Congratulations, 2025 Scholarship Recipients!

USD 250 Foundation Medallion Scholarships $750 - $1200

The Foundation has recognized the accomplishments and efforts of students in Pittsburg Community Schools by awarding academic scholarships based on grades, activities, community involvement, ACT scores, and career goals. Contributions by individuals and businesses make these scholarships possible.

                                                                                                                                                            

USD 250 Foundation Technical Scholarship $500

The Technical Scholarship is awarded to a student who pursues a career in Welding, Carpentry, Auto Tech, Culinary Sciences and other technical fields. It is based on GPA, career goals, and community involvement.

 

USD 250 Foundation Night of Dragons Scholarship $1000 Four year renewable

Funded by our annual Night of Dragons event, this annual scholarship will be renewed for four years if the student maintains a > 3.0 GPA while taking >12 credit hr/semester. Selection is based on grades, ACT score, financial need, community service, and career goals.

 

Class of 1943 Scholarship—$500 - $1,000

Many male students in this class were drafted into WWII at age 18 before their high school graduation. Members of this class attended reunions together for over 70 years. They established this scholarship in 2009 at their 65th class reunion.

 

Class of 1956 Scholarship—$500

This scholarship is dedicated to the classmates lost but have not forgotten, as well as teachers, coaches, families and everyone who helped along the way.   

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Class of 1967 Scholarship—$750

The Class of 1967 celebrated its 50th reunion by establishing a permanent scholarship as their way of rewarding PHS students who would like to continue their education.

 

Class of 1968 Scholarship—$750

At its 50th class reunion in 2018, the Class of 1968 decided to give back to the school system that gave them a great education. Thanks to generous classmates, it continues.

 

Class of 1974 Scholarship $500

The Class of 1974 established this scholarship to recognize outstanding seniors for their desire to pursue their education, for involvement in school activities, and serving others through community service.

 

Class of 1978 Scholarship -  2 year renewable $1000

The Class of 1978 has been supportive the of district in many ways over the years. A new 2 year renewable scholarship was established this year. Scholarship is renewed for the sophomore year if college GPA is above 3.0.

 

Adam Newbery Memorial Scholarship—$250

Adam Newbery (Class of 2002) was an outstanding athlete in football and track. He played football at Coffeyville Community College and PSU, where he was a member of the Gorillas' national runner-up team in 2004. Adam died on Dec. 30, 2006, in a car accident.The Adam Newbery Award was established in 2008 to recognize an outstanding track and football athlete at PHS. The student is chosen by coaches.

               

Altricia Misse Memorial Scholarship—$500

Altricia Misse taught 1st grade and was a reading specialist at Nettels Elementary. She took great pride in teaching first graders how to read, and brought community members into her room to help lead reading groups. This scholarship was established to recognize students who attended Pittsburg public schools.

 

Babs and Susie Tims Scholarship—$500

Sisters Babs and Susie Tims are former educators who spent their entire teaching careers at Lakeside Elementary. They take great pride in being educated in USD 250. They continued their education at PSU, earning degrees in education. Both have been recognized as Kansas Master Teachers. They were honored to touch the future each day through their students and have taken great pride in their success.

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Brandon Leroy Smith Leadership Award- Memorial Scholarships—$250 each

Brandon Smith (Class of 2012) was a 4.0 honor roll student, senior class president, member of the National Honor Society, photographer for the yearbook and Booster Redux, 2011 SEK tennis doubles champion and 2012 SEK tennis singles champion, and team captain of the Dragons football team. After attending University of Kansas for two years to follow his passion of photojournalism, he transferred to PSU to pursue a degree in Construction Management. He died on Dec. 25, 2016, in a car accident. Brandon is remembered for his generous spirit, quest for adventure, and love of family and friends. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding athletes, with preference to students interested in media.

 

Caiden Barber Memorial Scholarship - $1000

Caiden Barber (Class of 2022) was known for his talents in athletics. While he was involved in football, track, powerlifting, and wrestling, he took great pride in taking concurrent courses for college credit. This scholarship is given to a student athlete who participated in football, track and/or wrestling and who reflects the personality of the former Dragon running back: talented but humble, soft spoken and respectful, kind, someone who roots for the underdog, and a hard worker academically and athletically.

 

Coach Larry Garman Legacy Scholarship - $1000

During Coach Garman’s tenure as head football coach at PHS (1965-1999), he amassed a record of 255-84-5. Many of his players went on to play college football, some making it to the NFL. He has been recognized by four Halls of Fame and continues to support PHS and PSU football. He expected his teams to be more well prepared, in better condition, and more knowledgeable about anything they might face both on the field and in life. This scholarship is awarded to a student who played football at least 2 years at PHS and plans to attend PSU. The recipient is chosen by Coach Garman and his family.

 

Collinson Family Scholarship - $1000

The Collinson family has been a part of the community and education supporters for many years. Both daughters graduated from PHS, where they were involved in extracurricular activities. This scholarship was established in 2022 to help a student achieve their goal of attending college and later give back to their community.

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Dave Turnbull Girl’s Athletic Memorial Scholarship—$1000 Four year renewable

Before his death in September 2023, longtime teacher and coach Dave Turnbull and his family established this scholarship to support young athletes who have participated in girls high school sports for multiple years while maintaining excellence in the classroom. Preference is given to athletes planning to attend PSU or a vocational program.

 

Derek Brumbaugh Memorial Scholarships—$500

Established in 2016 in memory of Derek Curtis Brumbaugh, this is given to students who participated in at least one of the activities that he loved. He was a member of the PHS Theater Department, sang in both Encore and Multigenerational Choir, and was a pitcher on the Dragon Baseball Team. As a member of the PHS Journalism Department, he won third place in the National Scholastic Press Association’s Photo of the Year contest in 2015 and first place in the Kansas Scholastic Press Association’s Sports Photography contest in 2016.

 

Dragon Mentor Scholarship—$500

The intent of the Dragon Mentor Program is to make a difference in the life of a young person through mentoring. Dick Webb was impacted by many mentors and appreciated their taking time to help him. He wanted all people, but especially those in need of direction, to have the best chance in life. Eligible for this scholarship are seniors who participated in the Dragon Mentor Program as mentors.

 

Elliott Family Scholarship—$500

The Elliott family has been a part of the Pittsburg community for more than 40 years, with two generations graduating from Pittsburg schools. The family believes in the value of strong academic commitment along with participation in extracurricular activities, and community service. The family hopes that this scholarship will continue that legacy and help many outstanding young men and women pursue the goal of continuing their education.

 

Fine Arts Summer Camp Scholarships—$250

Ruth Courter grew up in Beloit, Kansas in the 1930s and enjoyed singing and playing the bass clarinet. She moved to Pittsburg to be closer to her daughter and grandkids who attended PHS. She established the Fine Arts Summer Camp Scholarship to allow students who are active in band, orchestra, theatre or dance to attend a summer camp and strengthen their talents.

 

Friends of the Performing Arts—$250

Friends of the Performing Arts was established in 2008 to support the growing performing arts programs. Membership includes parents, alumni, and community members. Funds are raised through membership dues and a variety of fundraising activities. One scholarship is awarded to a student who has focused on performance and one to a student who has focused on the technical aspects of theater.

 

Fred J. Galvani and Lorraine E. Galvani Memorial Scholarships — Full tuition scholarships for Freshman year of college

Sherryl G. Bills-Taylor’s parents, Fred J. Galvani and Lorraine E. Galvani, graduated from PHS in 1934. They owned and operated Red Giant Oil company — one of the largest producers of locomotive engine oil in North America. In 2023, Sherryl established full tuition scholarships honoring her parents. These scholarships are offered to students who attend Kansas schools and are pursuing post-secondary degrees in liberal arts, performing arts, or English in addition to civil engineering, agriculture, or a technical trade.

 

Greg Shaw Memorial Scholarship $750

Greg Shaw spent the last 13 years of his life teaching PHS students the art of making great theater. He lost his battle with glioblastoma on Dec 12, 2020. He leaves behind a legacy of producing 65 shows at PHS, achieving state and national awards, and the legacy of teaching students the values of discipline, personal growth, joy, and compassion. Many pursued higher education in the performing arts. Greg’s wife, Dr. Angela Shaw, and his daughters McKenna and Marley, award this scholarship to PHS thespians who show leadership during theater productions as a performer or technician.

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Jake Steven Fincher Memorial Art Scholarship—$1,000

Jake grew up in Pittsburg and earned a Master in Ceramics from PSU in 2009. He was a great artist, a friend, husband, father, son, brother, teacher, coach, musician, nature-lover, hiker, dancer, hat wearer, pet owner, bike rider, piano player, singer, songwriter. In his last position as activities director of the Baldwin, Kansas Care Center, he shared his infectious smile, love of life, art, and music with the residents, making every day a truly ARTRAGIOUS experience for them. This scholarship has been established by Verna Lou and Gary Smith to help a student further their education in an artistic field.

 

Joan E. and Steve Lewis Memorial Scholarship—$500

Joan E. (Sullivan) Lewis (Class of 1958) was a respected educator, teaching at Nettels Elementary and Westside Elementary. She ended her career as the principal of Frank Layden Elementary School in Frontenac. After the death of her husband, William L. Sullivan, she married Steve Lewis (Class of 1957), who spent his career in computer analysis. They both had a passion for learning. Joan’s sons pursued careers in the field of medicine. Her family established this scholarship to support the dreams of students intending to either pursue education or health care as a career.    

 

Kaleb Konek Memorial Soccer Memorial Scholarships  $500

Kaleb (Class of 2013) enjoyed karate, skating, camping, hunting, tennis, and PHS Marching Band. He decided to play soccer his senior year, thoroughly enjoying the game and his teammates. Kaleb was known to be a bit of prankster; he brightened the lives of those around him. His positive attitude always helped others through the toughest of times. He passed away in 2014 due to an accident. This scholarship was established by his parents to honor a student who shared Kaleb’s enthusiasm for life, love of soccer and the desire to follow their dreams.

 

Lee Nelson Memorial Scholarship – $1000

Lee Nelson taught and coached football, basketball, and track during his 30-year career with Pittsburg Community Schools. Lee passed away in 2006. His family hosts area events to honor him and to fund the Lee Nelson Foundation, which sponsors sports camps for area middle and high school students as well as college scholarships. High school seniors are chosen for these college scholarships, with preference given to athletes who participated in boys’ and girls’ basketball.

 

Marilyn F. Noble Education Memorial Scholarship—$500

Marilyn Noble began teaching in the Pittsburg Community School District in 1967 at Washington

Elementary and Nettels Elementary, retiring in 1989. She and her husband Bill also owned American Concrete. She loved teaching and wanted to help students pursuing elementary education as a career. This scholarship is given by her family in her memory.       

 

Megan Mallatt Leadership Award—$500 

Megan attended Pittsburg public schools and was a senior at the time of her death in 2004. She was a all-A student, president of NHS, vice president of Student Government, and president of Spanish Club. She was pom-pon team captain and varsity captain of the 2003 sub-state championship volleyball team. She had been involved in ballet, jazz, and tap dance since the age of 4. This academic scholarship was established in 2004 by her parents, Dr. Keith and Brenda Mallatt, to recognize student leaders who have been successful in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The Mallatts also award a Dance Squad and Volleyball Scholarship annually.

 

McQuade Family Scholarship—$500

Dianna Timi established this scholarship in honor of her parents, Bill and Wilma McQuade, and her brother, Bill. Long time residents of Pittsburg, they were active in the community and enjoyed watching the extracurricular activities of PHS students. This scholarship is intended to assist students who are attending a vocational school, preferably PSU or an area community college, with degrees in automotive, nursing, cosmetology, or any technology degree.  

 

Pepsi Cola of Pittsburg Scholarship—$500

The Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. in Pittsburg is the second oldest family-owned franchise in the state. Founded in 1919 by Louis Farabi, it has been an integral part of the Pittsburg community. Caleb Farabi, Louis’s grandson, established this scholarship in 2019 to continue the support of the Pittsburg community. Each year, it is awarded to two deserving college-bound students.

 

Ron’s Supermarket Scholarship - $500

Ron’s Supermarket has been in business for 48 years. The Rhodes family, all graduates of PHS, are committed to supporting students through employment and encouraging extracurricular activities. This scholarship is awarded based on a student’s grades, activities, career goals, community service, and financial need.

 

Roy Davis Memorial Scholarship—$1,000 (4 year renewable)

Roy Davis (Class of 1957) attended PSU but had to quit due to financial hardships. He was employed at the post office for 32 years. He wanted to make a difference in students’ lives by and helping them pay for college was the answer. In 2011, he donated a $100,000 endowment to the USD 250 Foundation that will help countless PHS students to achieve their goal of attending college. Roy passed away in 2016.

 

Susan Laushman Vocal Music Scholarship—$500

The members of the Pittsburg Multigenerational Chorus established this scholarship in recognition of the talent, direction, and inspiration that Susan Laushman, vocal instructor and an Outstanding Music Educator of the Year, has shared not only with her high school students, but with the entire community. She is delighted this scholarship will support the continued collegiate career of a PHS vocal student.

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Timmons Scholarship—$500

Bess Spiva Timmons was a generous community volunteer who lived in Pittsburg with her husband, Leroy and their three children, Bob, George and Judy. Years ago, Bess donated funds to Pittsburg High School to provide scholarships to deserving students for post-secondary education.

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Webb Memorial Scholarships - $500

Dick and Kaye Lynne both graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1956 and earned degrees from PSU. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary prior to his death in 2009. Dick and Kaye Lynne founded Watco Companies in 1983 with one industrial railcar switching operation in DeRidder, Louisiana. Watco now provides short line railroads and logistics services in 42 states, Canada, Mexico, and Australia, employing 5,000 team members. Watco continues to expand and improve by nurturing the family values of humility, fairness, and respect for others. The Webb family is committed to supporting the education of Pittsburg Community students by providing college scholarships to deserving students.

 

Wayne B. Yarcho Memorial Scholarship—$1,000

Al Yarcho established this scholarship in 2010 in memory of his father, Wayne B. Yarcho, whose grandfather was the postmaster in Pittsburg in the early 1900s. Wayne did not grow up in Pittsburg, but spent many summers here. While attending Salina High School, he was the Central Kansas Conference Mile Champion in 1934. He was the University of Nebraska 880-yard run record holder. At the University of Illinois, he held the school record for the mile. After college and WWII, he continued to run until he discovered race walking. He was a 6-time Ohio state race walking champion. He never lost his passion for track and field. He was inducted in the Dayton, Ohio Athletic Association’s Track Hall of Fame in 1988. This scholarship is given to a student on the PHS Track/Field team who shares that passion.

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