Recent News2024 Awards Ceremony Held May 8th
The twenty-first Annual Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation Awards Ceremony was held May 8th at the Knoxville Performing Arts Center. Members of the Knoxville High School Class of 2024 were awarded over $84,000 in financial aid by both Community Scholarship donors and by those who donated through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation.
The Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation was founded on the principle that every KHS graduate that applies for a scholarship through the Foundation will receive at least one scholarship. In the Foundation’s 21 years, 1,611 KHS graduates have applied for a scholarship and every applicant has received a scholarship. At this year’s award ceremony special mention was given to two long time donors. Mr. Bill Liike, a member of the KHS class of 1950 and a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, was recognized for his generous support of our graduates since the Foundation was established in 2004. To help commemorate his support, Wayne Johnston, a member of the senior class who will be attending DMACC in the fall to pursue a career as a lineman, came on stage to receive a $1,000 Bill Liike scholarship. The awarding of that scholarship brought the total award amount provided to graduating seniors from Knoxville High School graduates by the Foundation over the past twenty-one years to just over ONE MILLION DOLLARS. The Foundation also provides scholarships to our graduates who are in their second, third and fourth tear of post-secondary education. Another long-time donor, Frances Kirkwood, was also honored at the awards ceremony. Frances passed away last year at the age of 100. Frances loved our young people and remembered them in her estate by providing for a new endowed scholarship in her name. The first recipient of the Frances Kirkwood Memorial Scholarship was in attendance to receive this new scholarship. Morgan McKay, a member of the class of 2023 and a Ag Business student at DMACC received the scholarship from past Board President Kevin Crawford. With the award of the Frances Kirkwood Scholarship, the total financial awards to second, third- and fourth-year KHS graduates over the past twenty-one years reached $890,000. Bringing the total financial support of our graduates since the Foundation was established to over ONE POINT NINE MILLION DOLLARS. In addition to the Frances Kirkwood Memorial Scholarship, we awarded several new scholarships for the first time. The Bill and Celia Harvey Burger Family Scholarship was funded by Bill and Celia Harvey Burger, members of the KHS class of 1956. The Philip Smethers Memorial Scholarship was funded by a bequest from Mr. Smether’s estate. The Coach John Carle and the Excellence in Education endowed scholarships were funded by the family of Paul and Lori Husted. Paul is a member of the KHS Class of 1971. Paul also organized his classmates who worked together to fund the Panther Pride Class of 1971 Endowed Scholarship. The family and friends of Clyde Pritchard Sr. donated funds in his memory to establish the Clyde Pritchard Sr. Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a student pursuing a career in education. New scholarships were also provided by Knoxville Dental Associates and by Cushman Construction. The Board of Directors would like to thank the businesses, organizations, individuals, families and alumni who have made this all possible. A very special thank you goes out to Don and Margaret Long who have supported every KHS graduate entering their second year of post-secondary education for the past eleven years with at least a $500 scholarship. If you would like to watch a video of this year’s award ceremony, click here. Frances Kirkwood Memorial Scholarship
The Board of Directors of the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce a new endowed scholarship that has been established to honor the life of Frances Kirkwood.
Frances was a member of the Knoxville High School Class of 1939. She worked as a telephone operator for Bellamy Telephone Company and later as an employee of Community National Bank. For fifteen years Frances and her husband Tommy owned Modern Cleaners Dry Cleaning. Frances was one of the first scholarship donors when the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation was formed in 2004. She established the Tommy Kirkwood Memorial Scholarship to honor her husband’s memory and was an avid supporter of the Foundation from the outset. In 2022 Frances was honored by the Foundation at the annual scholarship awards night with a birthday party just prior to her 100th birthday. The speech she gave that evening was a testament to the love she felt for the young people of our community. Frances Kirkwood devoted her life to a selfless desire to help others and to bring joy to those who were fortunate enough to know her. She was an avid volunteer in her many community activities. However, it was her devotion to working with youth that was her passion. She served as a den mother for Cub Scouts, was an active member of the school district PTA program, and a Sunday school teacher. Frances touched the lives of the young people of our community with her wisdom and kindness. This scholarship has been funded by donations made by her family and friends at the time of her passing and by funds Frances had designated from her estate. She made sure that her desire to help the students she loved like her own would continue to receive her love and support for generations to come. Philip Smethers Endowed Scholarship
The Board of Directors of the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation is announcing the establishment of a new Endowed Scholarship in memory of Philip Smethers.
This scholarship will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate entering their third or fourth year of college pursuing a career in pharmacy, veterinary medicine/animal care or social work. Philip grew up in Decatur, Illinois and worked as a pharmacy tech while attending St Teresa High School. After graduation he attended Illinois State University before transferring to Drake University to get his Pharmacy degree. He worked as a pharmacist in Des Moines for many years before working in Knoxville. He loved the area so much he moved to Knoxville where he made many friends and spent the last 25 years of his life. Philip loved taking trips on his motorcycle, fishing, and the companionship of his 2 dogs, Odessa and Shelby. His greatest joy was helping family, friends, and neighbors with anything they needed. He was a great friend to all and generous with his talents. He was on the board of Crisis Intervention Services and did many odd jobs to help support their clients. Philip had a big heart and loving spirit. The trustee of Philips estate is pleased to carry out his wish to help support future Knoxville High School graduates as they pursue their educational dreams. Clyde E. Prichard, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
The family of Clyde E. Prichard, Sr. are proud to offer a yearly $500 memorial scholarship in his honor through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation. The scholarship is awarded to a 3rd or 4th year post secondary student pursuing either a career in education or educational administration.
Clyde began his schooling in a one room schoolhouse near his family’s dairy farm in Robertsville, Missouri. By the time Clyde graduated 8th grade, the Robertsville school had grown to a three room bricked school building. Upon graduation from high school in Pacific, MO. in 1957, Clyde obtained his undergraduate degree in education at SW Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) in Springfield in 1964. This was followed by earning a master's degree in educational administration at the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 1971. Clyde began his career in education in 1964 as a teacher at East Franklin Elementary in Pacific before becoming principal in 1968 at the same elementary school for which he first attended in Robertsville. This was followed by becoming the principal at Coleman RIII Elementary in Villa Ridge, Mo. from 1971-1974. In 1974, Clyde and his family moved to Knoxville where he was named principal of East Elementary. He remained in that role until 1993 when he moved to the West building as the middle school principal, until his retirement in 1995. As a principal in the Knoxville school district, Clyde was a respected leader and known for his common sense rational and his high level of fairness and integrity. Clyde met his first wife, Martha Ann Hogan in high school and they were married on August 16, 1958. Clyde and Martha had 3 children; Clyde Jr. (Pam) of Knoxville; Vince (Richele) of Pleasant Hill; and Amy Smith (Jeff) of Knoxville. All three of the Prichard children are graduates of Knoxville High School. Clyde and Martha enjoyed 41 years of marriage until her death in 2000. Clyde was later blessed to meet Maxine Joyce Slykhuis and they were married on January 29, 2005. Clyde’s family included six grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Clyde enjoyed many activities including traveling, wood working, the outdoors and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. While living in Knoxville, Clyde was an active member of the community especially as a member of First Covenant Church in Knoxville, and former member of the First United Methodist Church. In the community he was known as an interested conversationalist and a selfless family man. The Prichard Family is proud to offer this scholarship in honor of Clyde’s memory and in support of the Knoxville community that has meant so much to the growth and maturation of the entire family. 2023 Award Ceremony Set for May 10thThe 20th Annual Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation Award Ceremony will be held Wednesday May 10th at 7PM in the Knoxville Performing Arts Center.
This event will be live streamed. Donors are not required to be at this event; however, you are welcome to attend. You may follow the event on you tube by clicking on the following link https://www.youtube.com/live/SUXWf09Dxcc?feature=share. Sixty-two members of this year's graduating class who applied for a scholarship from the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation will receive scholarships from the Foundation that evening. Community scholarships for graduating seniors will also be awarded that night. Eighty- four members of the KHS graduating classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 who applied for scholarships from the Foundation will also be awarded scholarships this year. Look for a list of the the recipients and the scholarship(s) they were awarded to be published in local newspapers following the ceremony on May 10th. In the Foundation's first year in 2004, 46 scholarships were awarded to members of the KHS class of 2004 for a total amount of $18,500. Twenty years later, due to the generosity of our local businesses, alumni, families and individuals who believe in the education of our youth, this year our donors will be awarding a total of 275 scholarships through the Foundation for a total award amount of $196,000. Thank you to all of you for your generosity and your continued support of our graduates. Follow the activities and growth of the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation at our website at: kpsfoundation.org. For more information about the Foundation and how you can continue to support our graduates, contact Board President Curt Froyen by phone at 641-891-7170 or by email at [email protected]. Moats Family Scholarship
The family of Mike and Jaque Moats is offering a new scholarship through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation. The following is from the Moats family:
Upon hearing that the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation will be celebrating the 20th year of blessing our community, it seemed fitting to reflect on the impact this organization has had on my family. Each of our 3 children and their spouses have been recipients of financial support from the Foundation. Were it not for the generosity of our community and the work of the Foundation, our kids would have had a greater struggle to earn and pay for their college degrees. We are extremely grateful for the support and credit the Foundation for playing a role in the success they have had both in college and in their employment. Our oldest son, Jacob, earned an engineering degree from Dordt College. Upon graduating, he was offered a position at Weiler, and he continues to enjoy his work there as an engineer. He was supported by the Foundation his first two years. His wife, Aubrey, studied at St. Ambrose and was also a recipient of financial support from the Foundation. They currently live on an acreage near Knoxville and are raising two beautiful and energetic daughters. Nicholas, our second son, and his wife Elizabeth both studied at The University of Northern Iowa. Both graduated in 2020 with their bachelors’ degrees. They both received financial support from the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation all four years and have moved back to Knoxville to raise their family. Nick is a science teacher at Knoxville High School and Lizzy has continued to study, earning a master’s degree in Library Sciences. They are the proud parents of a handsome and loving son. Our daughter, Kayla, graduated from Dordt University in 2021 with an Elementary Education major. She was offered an elementary teaching position in Pleasantville and is in her second year there. She also received scholarships from the Foundation each year she attended Dordt. She and her husband, Tyler, have found a home in Knoxville and will be active in the area supporting the youth and enjoying everything our beautiful community has to offer. We are blessed to have a supportive community and an organization that invests in our kids. The Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation played a significant role in helping our children through college, but it wasn’t just the financial support. When an investment, like this, is made; it has impact on the emotional health and mental well-being of the recipient. It helps to instill confidence in the student, and allows them to know that they are not alone in their effort to become successful adults. We want to thank everyone that has either donated or volunteered for the Foundation. You have invested well and we, as a family, look forward to using this platform to give back in a similar way by establishing the Moats Family Scholarship to be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate. 
The Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation recently received a donation of $3,750 from Marion County Savings Bank to fund five $750 scholarships to be awarded this year to Knoxville High School graduates. Marion County Savings bank has been an indispensable partner with the Foundation for the past twenty years.
Pictured here are bank employees and members of the Foundation Board of Directors. Knoxville Federated Garden Club Scholarship
The Board of Directors of the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce a new scholarship to be given by the Knoxville Federated Garden Club. This scholarship will be awarded to a Knoxville High School graduate entering their second, third or fourth year of post-secondary education majoring in Horticulture or a related field.
Founded in 1998, the Knoxville Federated Garden Club is the sponsor of the Bessie Spaur Butterfly Garden located on the grounds of the Knoxville Hospital and Clinic. The thirty-nine members of the club spend many hours each year organizing plantings and maintaining the beautiful gardens that are enjoyed by hundreds of visitors. The Club hosts the annual Garden Gala and Sitting Pretty Contest. Club members participate in the Knoxville Nationals Parade, Living Windows and Merry-N-County Christmas Display. Other community activities include Kindergarten Days and Yard of the Month. The Club purchases a tree and plants it at each new Habitat House. In addition to garden tours, club members deliver flowers every month to local nursing homes. 
Rich Rees Memorial Scholarship
The family and friends of Rich Rees are proud to announce a $1000 memorial scholarship established in his honor. This scholarship will be offered annually through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation to support the continued educational journey of a 3rd or 4th year college student, in any area of study, and is a child of at least 1 graduate of Knoxville High School.
Rich was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School with the Class of 1969. After graduation, he joined the United States Naval Reserve and was called to active duty during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, Rich returned to Knoxville to raise his family and work as an Industrial Engineer for 3M. While at 3M, he was supported by the company to study and graduate from their ICS engineering program, which included classes at Central College in Pella. Rich and his wife Kathy had 2 children who also graduated from Knoxville High School: Kelsi (1994) and Derek (2000). Both of which also went on to achieve degrees of higher education and have returned home to work in Knoxville. In his spare time, Rich enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Knoxville Raceway and the Chicago Cubs. Rich’s greatest joy was his family of which he was extremely proud. He had a wonderful sense of humor and remembered as being very humble and kind. As a result of the generosity shown to him during his college level education and as a life-long member of the Knoxville community, Rich would be most honored to support another Panther graduate on their pursuit of higher education. Ardent Lighting Group LLC Scholarship
The Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce a new named scholarship. The Ardent Lighting Group LLC scholarship is being provided by a leading electrical service company. In 1990 the family of Steven and Jeannie Everly started Ardent Lighting with the belief that hard work and providing excellent service would lead to a successful family business.
Over the years the families’ five children have been involved in the business. As the business grew, additional employees were hired. In 2011 the Everly’s son, Geoffrey took over the business. Steven and Jeannie are still actively involved. They have watched Geoffrey grow the business until it is now providing electrical service throughout Iowa and several Midwestern states. When asked about the reason for supporting a scholarship through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation, Jeannie responded: “Our children have all befitted by receiving financial help from the Foundation as they pursued their goals. We have watched the scholarship program grow and provide a vast array of educational opportunities for Knoxville High School graduates. Steven and I have been so pleased to see the Foundation provide financial help for students pursuing education in the trades. As our son Geoffrey, a KHS graduate, took the helm of the business, he has found that working closely with Foundation Board President Curt Froyen to be a great benefit. Ardent Lighting is so pleased to have three recent Knoxville High School graduates as employees. These three young men have received financial help from the Foundation as they pursued their electrical apprenticeship program. Next year they will be graduating as licensed electrician journeymen. The best thing about the Foundation’s scholarship program, is that these great young men can work earning a wage with Ardent Lighting and still attend electrical apprenticeship classes supported by the Scholarship Foundation. They will graduate without ending up with thousands of dollars in student loans! It is our hope to continue our great working relationship with the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation. We believe the scholarship we are offering, and those offered by so many other families and businesses, will help keep our best and brightest young people working locally. I would urge anyone interested in helping achieve these goals to contact Curt Froyen and see how you might be able to help.” Morgan Family Endowed Scholarship
The Morgan family has established a new endowed scholarship through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation. This scholarship will offer financial support to future Knoxville High School graduates with a special emphasis given to students pursuing careers in education, nursing or to those graduates training for careers in the skilled trades.
Earl and Margeurite Morgan graduated from Knoxville High School in 1936/37 and lived in the Knoxville area for the next 80 years. Earl was a carpenter and business owner; Margeurite was active in school, church and scouting activities. She also participated in the family remodeling business. Their three children graduated from Knoxville High School: Evelyn Morgan, 1960, J. P. Morgan, 1972 and Marsha Morgan Lee, 1975. Four of their grandchildren are also KHS graduates: Diana Dennison 1996, Brian Lee, 1999, Drew Morgan, 2002, and Natalie Morgan, 2006. Their great grandson Brandon Lee graduated from KHS in 2002. The four generations of the Morgan family represent many vocations, especially with in the skilled trades and nursing and education fields. The family has helped form a foundation within the Knoxville Community. Marv and Jane Sloan Family Endowed Scholarship
The Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce a new endowed scholarship. The new Endowed Scholarship is given by the late Marvin Sloan and his wife Jane Sloan.
Marvin and Jane graduated from Monroe High School in 1954. Marvin and Jane both studied education at Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI). Jane put her college education on hold after two years. She taught kindergarten and first grade at a local school in the Waterloo area from 1956 to 1958 while Marvin finished college and played football. Marvin graduated in 1958. He and Jane were both lifelong educators and dedicated their careers to education. Marvin taught in Clinton, South Winneshiek, and Pella prior to taking a position in Knoxville. He taught in the Knoxville Community School system from 1969 to 1994. Marvin also coached at each school and is a member of the KHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Many people in Knoxville have fond memories of Drivers Ed and of Jr. High Geography with Mr. Sloan, especially the “map” assignments. Marvin retired from teaching in 1994. Jane began teaching reading in Knoxville during the day, while taking night classes in education at William Penn University. She received her teaching degree in 1974. At that time, she became a second-grade teacher at North Elementary. Jane spent the next twenty-two years devoted to her students. She retired in 1996. Marv and Jane had four children who graduated from Knoxville High School: Mike (1976), Tim (1977), Sandy (1981), and Pat (1984). Education was always important to Marv and Jane. The Sloan family is establishing this endowed scholarship to support future generations of Knoxville High School graduates as they pursue their dreams of a career in education. 2022 Scholarship RecipientsHere are the Knoxville High School graduates of the classes of 2019, 2020 and 2021 who applied for scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year.
Listed are the student's names, the school they are attending, their major course of study and the scholarship(s) they were awarded by the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation. 2nd Year ScholarshipsEach of these students will receive a Don and Margaret Long Second Year Scholarship. Any additional scholarship a student will receive will be in bold type.
Brianna Norman Cybersecurity Engineering Iowa State University Crozier Scholarship Tyler Peterson Physical Education University of Northern Iowa Excellence in Education Scholarship Jamie Beal Graphic Design, minor in Advertising Iowa State University Tara Uitermarkt Dental Hygiene Indian Hills Community College Dental Designs Scholarship Jayce Hughes Physics and music pre-med Creighton University Crozier Scholarship Gracie Collins Cinema Arts Palm Beach Atlantic University Ralph Capintani Memorial Kieren Nichols Nursing /Anesthesia University of Iowa Tim McMullin Endowed Crozier Scholarship Amelia Sullivan Cosmetology and Esthiology Aveda Institute Des Moines Emory and Darlene Risely Family Crozier Scholarship Reilly Finarty Pre-Medicine University of Iowa Froyen Family Endowed Husain Family Scholarship Crozier Scholarship Brady Pearson Electrical Technology Southwestern Community College Bill Liike Scholarship Kinsli Cram Nursing Indian Hills Community College Julie Witzman Albert Nursing Partial Nursing Tuition Scholarship Anonymous Donor Jalen Nelson psychology Iowa State University Your Life Matters Scholarship Knoxville Police Department Scholarship Crozier Scholarship Isaac Schmidt Business Ivy College of Business Nathan Crane Pre engineering DMACC Weiler Scholarship Gabriel Matthias Business Management Central College Saphyre McCombs-VanSteenwyk Human Services William Penn University Sophia Murphy Geospatial Technology Indian Hills Community Maggie Wilkins Health and Fitness Studies Wartburg College Coach John Carle Scholarship Crozier Scholarship Josalin McKeever Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Spanish Cornell College Steve and Tracy Coon Goff Scholarship Crozier Scholarship Abigail Pech Business Transfer Des Moines Area Community College Crozier Scholarship Katelynn Collins Musical Theatre Palm Beach Atlantic University Marilyn Murphy Memorial Crozier Scholarship Sean Miller Education Teacher Simpson College Sarah Templeton Harvey Roetman Scholarship Michael Hudson Liberal Arts Southwestern Community College Panther Pride Class of 1971 Scholarship 3rd Year ScholarshipsEach student will receive a third-year scholarship from the Foundation. Additional scholarships students will receive are in bold type.
Madlyn Findley Bus. Finance Indian Hills Ralph Capitani Memorial Endowed Dwight a nd Ruth Johnston Endowed Peyton McMurray Finance/ Real Estate UNI Dave and Susan Fridlington Family Marion County Savings Bank Crozier Scholarship Meredith Clingman Accounting U of Iowa Class of 1964 Pat Reeves Memorial Class of 1961 Endowed Crozier Scholarship Madalyn Kingery Dental Assist Indian Hills Marion County Savings Bank Crozier Scholarship Claire Fay Therapeutic Rec/Psych U of Iowa Dave and Susan Fridlington Family Lane Franck Music Theater/ Dance Roosevelt University Marilyn Murphy Memorial Crozier Scholarship Faith Hatch Secondary History Ed Wartburg Alice and Murry Applegate Family Jenna Prather Journalism Simpson Ralph Capitani Memorial Endowed Mattias and Blanche Wadle Education Bailey Caviness Accounting DMACC Don Cain Memorial Lauren Micetich Marketing/Int’l Bus. ISU Dewigans Family Endowed Carolyn Jones Scholarship Donna Cahill Psychology ISU Demars/Truesdale Family Hy Vee Scholarship Dalton Puffinbarger Electrician ABC Roger and Linda Brooks Endowed Colton Jones Engineering Central Weiler Endowed Scholarship Rebekah Brown Physics U of Iowa Anne Titus Bogensberger Scholarship Ethan Murra Actuarial Sci./Data Sci./Math U of Iowa Jamie and Susan Hollingshead Endowed Crozier Scholarship Cael Hollinrake Statistics U of Iowa Darrell Geery Scholarship Crozier Scholarship Emma DeJoode Exercise Sci. Central Marion County Savings Bank Madelynn Liston Nursing Luther Jennie Just Lightfoot Scholarship Partial Nursing Tuition Scholarship Anonymous Donor Dakota Watson Nursing Mercy College of Health Sciences Partial Nursing Tuition Scholarship Anonymous Donor Charlie VerMeer Advertising ISU Creative Landscaping Scholarship Anna McDonald Marketing/Graphic Design U of Iowa Dave Hoke Family Scholarship Trent Walraven Cybersecurity Engineering ISU Ralph Capitani Endowed Knoxville Police Department Scholarship Crozier Scholarship Savannah Neil Elementary Ed. Central Ty Fuerhof Endowed$600 Cade McDonald Data Sci./Math U of Iowa Froyen Family Scholarship Crozier Scholarship Maddilyn Graves Strategic Public Relations UNI Marion County Title Crozier Scholarship 4th Year ScholarshipsEach of these students will receive a Fourth-Year scholarship from the Foundation. Additional scholarships to be received are in bold type.
Kelsey Ryan Journlism Wartburg College Kathy Hardin Endowed Nathaniel Finarty electrician William Dean Bacus Endowed Bill Liike Scholarship Caleb Hall Heavy Machine operator Robert and Virginia Runnells Endowed Willis Family Scholarship Kendall Powell Financial Management University of Northern Iowa Gilliland Family Endowed Cunningham Financial Services Scholarship Tierney Heffron Economics: Finance and Environmental Science Simpson College Henry and Pat Roozeboom Endowed Alexandra Griggs Business Management with a Finance Emphasis Central College John England Endowed Alexander Buckley Chemical Engineering Iowa State University Lee Liike Endowed Crozier Scholarship Joseph Kesteloot Microbiology - Pre-med University of Iowa Husain Family Scholarship Paige Chrisman English Teaching University of Northern Iowa Jo Fuerhof Endowed Kitty and Bill Sheperd Endowed Taylor Wyss Dual degree program: B.S. Clinical and Applied Health Sciences and M.S. of Health Informatics and Analytics Drake University Alberta McMulin Endowed Molly Devin Nursing Des Moines Area Community College Partial Nursing Tuition Scholarship Anonymous Donor Samuel Wadle Math Education UNI Don and Jo Fuerhoff Endowed Laura Feldman Endowed David Hoke Scholarship Wynter Knowler Elementary Education Simpson College Sara Templeton Harvey Roetman Endowed Margo Wildung Scholarship Meggie Rockwood Elementary Education Simpson College Sara Templeton Harvey Roetman Endowed Jill Fuerhoff Endowed Crozier Scholarship Spencer DeJoode Conservation Management Upper Iowa University Emory and Darlene Risely Family Maxfield Eck Enterprise Leadership, B.A. The University of Iowa Bill and Angie Hardin Endowed Del Humeston Endowed Scholarship Kaitlyn Anderson New Media Digital Communications William Penn University Marion County Savings Bank Crozier Scholarship Colin Smith Electric ABC of Iowa Bill Liike Scholarship Mattias and Blanch Wadle Scholarship Mickayla McGill Agricultural Communications Iowa State University Kay and John Jensen Endowed Leon and Martha Langebartels Endowed Crozier Scholarship Alaina Gerdes Psychology and Criminal Justice a minor in data analytics Simpson College Clayton Harsin Endowed Neil Ramirez Business University of Northern Iowa Brian and Michaela Bigaouette Family Kaley Iddings Speech Language Pathology Saint Ambrose University Weiler Endowed Scholarship KPS Foundation Volunteer Service Scholarship Joseph Hollinrake Mechanical Engineering University of Iowa Weiler Endowed 19th Annual Awards Night Set for May 11th The 19th Annual Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation awards night will be held May 11th at the Knoxville Performing Arts Center beginning at 7PM.
The awards ceremony will be live streamed on You Tube at the following link: hhtps://youtu.be/y-UYUBQ-1xq The ceremony may be viewed following the event by searching Knoxville High School Scholarship Night on you tube. This year our Foundation will be providing the seventy-seven members of the graduating class who applied for a Foundation scholarship a total of $44,000 in financial aid. Since the Foundation was established in 2004, we will have awarded 1,481 KHS graduates a total of $919,000 in scholarship awards. In keeping with the stated goal of the Foundation, every student that has applied for a Foundation scholarship has been awarded one. Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation supports not only current graduates of Knoxville High School, but also provides financial aid for our graduates during their second, third and fourth year of post-secondary education. This year we will be providing financial aid to 74 KHS graduates from the graduating classes of 2019, 2020 and 2021 for a total award amount of $104,000. In our nineteen years as a Foundation, we have distributed $1,511,000 in scholarship awards to Knoxville High School graduates. Today, our Foundation and Crozier Trust accounts have risen to a total value of over one and a half million dollars. Our phenomenal growth is due to the exceptional generosity you have displayed as you continue to support the Foundation's goal to provide financial assistance to our Knoxville High School graduates as they pursue their dreams. Three New Matching Scholarships OfferedThree new scholarships are being offered by the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation. These scholarships will be funded going forward through matching contributions. The Excellence in Education Scholarship, the Coach John Carle Scholarship and the Panther Pride Class of 1971 Scholarship will be awarded as matching scholarships The initial contribution to establish these scholarships came as a result of a donation from Paul and Lori Husted of Great Falls, Montana. Paul is a member of the KHS graduating class of 1971.
The Excellence in Education Scholarship will recognize the influence our educators have had on the lives of students who have attended the Knoxville Community School District. If you would like to honor a teacher, or teachers, who have made an impact on your life. In order to encourage additional contributions, Paul and Lori Husted have pledged to match contributions to the scholarship up to $20,000. A contribution in any amount to recognize a current or former Knoxville educator will be matched by the Husted‘s. If you would like to honor a teacher, or teachers who have made an impact on your life, you can do so by making a contribution to this scholarship. Contributions will be placed in the Foundation’s Endowment Fund. Growth on those funds will provide financial assistance to future generations of Knoxville High School graduates as they pursue their post-secondary education dreams. Additionally, contributions to the Panther Pride Class of 1971 Scholarship or the Coach John Carle Scholarship will also be matched up to a total of $15,000 for each scholarship. All three scholarships will be offered to students attending a trade school, working on apprenticeships, pursuing an associate’s degree or a four-year college degree. KHS Class of 1971 Establishes a new Endowed Panther Pride Scholarship
The Knoxville High School Class of 1971 has begun a campaign to establish at least one and perhaps two Endowed Panther Pride Scholarships. Paul Husted, a member of the KHS Class of 1971 is hoping his class could establish two Endowed Panther Pride Scholarships from the Class of 1971. He has agreed to match any donations made in the name of the class of 1971 up to a total of $15,000.
Over the years, the Foundation has awarded 59 Panther Pride Scholarships to KHS graduates. The graduating classes of 1961,1966 and 1991 have already established Endowed Panther Pride Scholarships. These scholarships are funded through earnings on a one-time donation of $15,000 or by a series of donations totaling $15,000 or more made to our Endowment Fund. These donations allow us to offer these scholarships each year without any further contributions required. Members of the KHS Class of 1971 can donate toward their endowed scholarships by going to the Foundation home page at kpsfoundation.org. At the top of the home page, click on the donate tab. This will take you to a page where you can download a donation form that can be mailed in to the Foundation with your check. The donation form has a place for you to indicate you are making a donation in the name of the class of 1971. Also, on that same page there is a form for making an online donation using PayPal or a credit card. The Foundation encourages all KHS graduates interested in donating to their classes Panther Pride Scholarship by following the same instructions given above. Lee Ewoldt Memorial Scholarship
A new scholarship has been established by the Family of Lee Ewoldt. This scholarship will be offered annually through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation with preference to first year college students looking to get a jumpstart on their educational journey.
Lee was born on April 6, 1933, in Grand Island, Nebraska, the son of Cay and Eda (Springsguth) Ewoldt. Lee attended high school there, and following school, joined the United States Air Force. He served in Pusan, South Korea, and later Spain until his discharge. After his honorable service, Lee attended Nebraska State Teacher’s College and obtained his teaching degree. He taught High School Industrial Arts and Driver’s Education in Nebraska, before accepting a position at the Knoxville V. A. Hospital as an Education Therapist. Lee retired from the hospital as the Director of Voluntary Services, in 1993. Lee was blessed with three daughters, Cindy, Sandy, and Jeanie, whom all graduated from Knoxville High School. Lee was a faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and was active with the Iowa Easter Seals and N.A.R.F.E. He enjoyed sprint car races, hunting, and fishing and he is remembered by family and friends as generous and kind. Lee’s greatest enjoyment was his family. Education and financial planning has always been important to Lee and his Family. Lee was a proud resident of Knoxville, IA for the last 55+ years and would be honored to have this scholarship available to help students for years to come. Lee was the most humble man and we are proud to honor him locally through a fantastic foundation that has done so much for the Knoxville Community School District. The Family plans to continue this scholarship each year to assist a deserving Knoxville High School graduate. Henry and Patricia Roozeboom Family Scholarship (Photo: L-R – Jennifer, Henry, Dennis, Jeri, David, Patricia & Julia circa 1975)
A new endowed scholarship has been established by the Henry & Patricia Roozeboom Family. This new endowed scholarship will be offered annually through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation with preference given to Knoxville High School graduates entering their second, third, fourth year of college or graduate school in any field of study.
Henry & Patricia Roozeboom have lived in Knoxville for over 55 years. They raised 5 children in the Knoxville community, and all are graduates of Knoxville High School (Jeri 1975, David & Dennis 1977, Julia 1980, and Jennifer 1985). The Roozebooms were entrepreneurs, developing farmland into the Colonial Terrace Mobile Home Park on the east side of town. Colonial Terrace was owned/operated by the Roozeboom clan for over 50 years. The family has been blessed by the Knoxville community and wish to give back by supporting KHS graduates as they pursue their dreams through education. Bruce & Alice Roof Family Scholarship
A new named scholarship will be offered in 2022 by the family of Bruce and Alice Roof. This scholarship will be offered annually to a Knoxville High School graduate entering their third or fourth year of post-secondary education in a science related field or to a student pursuing a degree as an educator.
Applications for scholarships to be offered for the 2022 school year are now being accepted until the March 1st deadline under the Applications Tab at the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation website: kpsfoundation.org. Bruce and Alice Roof moved to Knoxville in 1969 where Bruce accepted the position as Assistant High School Principal from 1969 through 1997. Alice was a business education teacher for 2 years previous to moving to Knoxville. After starting their family, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom although she did do substitute teaching. Since retiring from his school position, Bruce has continued to sell real estate. Bruce and Alice have 2 sons, Mike and Joe, who graduated from Knoxville High School. Mike and his wife, Jill (Keister), were both graduates of Knoxville High School in 1983. Mike earned his B.S. and M.S. in microbiology, and his Ph. D. in immunobiology and Veterinary Microbiology, all from Iowa State University. He spent the next 22 years working in Ames for Boehringer lngelheim VetMedica as a microbiologist and later as Executive Director of Vaccine R&D. He recently retired from Bl and accepted the position of Chief Technology Officer at Iowa State University. Jill got her degree in Medical Technology from the University of Iowa. Since that time, she has worked for Mary Greely Medical Center in Ames. They have 2 children. Kayla graduated from UNI and continued her education at Iowa State University earning a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Kevin graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Joe was a graduate of Knoxville High School in 1987. He got his B.S. degree in Electricity/Electronics from Central Missouri State University. Since then, he has been employed at 3M in Valley, Nebraska. His wife, Dianne, has worked as a cosmetologist, and was formerly employed at 3M. They live in Fremont, Nebraska. They have 2 sons. Drake received his B.S. degree from the University of Nebraska. Since then, he has been working for 3M. Noah is finishing his sophomore year of college at University of Northwestern at St. Paul, Minnesota. Education has always been important to the Roof family. They have always believed that Knoxville has had an excellent school system. Anyone who graduates from Knoxville High School has a strong basic foundation and is qualified to go on to college, a trade school, or right into the job market, and be a success. Bruce and Alice have been very happy living in Knoxville for the past 52 years. They say Knoxville is a great place to live and raise a family. KITTY & BILL SHEPHERD FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
A new endowed scholarship has been established by the Kitty and Bill Shepherd Family. This new endowed scholarship will be offered annually through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation with preference given to Knoxville High School graduates entering their third or fourth year of post-secondary education in the field of education.
Kitty is a 1971 Knoxville High School graduate. Bill grew up in Illinois and is a Western Illinois University graduate. They were married and have always lived and raised their family in Knoxville. Kitty (Robinson) Shepherd worked and retired from the VA Child Care Center/Stepping Stones Early Learning Center after 27 years. Bill Shepherd worked as a Real Estate Broker and Appraiser, and from 1989-2005 served as a Marion County Supervisor. All four of their children graduated from Knoxville High School and Central College of Pella. Jill DeMoss '97 is teaching first grade at Knoxville’s West Elementary. Sarah Seney '98 is the Fairview Elementary School principal in Grinnell, Iowa. Laura Shepherd '06 is teaching first grade at Knoxville’s West Elementary. Timothy '11 is a professor at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. The family is very happy to help Knoxville High School graduates with their post-secondary education. PHOTO: (L-R) Jill DeMoss, Bill Shepherd, Kitty Shepherd, Timothy Shepherd, Sarah Seney, Laura Shepherd Robert and Virginia Runnells Memorial Scholarship
The Board of Directors of the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation are pleased to announce the establishment of a new endowed scholarship.
The Robert and Virginia Runnells Memorial Scholarship has been established by bequest in the Will of Robert Runnells. This endowed scholarship will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate entering their third or fourth year of post-secondary education. Additionally, special emphasis will be given to an applicant pursuing education in the various areas of construction trades. Robert and Virginia graduated from Harvey High School in 1940. Robert joined the Army on November 5, 1942 spending his entire service time in Italy during WWII. Robert was proud of his military service and was honorably discharged on November 5, 1945. Robert and Virginia were married on September 26, 1945. After Robert’s Army service, he and Virginia lived in Des Moines for a short time and then chose to make their permanent home in Knoxville. Their only child, Diana[CF1] Runnells Widga is a 1966 Knoxville High School graduate who earned her BA at Iowa State University and currently lives with her husband in Nebraska. Robert spent his career of over thirty years employed at the Knoxville VA Hospital. Virginia worked for many years at the Oehler Brothers Firestone Store before completing her career with State Farm Insurance. Robert had an interest in carpentry and put his skills to work over the years building five different homes for his family in Knoxville. He would finish one home and then after a few years he and Virginia would draw up plans for a new one that would have all of the design features they desired. While living in their current home, Robert would work evenings after work and on weekends constructing their new home, even doing the plumbing and electrical work. Square dancing and working out at the Knoxville Recreation Center were two of Robert and Virginia’s passions. Even at age ninety Robert could put five miles on a treadmill on a daily basis. Remembering the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation in your estate planning as Robert and Virginia did, is a wonderful way to help future generations of Knoxville High School graduates. Endowed scholarships like the one established by Robert and Virginia, are funded by a one time donation of $15,000 or by a series of donations totaling $15,000. No further contributions are required and a scholarship will be awarded every year to a Knoxville High School graduate. Roger and Linda Brooks Endowed Scholarship
A new endowed scholarship has been established by Roger and Linda Brooks. This new endowed scholarship will be offered annually through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation with preference given to Knoxville High School graduates entering their third or fourth year of post-secondary education in the fields of engineering, medical science or education. Additional consideration will be given to students entering a trade school or pursuing a career in an agriculture related field.
Roger is a 1962 Knoxville High School graduate. Linda grew up in North Carolina. They were married in 1983 and lived in Cedar Falls where Roger was employed as an engineer with John Deere and Linda established the Brooks Tax Service. Roger retired in 1999 after a thirty-three-year career with John Deere. In 2002 Linda and Roger returned to Knoxville where they currently live on the Brooks Family farm. Roger and Linda have been long term supporters of education. Linda is currently and active member of Knoxville’s PEO Chapter and Roger is on the Board of Directors of the Marion County Historical Society. The Brooks family has taken advantage of a tax-free transfer of funds from Roger’s IRA to fund this new scholarship. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018 made some significant changes in the U.S. tax code. One of the most significant for most Americans was an increase in the standard deduction for singles and married couples, $12,000 for singles and married filing separate and $24,000 for married couple filing jointly. As a result, unless your charitable donations exceed the standard deduction amount you are allowed, your charitable contributions no longer provide a tax break. For those of you who are required to take a minimum distribution from your IRA, making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a smart strategy that allows you to get a financial benefit from your charitable contributions and still take your full standard deduction. A QCD allows you to transfer as much as $100,000 annually from your IRA directly to a charity such as the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation. The amount you donate counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) and reduces the taxable amount of your IRA distribution. You lower your adjusted growth income and taxable income without reducing the amount of your standard deduction. Using a lump sum of $15,000 or a series of donations over a period of years that total $15,000 as qualified charitable distributions from your IRA is an excellent way to fund an endowed scholarship that will provide financial aid to Knoxville High School graduates for generations to come. Also, keep in mind that this strategy can be used to fund scholarships of smaller amounts as well. This article isn’t intended to give tax advice, however, if you believe this strategy might work for you, contact your tax advisor and contact the KPS Foundation for help we can give concerning setting up a contribution strategy for you and your family. Kay and John Jensen Endowed Scholarship
Seeing student’s complete projects and smile with their achievements has been Kay’s motivation for her educational career. Kay grew up on the family farm and orchard near Fredericksburg, Iowa, and followed a family tradition of several generations of educators with school and the Extension Service. She started with 4-H projects and demonstrations when she was ten years old. Kay’s Iowa State University degree in home economics, now known as Family and Consumer Sciences, started her Knoxville connection. She student taught with Alice Applegate in Knoxville. After three years at Monroe Junior-Senior High, she moved to Knoxville where she accepted the job in Knoxville High School.
Her students were active in Future Homemakers of America (FHA), later renamed Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) as a student leadership organization. “Mrs J” and the school suburban traveled to district, state, and national training sessions and conventions. Kay was also active in state-wide teacher groups with Family and Consumer Science teachers. In retirement, she continues to volunteer with groups promoting education and scholarships. Kay says, “Thank you to my fellow educators who encouraged me to help students build life skills.” Kay resides in Knoxville with her husband, John, who retired after a 44 year career in agricultural lending. Both she and John believe in education. With this endowed scholarship they hope to help future generations of Knoxville graduates with their post secondary education expenses. Two New Panther Pride Endowed Scholarships Established in 2020
Two new Panther Pride Endowed Scholarships have been established this year by the Knoxville High School Classes of 1966 and 1991.
The Class of 1966 began raising funds for their scholarship several years ago when the amount required to endow a scholarship was set at $10,000. The class’s fund-raising efforts exceeded that goal early this year. In 2017, The Foundation raised the requirement for funding an endowed scholarship to $15,000. No KHS Class has made an attempt to reach that goal until a group of dedicated members of the KHS Class of 1991 set a goal for the class to be the first class to endow a scholarship under the new guidelines. Classmates, Chad Cushman, Sean Mason, Pat Reeves and Kevin Stittsworth began an all-out push to get their goal of $15,000 achieved before the date of their 30th class reunion. In a mater of a couple months their goal was reached and exceeded and classmates from all over the country gave generously to provide financial help to future generations of Knoxville High School graduates. Endowed Scholarship donations are placed in the Foundations’ Endowment Fund. Earnings on those funds are used to provide a scholarship for a Knoxville High School graduate annually for perpetuity. No further donations are required. Each class offering a Panther Pride Scholarship may nominate a recipient for their scholarship. Typically, nominations include a son/daughter or granddaughter/grandson of a classmate. Scholarships may be awarded to a current graduate or to a student in their second, third or fourth year of post-secondary education. 
Matthias and Blanche Wadle Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is being funded by Mr. and Mrs. Maurice “Moe” Wadle in honor of Moe’s parents. It will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate attending a trade school or to a KHS graduate pursuing an Associate’s Degree from an Iowa Community College. The following profile has been provided by Moe.
Matthias J. Wadle (1910-1990) was the eldest of twelve children. He was born, and grew up, southwest of what is now Melcher-Dallas. He and his siblings walked, or rode in a buggy, to the rural Bauer Parochial School three miles from their home. After graduating from eighth grade, Mathias’s father kept him at home to help work the family farm. Dad always lamented that he had never been able to attend high school. As a young man he began his lifetime occupation of farming. He was always most comfortable living close to the land. Dad resided on the family farm until failing health required that he enter a care center soon after his wife Blanche passed away in 1977. My mother, Blanche E. Wachter (1909-1977) was the eldest of ten children. She was born on a farm near Milo, Iowa in SE Warren County. She attended the rural Rosemount Parochial School. After graduation from eighth grade, she attended St. Joseph's Academy Parochial High School and Junior College in Ottumwa, Iowa. She completed her formal education with an Associate Degree, and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa academic honor society. She taught at rural schools; first at Dunlap, Iowa and then in Warren County, not far from the home where she grew up. Her formal teaching career ended when she married, but she always fulfilled a teaching role with her children. She would often quote snippets from Longfellow poems, taught us correct pronunciation and helped identifying songs from birds she and her children enjoyed hearing on the farm where she and Mathias raised their eleven children. Matthias and Blanche were married in early 1935. As part of the “Greatest Generation”, they always worked incredibly hard to support their family, providing for both our physical and spiritual needs. Blanche was a full-time home maker all the years of her married life. After most of the children left home, she began doing child care stints for other families in their homes. Matthias and Blanche set a great example. They valued responsibility to God, to their family, to their community, and to their country. Moreover, education was deemed an important aspect of life. Each of their children graduated from Knoxville High School in the classes of 1954, '55, '57, '58, '60, '64, '65, '68, '70, '72, and '75. The Brian and Michaela Bigaouette Family Scholarship
Brian Bigaouette moved to Marion County in 1994 from Mankato, Minnesota, to accept a job with the US Army Corps of Engineers after receiving his degree in Natural Resources from Minnesota State. In 1999, Brian accepted a position as a sheriff’s deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. He will retire in January 2021 with the rank of lieutenant. Michaela Darland Bigaouette is a 1990 graduate of Knoxville High School. She received an Associate of Accounting and Financial Management degree from AIB and later a Bachelors of English degree from Simpson College,.Michaela currently serves as the Marion County Treasurer. Both children, Kieran Robuck and Quinlan Robuck, are alumni of Knoxville High School and benefited from the generous scholarship support provided by the Knoxville Scholarship Foundation.
Now that Kieran and Quinlan have successfully completed their college education, the Bigaouette family would like to offer financial support to future graduates of our community. Brian, Michaela, Kieran, and Quinlan have all pursued careers rooted in public service and are strong believers in community values. Therefore, this scholarship will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate entering either their third or fourth year of post-secondary education. Special emphasis will be given to a student that has demonstrated a solid work ethic and a history of community service. The Kevin and Jennifer Wadle Family Scholarship
The Kevin and Jennifer Wadle Family Scholarship has been offered for the past sixteen years through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation.
Kevin graduated from Knoxville High School in 1989 and Jennifer in 1991. “At the time, we never guessed that we would eventually choose our home town in which to raise our family” said Kevin. Life’s paths bring interesting and unexpected twists and turns and their path is no exception. In 1996, after just two and a half years in the CPA profession, Kevin acted on an opportunity to purchase a tax practice in Knoxville. At that time, Jennifer had been applying to Des Moines University’s physician assistant program but had not yet been accepted. She took a position as a nursing assistant at Mater Clinic, now Knoxville Hospital & Clinics. Fortunately, she was graced with three recommendation letters from providers at Mater Clinic and was accepted to DMU’s physician assistant program in June of 1998. Learning quickly that small towns rely on the support systems within the community to survive, Kevin and Jennifer have attempted to support as many community causes as possible. They recall the generosity of the KHS scholarship programs from their high school days, so supporting an organization like the KPS Foundation was nearly automatic. For the past sixteen years the Wadle family has provided a scholarship to a graduating senior from Knoxville High School. They have found that following the education and career paths of their scholarship recipients has been especially rewarding. Kevin and Jennifer’s son, Alex, graduated from KHS in 2016 and Simpson College in 2019. He is now attending UNI in pursuit of a career in middle school math education. Son, Sam, graduated from KHS in 2019 and is also attending UNI where he is pursuing a degree in mathematics with the intent of teaching high school math. Daughter, Abby, is a junior at KHS with her sights set on attending Iowa State University focusing on an event management degree. Now that their children are older, Kevin and Jennifer are looking forward to continuing their strong support of the activities sponsored by the community they continue to call home. Kevin and Jennifer’s son, Alex, graduated from KHS in 2016 and Simpson College in 2019. He is now attending UNI in pursuit of a career in middle school math education. Son, Sam, graduated from KHS in 2019 and is also attending UNI where he is pursuing a degree in mathematics with the intent of teaching high school math. Daughter, Abby, is a junior at KHS with her sights set on attending Iowa State University focusing on an event management degree. 
Dr. Lisa Holst has been a proud supporter of the Knoxville Scholarship Foundation for the past sixteen years. She says, "My education in Knoxville was amazing. I was well prepared to launch my collegiate years at the University of Iowa and establish a career in dentistry."
Over her nearly 27 years of practicing dentistry in the Knoxville, Dr. Holst reports enjoying having Knoxville graduates as employees and treasures hosting current students through job shadowing and helping them practice interviewing skills. “These are students I have gotten to know by providing oral healthcare screenings and education over the years. To now have the opportunity to teach them and see their excitement has been very rewarding for me." One of her former scholarship recipients, Sydney Washington, a 2016 KHS graduate, is currently working in Dr. Holst's office of Dental Designs as a dental assistant trainee. Sydney graduated from Iowa State University in May 2020 and is in the process of interviewing for dental school. She hopes to be enrolled in the Fall of 2021 and pursue her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and follow in Dr. Holst’s footsteps. Sydney remarks, “As a child, sitting in Dr. Holst's chair at the office, I never thought I would have my name on the wall as an assistant and perhaps work with Dr. Holst in the future.as a dentist ." Dr. Holst responds " I am so excited to be able to assist her in her journey to pursue dentistry. The profession has blessed me over the years and I am thrilled to share my passion with a bright, enthusiastic Knoxville graduate.” Dr. Holst has provided scholarships to sixteen KHS graduates and looks forward to helping future graduates pursue their post-secondary dreams. Giving back to this community by providing financial help for our graduates is just one way Dr. Holst has found for giving back to her home town. Greg Witzman Memorial Scholarship
The Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation is announcing the establishment of a new Endowed Scholarship in memory of Greg Witzman.
This scholarship has been established by his family and will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate pursuing post-secondary education at a trade school or to a student pursuing an associate’s degree at a community college. Greg would have graduated with the Knoxville High School class of 1972 if his life had not been cut short by a tragic automobile accident that cost him and four of his friends their lives on October 31, 1970. It was often said that Greg never met a stranger. He was such a friendly outgoing young man who enjoyed part time employment with Darnell’s Service Station as well as helping deliver bread for the Lowenberg Bakery in Ottumwa. Greg’s family is endowing this scholarship in his memory to help future generations of Knoxville High School graduates. Knoxville York Rites Bodies Del Humeston Scholarship Del Humeston
A new Endowed Scholarship is being offered through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation as a result of a $15,000 donation made by the members of the three York Rights Bodies of Knoxville. The three Bodies, or organization levels, of Freemasonry have decided to disband as a result of declining membership.
Knoxville’s various York Bodies have been active in our community for over a hundred years. They were formed as fraternal organizations to offer companionship for its members and to provide community service to the citizens of Knoxville. By offering this scholarship, the membership believes that this is an especially meaningful way for them to help future generations of Knoxville High School graduates. The scholarship will be named The Knoxville York Rites Bodies Del Humeston Scholarship. Del Humeston has been at lifelong member and a past Grand Commander of the State of Iowa. Cal Ball, current Recorder/Treasurer, stated “Del”s leadership over the past sixty years can’t be over emphasized. Without his efforts our organizations would not have survived.” This new endowed scholarship will be offered annually to a Knoxville High School graduate entering either their third or fourth year of post-secondary education. Funds donated for an endowed scholarship are deposited in the Foundation’s Endowment Fund where earnings on the investment are used to fund a scholarship annually for perpetuity. Knoxville Veterinary Clinic Offers New Scholarship
 Pictured from left to right - Donna Flattery, CVT; Deb Dye, Michele Hughes, CVT; Nancy VanderVeer, Hunter McCullough, Dr. Stephanie Deneke, Abbie Aleff, Dr. Maggie Wilson, and Joslyn DeGoey
Dr. Wilson is holding Dennis, a wonderful cat currently available for adoption.
Dr. Maggie Wilson and husband Jeff Wilson, owners of Knoxville Veterinary Clinic are pleased to offer a new scholarship through the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a Knoxville High School graduate pursuing a post-secondary degree in a science related filed. A member of the Knoxville High School Class of 2001, Dr. Wilson received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Iowa State University in 2009. Dr. Wilson returned, with her husband Jeff, in May of 2018 to take over ownership of the Knoxville Veterinary Clinic. A fixture in the Knoxville area for over 40 years, this full-service small animal veterinary clinic takes pride in providing its clients and their pets with quality, compassionate veterinary care.
The Board of Directors of the Knoxville Panther Scholarship Foundation is thrilled to add this scholarship to the growing list of post-secondary financial aid, being offered through the Foundation, for Knoxville High School graduates. The Foundation currently provides scholarship help for all applicants for up to four years of post-secondary education. 
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 [email protected]. 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: [email protected] 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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