Slideshow: 2024 Scholarship Winners

USD 250 Foundation Medallion Scholarships $750 - $1200

The USD 250 Foundation has recognized the accomplishments and efforts of our young people in Pittsburg Community Schools by awarding post-secondary education scholarships totaling over $500,000 since 2005. The USD 250 Foundation provides academic scholarships to students based on their grades, activities, community involvement, ACT scores and career goals. It is through the contributions from individuals and companies that these scholarships are made possible.

                                                                                                                                                            

USD 250 Foundation Medallion Technical Scholarship  $500

The USD 250 Foundation Technical Scholarship is given 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

Established in 2022 through funding raised during the Night of Dragons event. This $1000 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

The members of this close-knit class had attended PHS reunions together for over 70 years.  This is a unique class because many of the male students were drafted into WWII at the age of 18 and could not finish their high school degree. They established this scholarship in 2009 at their 65th class reunion because they believe in the benefits of higher education for PHS graduates. Scholarships are based on grades, activities, career goals, and community service. Financial need considered.

 

Class of 1956 Scholarship—$500

This Scholarship is dedicated to the classmates we have lost but have not forgotten, as well as our teachers, coaches, families, and everyone else who helped us along the way.  We received a wonderful education, and we have accomplished a great deal.  Because of this, we decided as a group to “pay it forward” to express our thanks.  With the beginning of our endowed scholarship, we also hope to encourage all classes – past, present and future – to join us in this worthwhile endeavor.   

Go Dragons!!!!!! 

 

Class of 1967 Scholarship—$750

The Class of 1967 is celebrated its 50th reunion by establishing a permanent scholarship. This scholarship is the class’s way of rewarding PHS students who would like to continue their education. The success of the Class of 1967 is the direct result of its high school years.  This is its way of saying "thanks for the Memories.”   Scholarships are based on grades, activities, career goals, and community service. Financial need considered.

 

Class of 1968 Scholarship—$750

At our 50th class reunion, the Class of 1968 decided that we wanted to give back to the school system that gave us the great education and created a starting point for the rest of our lives.  At that reunion in September 2018, we began to establish a scholarship fund with the USD 250 Foundation.  Thanks to the generosity of many of our classmates we are proud to be able to make our first of many scholarships to deserving PHS seniors.  The Great Class of 1968 cares. Scholarships are based on grades, and career goals. Student plans to attend a Kansas public institution. Financial need considered.

 

Class of 1974 Scholarship- $500

The Class of 1974 has established this scholarship to recognize an outstanding senior for their desire to pursue their education while being involved in school activities. This student also realizes the importance of making our world a little better by serving others through community service. Scholarship is based on grade (Min GPA 3.0), and  extracurricular activities.

 

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 was a 2000 PHS graduate who participated in both football and track. He was a member of the

back-to-back state runners-up teams in 2000 and 2001, before playing at Coffeyville Community College. He then went to Pittsburg State, where he was a  member of the  Gorillas' national runner-up team in 2004. 

Adam passed away on  December 30, 2006 at the age of 22.  The scholarship was established in 2008 by

Adam's parents, John and Nancy Newbery. Recipients are nominated by the football and track coaches rather than through an application process.

               

Altricia Misse Memorial Scholarship—$500

Altricia Misse taught 1st grade and was a reading specialist for over 35 years. She spent the majority of her career in the same classroom at George Nettels Elementary. She took great pride in teaching first graders how to read, and she brought community members into her room to help lead reading groups. A free public education was very important to her and she wanted to provide the best possible education for each of her  students. Hopefully, the ability to read would create the foundation for a successful academic career. The scholarship was established to recognize and assist students who had spent a great deal of time in the Pittsburg public school system and would allow them to continue that education at a public institution.  This scholarship requires that the student attend a Kansas public institution. Preference goes to students who attended George Nettels Elementary School.

 

Babs and Susie Tims Scholarship—$500

Babs and Susie Tims are sisters, and outstanding educators, who have spent their entire teaching careers at Lakeside Elementary School. They take great pride in being educated in USD 250: both attended Lincoln Elementary, Roosevelt Jr High and graduated from Pittsburg High School. They continued their education at Pittsburg State University, both earning a BS Ed and MS Ed. Both Babs and Susie have been recognized as Kansas Master Teachers. They feel blessed and honored to touch the future each day through their students and take great pride in the success of those students. They consider it a privilege and an honor to support a young adult continuing his/her education through this scholarship. Preference given to students who plan to attend Pittsburg State University, majoring in elementary education.

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

Brandon Smith graduated from PHS in 2012, a 4.0 honor roll student.  He was 2012 Class President, member of the National Honor Society, and was the Yearbook and Booster Redux photographer. Brandon was the 2011 SEK Tennis Doubles Champion and 2012 SEK Tennis Singles Champion. He played Center/DE and was a team captain of the Pittsburg Dragons football team. Brandon attended the University of Kansas for 2 years to follow his passion of photojournalism. He later transferred to PSU to pursue a degree in Construction Management. He tragically passed away December 25, 2016, in a car accident. Brandon will long be remembered for his generous spirit, quest for adventure, and love of family and friends. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding athletes in tennis, football or basketball, with preference to students interested in media.

 

Caiden Barber Memorial Scholarship - $1000

This scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of Caiden Barber, who was a lifelong resident of Pittsburg and a 2022 Pittsburg High School graduate. Caiden was known for his talents in athletics and ability to strive for excellence. While he was involved in football, track, powerlifting, and wrestling, his love for sports began on the football field when he was three. Caiden was a letterman holder his sophomore through senior year of high school and took great pride in taking concurrent courses for college credit his junior and senior year. This scholarship is given to a student athlete who participated in at least one of the following activities: football, track or wrestling. The student athlete chosen for this scholarship is one who strives to reflect the personality of the former Dragon running back known to many by the name of “CB.” The nominated student athlete may be described as talented but humble, soft spoken and respectful, kind to others, someone who has been seen seeking the underdog and providing encouragement, the tone setter and one of the hardest workers both academically and athletically.

 

Coach Larry Garman Legacy Scholarship - $1000

During Coach Larry Garman’s tenure at Pittsburg High School (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 Hall of Fames and continues to support both PHS football and Pittsburg State University football to this day. When he coached at PHS, he expected his teams to be more well prepared, in better condition and knowledgeable about anything they might face both on the field and in life. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who played football at least 2 years at PHS and plans to attend Pittsburg State University.

 

Collinson Family Scholarship - $1000

The Collinson family has been a part of the Pittsburg community for many years and are strong supporters for education.  They have two daughters that graduated from Pittsburg High School and were involved in several extracurricular activities.  One daughter graduated from Pittsburg State University and the other from the University of Kansas.  Over the years, the entire family has given back to USD 250 and the community in many ways.  This scholarship was established in 2022 to help a student achieve their goal of attending college and later give back to their community.  Scholarship based on grades (Min 3.0), extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Student plans to attend Pittsburg State University or University of Kansas.

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

Dave graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1972 and later Pittsburg State University with a Bachelors and master’s in education. Dave taught 30 plus years as a math teacher at Pittsburg Middle School. Along with his teaching career, he had a very long and successful coaching career. He was a quiet leader in Pittsburg athletics, coaching both girls and boys in multiple sports. He is most known for coaching girls' basketball, golf, and softball. Before he passed away from cancer in September 2023, he 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 and are planning to attend PSU or a vocational program.

 

Derek Brumbaugh Memorial Scholarships—$500

This scholarship was established in 2016 in memory of Derek Curtis Brumbaugh who was a senior at Pittsburg High School at the time of his death. Derek excelled in academics, photojournalism, performing arts and athletics. This scholarship is given to a student who participated in at least one of the following activities that Derek loved being involved in: photojournalism, theater, vocal music and baseball. He was a member of the PHS Theater Department, performing in eight shows. As a member of the PHS Vocal Music Department he sang in both Encore and Multigenerational Choir for four years. Derek was a pitcher on the Dragon Baseball Team for three years. As a member of the PHS Journalism Department he was awarded third place in the National Scholastic Press Association’s Photo of the Year contest in 2015, as well as first place in the Kansas Scholastic Press Association’s Sports Photography contest in 2016. Scholarship will be awarded to a student who has participated in theater, vocal music, photojournalism and/or baseball.

 

Dick Webb Memorial Scholarships - $500

Dick Webb graduated as a proud member of the PHS Class of 1956 and began his 15-year participation in the Kansas National Guard. Dick and his wife, Kaye Lynne, both received degrees from PSU. He founded Watco Companies in 1983 with one location in DeRidder, LA, and all he had going for him was his excellent reputation and a sincere desire to make the company a success. By presenting this scholarship in his name, we encourage ALL young people NEVER to give on your dreams – they CAN and DO come true!

 

Dragon Mentor Scholarship—$500

The intent of Dragon Mentor Program is to “Make a Difference” in the life of a young person through mentoring. Dick Webb was the beneficiary of many mentors and role models and always appreciated their taking their time to help him. He wanted all people, but especially those in need of direction, to have the best chance in life. The Webb family presents this scholarship each year to select high school seniors who have participated in the Dragon Mentor Program at the high school.

 

Elliott Family Scholarship—$500

The Elliott family has been a part of the Pittsburg community for over 40 years, with two generations graduating from Pittsburg schools. Members of the family have always believed in strong academic commitment and participation in multiple extracurricular activities. Continued support of the District and Foundation as community members has also been an important part of the family tradition. The Elliott’s hope that this scholarship will continue that legacy and help many outstanding young men and women pursue the goal of continuing their education. Scholarship based on grades (Min 2.75), extracurricular activities and community involvement.

 

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 help Juniors and Seniors who are active in band, orchestra, theatre or creative arts 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 programs in theatre, vocal music, debate and forensics. Membership includes parents, alumni, and community members. Funds are raised through membership dues and traditional fund-raising activities. The scholarships are for students to pursue their performance and technical involvement in the arts.

 

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 which was one of the largest producers of locomotive engine oil in North America. Sherry has established (2) $25,000 tuition scholarships honoring her parents. The Lorraine E. Galvani Scholarship is offered to students who attend Kansas schools and are pursuing post-secondary degrees in history, literature, writing, sociology, psychology, mathematics or creative arts. Another tuition scholarship honoring Fred J. Galvani is offered to students pursuing degrees in civil engineering, agriculture, or a technical trade. Scholarship criteria are GPA between 2.2 – 3.5. Consideration will be given to character, desire to attend college, career goals and financial need.

 

Greg Shaw Memorial Scholarship $750

Greg Shaw spent 13 years teaching PHS students the art of making great theater. He lost his battle with glioblastoma on Dec 12, 2020. He leaves behind not only a legacy of helping produce an astounding 65 shows at PHS, achieving state and national awards, but the legacy of teaching our students the values of discipline, personal growth, joy, and compassion. Many of his graduates pursued higher education in the performing arts and related fields, of which he was very proud. Greg’s wife, Dr. Angela Shaw, and his daughters McKenna and Marley, award this scholarship to PHS Thespians who show leadership during theatre productions as a performer or technician.

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Jake Steven Fincher Memorial Art Scholarship—$1,000

Jake was born, raised, and educated in Pittsburg, KS completing a Master in Ceramics from Pittsburg State in 2009.  Jake was an artist. And a good one. Jake was a friend, a husband, a father, a son, brother, teacher, coach, musician. Jake was a nature-lover, hiker, dancer, hat-wearer, pet-owner, bike- rider, piano player, singer, songwriter.  He had a great smile. A great voice when he sang. Jake was spiritual. His light did shine In his last position as activities director of the Baldwin, KS Care Center, he shared his infectious smile and love of life with the residents, daily sharing art and music with them and making everyday a truly ARTRAGIOUS experience for them.  This scholarship has been established by Verna Lou and Gary Smith to assist a student to further their education in an artistic field.

 

Joan E. and Steve Lewis Memorial Scholarship—$500

Joan E. Lewis was a long time respected elementary educator. As a 1958 graduate of Pittsburg High School and a 1962 graduate of Kansas State College of Pittsburg, her early teaching career took her from Overland Park, Kansas to George E. Nettels Elementary School and Westside Elementary School.  She received her Master of Education Degree from PSU in 1986. After the death of her husband William L. Sullivan in 1984, she married Steve Lewis. Steve, a PHS graduate from the Class of 1957, spent his career in computer analysis with the federal government. They both had a passion for learning that they strived to pass on to the younger generation. Joan’s two sons, William and Brian Sullivan, 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.    

 

Ken Bishop Memorial Scholarship $600

Ken Bishop’s parents moved often. He attended four different high schools before graduating. He enlisted in the army and served two years in Germany. After being honorably discharged, he attended Pittsburg State University. Ken’s love of art and design led him to a successful career as a project engineer for several companies. After retirement in 2000, he devoted his time to designing homes and doing art projects which included serigraphs, watercolors, acrylics and 3-D miniature houses.His family is proud to present a scholarship in his honor to a PHS senior who is interested in pursuing an art degree or has an interest in design and engineering.

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Kaleb Konek Memorial Soccer Memorial Scholarships  $500

Kaleb graduated from Pittsburg High School in 2013. He enjoyed karate, skating, camping, hunting, tennis, and Marching Band. He decided to play soccer his senior year, thoroughly enjoying the game and his teammates. Kaleb Konek 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. Kaleb 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. Scholarships are given to students who played soccer in high school, one for girls soccer and one for boys soccer.

 

Lee Nelson Memorial Scholarship – (2) $1000

Lee Nelson taught and coached football, basketball, and track during his 30-year career with USD 250. 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 in addition to these college scholarships. High school seniors are chosen for college scholarships based on their financial need, 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 School. After the closing of Washington Elementary, Mrs. Noble began teaching third grade at George Nettels, retiring in 1989.  Mrs. Noble and her husband Bill also owned American Concrete in Pittsburg. Mrs. Noble truly loved teaching hoped to help make elementary education a reality for students wishing to pursue this career path. This scholarship is given to a student who attended George Nettels Elementary School and plans to attend a public institution in Kansas, preferable pursuing an elementary education major.   

 

Matthew Newbery Memorial Scholarship—$1000 4 year renewable

Matthew Newbery graduated from PHS in 1985. He attended PSU, graduating with a BA in Communications and a minor in coaching. Matt’s knowledge of sports and statistics was encyclopedic. His career was based around both passions, first as a sports writer, then a sports information director and most recently at KOAM as the publications specialist. We will miss his voice as the PA announcer for Dragon Football, Post 64 baseball and as a play-by-play announcer for many competitions across the 4 State region. Matt passed away November 2020 from complications of Covid-19. His mother, Linda, established this memorial scholarship to be awarded to a PHS student who shared his career goals in Communications.       

 

Megan Mallatt Leadership Award—$500 

Megan attended George Nettels Elementary School, and PCMS and was a senior at PHS at the time of her death in 2004.  She was an academic scholar on the  all-A honor roll.  She was president of National Honor Society, vice president of Student Government and president of Spanish Club.  She was pom-pon team captain, varsity captain and letter holder 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, Keith and Brenda Mallatt, to recognize student leaders who were 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. They were long time residents of Pittsburg, active in the community and enjoyed watching the extracurricular activities of PHS students. This scholarship is intended to assist students who are pursuing degrees in automotive, nursing, cosmetology or any technology degree, preferably at Pittsburg State University or an area community college.   

 

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 our Pittsburg community. Each year this scholarship will be awarded to two deserving college-bound PHS students.

 

Ron’s Supermarket Scholarship - $500

Ron’s Supermarket has been in business for 48 years in Pittsburg. The Rhodes family, all graduates of PHS, are committed to supporting Pittsburg High School students by offering employment and encouraging their 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 attended Pittsburg Community Schools, graduating from PHS in 1957. He attended Kansas State Teachers College (PSU) but had to quit due to financial hardships. He was employed at the post office in    southeast Kansas for 32 years. Roy wanted to make a difference in students’ lives by helping them attend college. To that end, in 2011 he generously donated a $100,000 endowment fund to the USD 250 Foundation that will enable countless PHS students to achieve their goal of attending college. Roy passed away in 2016. This scholarship is based on character, career goals and GPA. (min. 2.5 GPA). Student plans to attend Pittsburg State University or a vocational program.

 

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, PHS vocal instructor, has shared not only with her high school students, but with the entire community of Pittsburg. Susan received her Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from Friends University and her Master of Piano Performance from Pittsburg State University. She has been honored with numerous awards including Outstanding Music Educator of the Year. She is delighted this scholarship will support the continued collegiate career of a PHS Vocal student who has been a participant in District and/or State Choir and plans to enroll in a choral ensemble for their Freshman year at college.

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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.  Bess donated funds to Pittsburg High School to provide scholarships to deserving students for post secondary education. This scholarship is based on character, leadership, career goals and financial aid.

 

Wayne B. Yarcho Memorial Scholarship—$1,000

Al Yarcho established this scholarship in 2010 in memory of his father, Wayne B. Yarcho. Wayne’s      grandfather was the postmaster in Pittsburg in the early 1900’s. 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, also in 1934.  At the   University of Illinois he held the school record for the mile and was the key distance man on the team. After college and WWII he continued to run until he discovered race walking. He was a 6-time Ohio state race walking champion.  Throughout his life 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 a passion for track and the life lessons it teaches.