Pawhuska Educational Trust awards scholarships

More than $71,000 in scholarships were awarded to Pawhuska School System graduates and alumni during a recent meeting of the Pawhuska Educational Trust.

The funding is granted annually through the trust to assist Pawhuskans in furthering their education. Since its inception 43 years ago, the local Scholarship Fund has provided more than $650,000 in scholarship funding.

Pawhuska Public School Superintendent Dr. Landon Berry, longtime school counselor Chris Blackwood and PHS Athletic Director Bob Craig provided the educational trust board with assistance in selection of this year’s recipients.

The idea for organizing the educational foundation evolved from a 1971 meeting Dr. Dick Loy and C.G. Arnold held with 10 other Pawhuska businessmen. Purpose of the trust was to give financial help to Pawhuska school students.

Each year, only the accrued interest from foundation investments can be used for the scholarships. The principal of the trust cannot be spent, which thereby assures the continued existence of the foundation.

This year’s Carl and Virginia Short Scholarship was awarded to Tristen J. Moberly, whose selection followed consideration of 10 applications.

Pawhuska Educational Trust officers who were elected to serve for the coming year include: President, Charles Wadsworth; Secretary, Pam Carpenter; Treasurers, Gary Strahan and Jim Wilson, and Corresponding Secretary, Julia Wilson. Elected as foundation members were Bob Wilson, Lance Tolson, Mark Short and Strat Tolson.

The local Foundation will need continued donations in order to maintain its record for giving out the scholarships. Contributions, which are tax-deductible, should be sent to: Pam Carpenter, care of Citizens Bank of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 27, Pawhuska, OK 74056.

Following are the Class of 2014 seniors from Pawhuska High School who were awarded Pawhuska Educational Trust Scholarships: Sage Allen, Darion Anthony, Justin Barnes, Logan BigEagle, Whitney Cotton, Carlie Culver, Tyler Culver, Blake Cunningham, Dava Daylight, Katlyn Dingman, Zalin Edwards, Charlsey Frost, Chandler Helmer, Hanna Henley, Darian Lookout, Haley Malaske, Alexis Martin, Connor McNeil, Caleb Miller, Tristen Moberly, Kylar Moody, Mason Moody, Kendall Oller, Taylor Priest, Winter Slater, Kaytlyn Swan, Morgan Waddle, Jordyn Wahpekeche, Rachel White and Bryce Wilson.