. He and Darlene were married in 1991. Darlene received her LPN in Nursing from DMACC and her RN from Ottumwa. She was employed at the Knoxville VA Hospital from 1973 until her retirement in 1991. Her children, Chet, Cheryl, Rick and Tim Rankin are all Knoxville High School Graduates. Emory’s sons, Jim and Curt are Twin Cedar graduates. Between them, Emory and Darlene have had five grand children graduate form Knoxville High School. Education has always been important in their family and giving back to the community has always been a priority. Emory and Darlene are happy to be able to provide this endowed scholarship to help future generations of Knoxville High School graduates with their post-secondary education expenses. 
Dwight and Ruth Johnston Family Endowed Scholarship
The Dwight and Ruth Johnston Family Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate entering their third or fourth year of post-secondary education. Dwight Johnston '59 is a lifelong Knoxville resident and has held his real estate brokers license for 50 years, specializing in farm real estate. Ruth Johnston began her teaching career at Knoxville High School in 1963 and, after taking time off to raise their children, returned to teaching, retiring in 1997. Ruth developed the multi-occupations program at the high school in 1970. Their daughter Kim graduated from Knoxville High School in 1985 and earned her B.A. at Coe College and her J.D. from Creighton University. Kim owned Canyon Ridge Title insurance and Escrow, LLC in Salt Lake City, Utah for 15 years. Their younger daughter Chris, a 1988 Knoxville High School graduate, earned her B.A. from Memphis State University and was COO and EVP of Education Realty Trust recently acquired by Greystar Investment Group where she currently serves as Executive Director of Real Estate Operations. Julie Witzman Albert Scholarship
The Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation Board is pleased to announce the following new scholarship: The Julie Witzman Albert Scholarship is established in Julie’s honor by her mother Pat Witzman. Julie is a 1981 Knoxville High school graduate. This scholarship will be awarded to a Knoxville High School graduate pursuing a career in nursing or a related medical profession in either their third or fourth year of post-secondary education. 
Jennie Just-Lightfoot Nursing Scholarship
The Jennie Just-Lightfoot Nursing Scholarship will be awarded annually to Knoxville High School graduate in their third or fourth year of study in pursuit of a degree in nursing. Jennie graduated from Glasgow High School in Glasgow, Montana in 1954. She earned her diploma in nursing from Hamlin University in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1957. She worked at Mounds Park Hospital in St. Paul and at Loretto Hospital in New Ulm, Minnesota before moving to Knoxville in 1974. Jennie spent the next twenty-two years working in Psychiatric Nursing at the Knoxville VA Hospital before retiring in 1997 having completed a nursing career of forty years. In 2012, Jennie married Gordon (Gus) Lightfoot who she had known since her high school years. Gus received his Master’s Degree in Geography from Montana State University in 1962. While studying at Montana State, Gus joined the Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation he entered the Air Force on active duty and spent 30 years serving his country before retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Jennie and Gus are pleased to offer this scholarship to a Knoxville High School graduate pursuing a profession in the nursing field. 
William Dean Bacus Memorial Scholarship
The William Dean Bacus Memorial scholarship has been established by his family to honor Williams memory by providing a scholarship to a Knoxville High School graduate entering either his/her third or fourth year of post-secondary education. William (Bill) was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa in 1950. He was a member of the Knoxville High School Class of 1968.While in high school Bill was active in Panther Club and Pep Club and played football and baseball and ran track. After graduation Bill briefly attended Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. where he began preparation for a career in criminology. The country was involved in the war in Vietnam and William decided to serve his country and enlisted in the Air Force. Bill became an accomplished air traffic control specialist while serving in the Air force. After completing his military service, Bill began preparation to become an air traffic controller. However, his dreams were cut short when Bill passed away as a result of a traffic accident in 1975. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a KHS graduate with an emphasis given to students pursuing a career in criminology, sociology or to students in a pre-med program. Panther Pride Scholarship for the Class of 1982
This Fall members of the Knoxville High School Class of 1982 invited Foundation Board President Curt Froyen to speak about the Panther Pride Scholarship program at their Saturday evening dinner during Homecoming Weekend. The result of that meeting was an enthusiastic endorsement by the members of the Class of 1982 in favor of establishing a Panther Pride Scholarship. The fundraising efforts begun that evening have already resulted in enough money being raised to support a $500 scholarship for each of the next three years!
Twenty-five KHS graduating classes are currently in the process of raising money to support a Panther Pride Scholarship. For more information on how you can support the efforts of your graduating class go to the Foundation website at kpsfoundation.org., click on the scholarship tab and scroll down to the Panther Pride Scholarship link. The online donation tab on each of the website pages has a line for indicating which graduating class you would like your donation credited to. You may also use the donation card that came with this newsletter. The Leon and Martha Dyer Langebartels Endowed Memorial Scholarship will be offered for the first time in 2018.
The family of Leon and Martha Dyer Langebartels has endowed a new scholarship in their memory. Leon was born and grew up in Knoxville, his parents were partners with his aunt and uncle as owners of Langebartels Brothers Clothing store on the east side of the square. Martha grew up on a farm outside of Pleasantville and attended a one room school house through 8th grade. They graduated together in 1949 from Knoxville High School. Leon was on the varsity football team and Martha at 5'2" was a feisty basketball player. Leon and Martha were both members of the school paper and National Honor Society. They enrolled at Iowa State University in the fall of '49. After two years, they were married in Knoxville in September of 1951 and Leon joined the Air Force. Much of his active duty was served at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. Leon and Martha both loved the mountains and in later years took vacations out west. They had two daughters Luann and Lisa while Leon was stationed in Denver.
In 1956 the Langebartels returned to Ames where Leon completed his Electrical Engineering Degree and his Architectural Engineering Degree at Iowa state University. Much of their married life was spent in St. Louis where Leon worked in the Aeronautical industry. Their third daughter Linda was born in St. Louis. Leon went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri Rolla. Leon retired in 1997 and passed away in Feb 1998 from a massive heart attack. Martha continued to reside in St. Louis enjoying her 8 grandchildren and the life she and Leon had built there. Martha's final years were spent in Columbia, Mo. She passed away in 2017. Leon and Martha stayed connected to the Knoxville Community never missing a class reunion and enjoying the many memories and strong bonds of friendship developed with their classmates while attending Knoxville High School. The scholarship offered by the Langebartels family will be awarded annually to a third or fourth year student in any of the following majors: Agriculture, Architecture, Education, Engineering or Family and Consumer Sciences. Preference will be given to students enrolled at Iowa State University. New Endowed Scholarship to be awarded in 2018
The Board of Directors of the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of a new endowed scholarship. The Bill and Angie Hardin Memorial Scholarship has been funded by a donation of $15,000 from Bill and Angie’s children, David Hardin, Mary Hardin-Young and William Hardin Jr.
This scholarship will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate entering their third or fourth year of post-secondary education in pursuit of a degree in education or the practice of law. Applications for this scholarship will be posted on the Foundation website at kpsfoundation.org. Angie and Bill Hardin were an important part of the fabric of the Knoxville community for 70 years. Angie not only taught English to several generations of Panther Scholars, but served as a mentor, sponsor, guide and inspiration to dozens, if not hundreds, of the youth who would become leaders and exemplary citizens of Knoxville and beyond. Bill, a prominent Knoxville attorney, provided not just legal services, but also set an example of involved community service for others to emulate. Bill and Angie left a legacy of caring, doing and creating positive impact across Knoxville Public Schools, First Presbyterian Church, Tall Corn Council of Boy Scouts, the Democratic Party, Iowa PEO, Knoxville Library Board and Marion County Historical Society among other organizations. Their legacy is best captured by saying that they were good neighbors who made their community better in countless ways. Scholars who enjoy their largess through this endowment should carry some of that spirit with them into whatever career they choose. The Hardins are thrilled to offer this scholarship to future generations of Knoxville High School graduates in honor of their parents’ devotion to the education of our youth. For additional information about how you may help the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation continue its funding of scholarships for all Knoxville High School graduates, visit our website at kpsfoundation.org. You may also contact Board President Curt Froyen at 641-891-7170 or through email at irishsciguy@hotmail.com. Curt would be happy to visit with you, your family, organization or business partners. Please keep the Foundation in your thoughts, as the Hardin family has done, when it comes time to honor a loved one or when you make estate planning decisions. Three New Scholarships AnnouncedRalph and Marilyn Capitani Memorial Scholarship
A new scholarship honoring the memory of Ralph and Marilyn Capitani has been established using donations made by their family and friends at the time of Marilyn’s passing.
Ralph was born in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from Dowling High School in 1950. Marilyn was born in Ackley, Iowa but grew up in Cedar Falls and graduated from the Campus School in1951. Ralph and Marilyn met while both were attending Iowa State Teachers College, now the University of Northern Iowa. While in college, Ralph was an outstanding fullback on the college football team earning NAIA First Team All American honors in 1954. Ralph graduated with his teaching degree and entered the United States Army. Marilyn received her associates in teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College and followed that with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from William Penn. Ralph and Marilyn were married in 1956 in Baunholder, Germany where Ralph was stationed with the Army. The Capitanis moved to Knoxville in 1961. Ralph taught Government for 41 years and spent 31 years coaching, at various times, football, baseball, basketball and track. Marilyn began her 30 year teaching career as a Title One Reading teacher and eventually became a beloved first grade teacher. She was known for her passion for teaching and her love for children. Marilyn was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where she taught Bible School and was a member of the choir and Bible Study Group. In the 1960’s Ralph began working part time with the Marion County Fair Association. In 1979 he became the Knoxville Race Track Promoter. Ralph’s unique vision and engaging personality became the guiding force that resulted in the growth of the track from a capacity of 8,000 to 24,000. Under his guidance, Knoxville became known worldwide as the Sprint Car Capital of the World. Ralph and Marilyn’s three sons, Steven, John and Dave are all Knoxville High School graduates. They are proud to honor the memory of their parents by offering this scholarship to a Knoxville High School graduate in their third or fourth year in preparation to become a teacher. Special consideration will be given to a student who also spent his or her high school years working for the Marion County Fair Association. Susan Scott Memorial Scholarship
A new named scholarship will be awarded this year in memory of Susan Scott. This scholarship is funded by donations made by Susan’s family and friends at the time of her passing in July of 2017. Susan spent her career of over 30 years operating a day care facility. Her love for the little ones in her care was well known. “Susie’s Kids” grew up in an environment of love and nourishing care that served them well during their formative years. Susie and her husband, Larry, moved to Knoxville form Bethany, Missouri in 1981. Larry taught and coached in the Knoxville School District until his retirement in 2006. Susie’s declining health led to her closing her day care facility in 2003. Larry and Susan’s children, Danny and Diana are both Knoxville High School graduates and their grandchildren are currently enrolled in the Knoxville Community School system. Getting a good education is a tradition that has always been a focus in Larry and Susan’s families. Establishing a scholarship in Susan’s memory is a way for them to help Knoxville High School graduates pursue their dreams. The Susan Scott Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High school graduate who was active in the fields of art, technology and the performing arts during their high school years. Special consideration will be given to students who have been active working with children as part of their volunteer activities. 
John England Memorial Scholarship
The John England Memorial Scholarship will be awarded for the first time in 2018. Funding for this scholarship comes from donations made by his family and many lifelong friends at the time of Johns passing this year. John was a beloved teacher and coach in the Knoxville Community School System for 33 years. This scholarship will be awarded to a Knoxville High school graduate who excelled not only in the classroom but in athletics as well. The recipient will have demonstrated the high ideals of sportsmanship and leadership that were the hallmark of the teams Mr. England coached and the principles he taught in his classroom. Weiler Foundation, Gilliland Family – New Continuing Education Scholarships into 2017Two scholarships have been added to the growing list of continuing education scholarships offered by the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation bringing the total to nine opportunities for Knoxville graduates enrolled in higher education.
Weiler Foundation Endowed Scholarship The Weiler Foundation is pleased to establish a continuing education endowed scholarship for former Knoxville graduates enrolled in higher education. It is available to students in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of education. Areas of study include mechanical, agriculture and industrial engineering, CNC machining and drafting, welding and Weiler interns. Established in 2000, Weiler is a cutting-edge design and engineering company specializing in heavy equipment manufacturing for the paving market. Their innovative design and production methods have made them an industry leader. Since their inception, they have steadily grown in employment, including several expansion projects to meet the growing needs of their domestic and international customers. Many Knoxville graduates are part of the Weiler employee family. Gilliland Family Endowed Scholarship The Gilliland Family Endowed Scholarship has been established with gratitude to the Knoxville Community School District for generations of quality education by members of the Gilliland Family who are all Knoxville High School graduates. Carmen (Coolley) Gilliland '41, was a lifelong Knoxville resident who served as Assistant City Clerk for 30 years. Marvin D. Gilliland '60, is a Senior Portfolio Manager for the Gilliland Group at Morgan Stanley in his 50th year as a Financial Advisor. Virginia (Mettler) Gilliland ’58, is a homemaker and lifelong community volunteer for a variety of organizations. John Gilliland '85, earned his B.A. at Cornell College, his J.D. at Creighton University, served as an attorney in government affairs for 20 years and is currently a Financial Advisor with the Gilliland Group at Morgan Stanley. Jennifer (Gilliland) Cappos '86, earned her Masters in Social Work at the University of Iowa, served as a social worker for 13 years and is currently a realtor in Lincoln, NE. Jessica (Gilliland) Brandon '88, earned her B.A. in English from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a teacher's assistant in Ames, IA. The Gilliland Family Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate entering either their third or fourth year of post-secondary education. Further information on all our continuing education scholarships and their criteria can be found under the scholarships tab. Panther Pride Scholarships In 2017, Panther Pride Scholarships were presented by the KHS graduating classes of 1960 (2), 1964 (2) and 1973. Two endowed Panther Pride Scholarships were awarded by the KHS Class of 1961 Endow Iowa Program For more information on the Endowed Iowa program that allows contributions to receive a 25% tax credit and for all other scholarship programs contact KPS Foundation Board President Curt Froyen at 641-842-5750 or 6451-891-7170, and by email: irishsciguy@hotmail.com Several new scholarships have been added to the growing list of scholarships offered by the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation (KPS Foundation). Applications for all scholarships are due March 1st. Interested parties should go to the KPS Foundation website at kpsfoundation.org. Scholarship descriptions and qualifications can be found by clicking on the Scholarships tab and applications can be down loaded by going to the Applications tab. |
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