Pillar I: Scholarships

The PSF Scholarship Program provides ten one-time grants primarily to PHS graduating seniors. Scholarship categories include traditional degree-granting institutions but also include career training or support. Since 1986, the PSF has invested in the lives of over 150 students. 

The following PSF Scholarships are offered. All are one-time, non-renewable awards, and are contingent upon successful (2.5 or higher GPA) completion of one semester of college work, where applicable. Two-party scholarship checks will be written to the student and the university/college.

#1. The Richard M. Werder Memorial Scholarship (#1 Werder Scholarship) was established by Mrs. Valetta Werder to honor the memory of her husband, Richard, and the attributes and values he possessed. The endowment was one of the first donations to the new PSF in 1986.

#2. The Bryant A. Weber Memorial Scholarship (#2 Weber Scholarship) was established in the will of Mrs. Leone C. Weber to honor the memory of Mr. Weber.  Mrs. Weber designated a specific percentage of her estate to the Pettisville School Foundation for the purposes of establishing a scholarship.  Mr. Weber was a generous donor to the PSF during his lifetime and the establishment of a scholarship is an appropriate way to remember him.

#3. The Golda N. Boyer Pettisville Teacher Association Scholarship (#3 Boyer Scholarship) was established by that organization to encourage PHS graduates to consider the teaching profession.  The scholarship was endowed by a generous donation by former PHS teacher Golda Boyer and was supplemented by faculty and staff.  Mrs. Boyer established the scholarship by donating a percentage of her earnings from publication in the early 1980s of the “Mean Jeans Manufacturing Company” practice set.  The teaching unit was published nationally by Southwestern Publishing and was set in the “mythical town” of Pettisville, Ohio.

#4. The Lawrence H. Schroeder Memorial Scholarship (#4 Schroeder Scholarship) was created by Mrs. Herma V. Schroeder in November of 1999 to encourage PHS graduates to further their education.  Mr. Schroeder was a member of the Pettisville Board of Education in the 1940’s and was a supporter of the value education had for each individual. Mrs. Schroeder was a former teacher, having taught in a one room school house, then in the “new” Pettisville School from 1932 to 1937 and then again in the 1940’s. Mrs. Schroeder donated a percentage of her estate to the PSF.

#5. The David E. Springer Memorial Scholarship (#5 Springer Scholarship) was endowed by his estate. Mr. Springer, who served as Pettisville superintendent from 1952 to 1959, endowed the scholarship to benefit to students planning to further their education, with a special emphasis on students with financial need.

#6. The Ruth K. Wyse Memorial Scholarship (#6 Wyse Scholarship) A scholarship commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Pettisville School Foundation has been renamed to honor the first PHS teacher, Miss Ruth K. Wyse, and her impactful career at PHS. Miss Wyse was a Pettisville icon, who taught Latin, French, English, and journalism for 43 years, retiring in 1972. She continued serving her school in 1986, when she became one of nine founding trustees of the Pettisville School Foundation, serving until 1992. This scholarship will take into consideration the financial need of the student, and is intended to further a student’s education, whether it be for an apprenticeship program, tech school program, 2-year or 4-year college.

#7. The PSF Career Scholarship (#7 PSF Career Scholarship) first offered to the PHS Class of 2021, is intended to benefit the graduate who desires to secure training for an occupation/skill in an area not traditionally supported by institutions of higher education. The initial scholarship will be in the range of $1,000 and will be awarded annually to a graduating senior who is continuing his/her education by pursuing a trade or career that requires additional (non-college) training beyond high school. This scholarship could support an internship, an apprenticeship, or classes to learn a new skill or trade. This grant will be paid directly to the training entity or reimbursed to the participant.  Candidates with financial need may include that need to support both the award of the scholarship or a request for additional funds. Not subject to GPA requirement.

#8. The Pettisville Grain Company Scholarship (#8 PGC Scholarship) first offered to the PHS Class of 2021, is designed to help a PHS graduate to secure training or college credit in an agriculture related field.  The initial scholarship will be for $1,250 and will be awarded annually to a graduate with a preference (although not limited to) for students who plan continuing their education by pursuing a two or four-year degree in an ag related field or securing skills in an agricultural related field. If there are no applicants in the ag area, this scholarship can be awarded to any applicant as chosen by the scholarship committee.

#9. The Grieser Transportation Scholarship (#9 Grieser Scholarship) sponsors career scholarships in two areas. One area focuses on individuals being trained in the diesel mechanical field and a second focuses on assisting individuals who are seeking their CDL (Commercial Drivers’ License).  Applicants may focus on either area. The amount of the scholarship is $1,000. The scholarship was first offered during the 2021 school year and is offered annually.

#10. The Lieutenant General Jeff Kruse Leadership Award/Scholarship (#10 Kruse Leadership Award) is funded by Lt Gen Jeff and his wife, Dr. Susie Kruse, as their tribute and thank you to Pettisville Schools and the Pettisville community, and a mark of faith and investment in today's youth that they too are committed to serving and advancing a greater purpose beyond themselves.  

The recipient each year will be a senior who has demonstrated leadership across a range of academic, athletic, church and/or community activities, and is poised to embark on a lifetime of selfless service to the community and world around them.

The award which, was first offered in 2023, has been increased to $2,000 and is payable by a scholarship or stipend; recipient’s choice. (Stipends are taxable; scholarships are not) Applicants may apply or be nominated by others. The recipient will be a senior selected by a committee chaired by the high school principal. Individuals may apply or be nominated by a fellow student or staff member.

2023 Senior Scholarship Winners

Pettisville School Foundation Scholarships
Werder Scholarship: Ellie Grieser, $1,000
Boyer PTA Scholarship: Kate Roth, $1,000
Weber Scholarship: Luke VanDenBerghe, $1,000
Schroeder Scholarship: Zachary McWatters, $1,250
Springer Scholarship: Sean Adkins, $1,500
Ruth K. Wyse Scholarship: Elise Hoylman, $1,250
P S F Career Scholarship: Kelly Wyse, $1,000
Pettisville Grain Company Scholarship: Leah Beck, $1,250
Lt General Jeff Kruse Leadership Award / Scholarship: Leah Beck, $1,500

2021 Senior Scholarship Winners

Pettisville School Foundation Scholarships
Bryant A. Weber Memorial Scholarship:  Thomas McWatters
David E. Springer Memorial Scholarship:  Kaylee Grimm
Richard M. Werder Memorial Scholarship:  Levi Myers
Lawrence H. Schroeder Memorial Scholarship:  Elise Hartzler
Pettisville Teachers Association (Boyer) Scholarship:  Sydnie Adkins
Pettisville School Foundation 30th Anniversary Award:  Joshua Horning
Pettisville School Foundation Career Scholarship:  Ellie Wixom
Pettisville School Foundation Pettisville Grain Scholarship:  Andrew Hulbert
Pettisville School Foundation Grieser Transportation Diesel Mechanics Scholarship: Blake Eyer