PAY IT FORWARD SCHOLARSHIP by Dave Gynn

To celebrate PCRTA’s 50^th anniversary, we are beginning a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of good fortune by repaying it to others.  The phrase may have been coined by Lily Hardy Hammond in her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight.

Our scholarship program began several years ago when we awarded one modest $300 scholarship.  The program has grown, and this year we will award seven $1,500 scholarships. Funds have come from donations, memorials, proctoring and other projects.

Members are now urged to consider their good fortune to have retired from an honorable profession with some means to help future teachers through the PCRTA scholarship program. It is our hope this account will grow so we will always be in a position to continue the scholarship program.

PCRTA Scholarship is a 501c3 organization, and contributions qualify as IRS tax deductions. Contributors to the Pay it Forward Scholarship will be reported to the membership in these classes:  $1-$49, $50-$99, $100-$249, $250-$499, $500-$999, $1,000 and up.  Contributions should be made to PCRTA Scholarship and sent to Darlene Fetterhoff, 2417 Duck Pond Drive, Ravenna, OH 44266.

Great News About Scholarship Donations by Darlene Fetterhoff  02-01-2015

In July, a Streetsboro High School senior or a Ravenna High School senior will receive the first annual Nancy and Kenneth Bliss Scholarship. Recently, the Blisses generously contributed to our scholarship fund; thus, each year one student will be chosen alternating between Streetsboro and Ravenna high schools. Nancy taught 30 years and retired from Streetsboro schools in 1992; Kenneth taught 30 years, 25 of which were in Ravenna schools. He retired from Ravenna in 1993. The Blisses now live in Vermilion, but they keep Portage County in their hearts. We so appreciate their very generous donation that will support our scholarship program for many years.

Also in July, another full scholarship, the Ray and Doris Aeschliman Scholarship, will be awarded to a Portage County high school senior who will major in education. This has been sponsored in full by the Aeschlimans for one year. We thank them for giving so generously and also appreciate their support that helps with the ongoing success of our scholarship program.

Many thanks go to those of you who contributed throughout the year, either by paying directly to Dave Gynn or to me, or when you made luncheon reservations, or when you paid your membership dues. Of course, you may continue to make donations in any of these ways.

Also, the volunteer hours donated to NEOMED by our proctors are extremely important to our scholarship program. As a result of your efforts and dedication, as many as five scholarships can be funded. Kudos to all of you!

2015, perhaps, will be an even better year for scholarships? Remember, PCRTA Scholarship is a 501 c3 non-profit, charitable organization, which means all of your contributions are tax deductible.

Scholarships Given in Loving Memory of PCRTA Members

One way to express honor to a deceased person is through contributions to the PCRTA Future Teacher Scholarship Fund.  The Gene Newton Scholarship was created as a memorial to a former PCRTA president by his friends and colleagues.  Because Gene taught in Streetsboro, the winner of the scholarship is a Streetsboro student.  The interest from a significant donation from Mary and Wendell Stewart has added to the scholarship fund for several years.  Mary was a long-time Portage County teacher.

During the past year we lost several beloved members.  Contributions were made to the scholarship fund to honor Kenneth Cardinal, former superintendent of Kent City Schools; Barbara Geisy, who volunteered many hours proctoring students at NEOMED; and Hilda Rohlf, a long-term member of the PCRTA Executive Board.  Other donations are made to the scholarship fund by members when they renew their memberships, pay for luncheons, and support this important program through proctoring at NEOMED.

Scholarship Donations Are Needed

A long-term goal of PCRTA was reached recently when PCRTA Scholarship received a 501(c)3 designation from the IRS.  This permits donors to the fund to claim their contributions when they file income tax returns.

If you contribute an amount equal to a scholarship (currently $1,500), it will be presented in your name or the name of someone you name.  You may request that the scholarship be presented to a student from your school or someone who plans to major in your area of teaching.

You will receive a year-end statement for your taxes for any amount that you contribute.

If you contribute a larger amount, the donation will be invested and a scholarship will be presented in your name when the interest equals a scholarship amount.

Plan ahead.  Let your family know of your desire to leave an amount from your estate to the scholarship fund.  Write your request into your will.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP  02-01-2013

In July a scholarship will be dedicated to our deceased members who have had contributions made in their memories. Adele Fussner and Edith Scott in memory of member Les Bennett. Marylou Ritz, Jane Hostler, the Foldessy family and friends in memory of AliceFoldessy.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCHOLARSHIPS   02-01-2013

The Bica Family has donated $1,000 in memory of Teresa Bica. A separate scholarship will be given in her name.

SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND FORMED

Our Future Teacher Scholarship Program has grown from a single $300 scholarship to $7,000 in awards this year. The Board has taken steps to ensure the program will continue to grow by creating an endowment account. Funds earmarked for scholarships have been deposited in long-term investments with a higher yield than savings or CDs.

You can contribute to the endowment in a number of ways. Members often send additional money when they make luncheon reservations or contribute if they are unable to attend a PCRTA meeting. Memorials to deceased members provide scholarship funds. When the memorials equal the amount of a scholarship, the scholarship is presented in the name of the deceased. Leaving a portion of an estate through a will or naming PCRTA as a life insurance beneficiary can provide long-lasting memorial scholarships.

PCRTA members should share their thoughts and wishes with their family and consider including the PCRTA scholarship endowment in their plans.

February 2007 

PCRTA’s first scholarship was $100 granted in 1994.  The amount was increased to $200 in 1999, $300 in 2002, $500 in 2006, and to $1,000 in $2007.  Seventy future teachers have received PCRTA scholarships.  Money for books and expenses is helpful, but the recognition and support are significant to students planning to become teachers. We are one link in the future of these potential teachers.

Our scholarship fund is supported by contributions, memorials, and volunteer efforts.  Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy makes a significant contribution to the fund in appreciation for our members who volunteer to proctor tests.

Contributions are often made to the fund by members who see value in supporting these future teachers.  Some people add a little extra to their luncheon reservations designating the extra money to go to the scholarship fund.  Other members send direct donations.

Making a memorial contribution is a worthy way to leave a lasting tribute.

This year memorials have been made in the names of Mabelle Apley, Theresa Bica, Carol McGill, Betty Murray, and Virginia Patton. Money was also contributed to the scholarship fund from the estate of Mabelle Apley, a PCRTA member who retired from Kent City Schools.

Consider the PCRTA Future Teacher Scholarship Fund when you do your estate planning.  If an obituary requests that memorials be made to PCRTA, the notice should include the address of the current treasurer.  A card will be sent to acknowledge all memorial contributions.  Consult your financial planner or attorney to designate a portion of your estate for this worthy purpose.