The Fredericktown High School Alumni Association is pleased to announce their 34th fully endowed scholarship; the "Chris Fearn Well Scholarship" that will first be awarded to a 2025 FHS graduate.
This Scholarship will forever recognize Chris' lifetime of dedication to the Fredericktown Community as a teacher, leader, and tireless worker on a dizzying list of community activities while still managing to put her family first.
Teaching Career and Return to Fredericktown
After graduation from Ohio University and teaching school at Centerburg for four years, Chris returned to her hometown to raise her family and help preserve and grow the Fredericktown values that bind the community together and provide a solid foundation for multi-generational success that is a Fredericktown hallmark.
Chris served for 32 years as a reading teacher in the elementary school she attended.
Community Service and Leadership
Chris' community involvement includes:
- Founding member of the Knox County Breast Cancer Survivor Support Group
- Helps with Peace Meals at the Cornerstone Church preparing and distributing meals for hundreds of people every week
- Founding member of the FHS Hall of Honor and the "Freddies Helping Freddies" Scholarship Committees
- Serves on the Tourism Committee
- Distributes decorated Christmas Trees to every patient in Knox County with "Christmas at Heart"
The Fredericktown Tomato Show
Of all her community service, Chris may be best known for her work on the Fredericktown Tomato Show Board for 46 years, serving as the Chair for 11 years, heading up many committees, and pitching in on any small task like sweeping the streets and moving garbage cans. Chris was the Tomato Show Parade "Grand Marshall" in 2024, which is the top lifetime achievement award for Fredericktown community leadership.
A Life of Service and Resilience
Every Freddie knows that no job is too big or too small for Chris, she can lead it, teach it or do it; all with enthusiasm and a smile. The hallmarks of her efforts are supporting the well-being of others by nourishing bodies, lifting spirits, bringing commerce and enjoyment to her beloved Fredericktown.
Poignant to Chris' life are her personal battles with cancer for 24 years. Between and during treatments for breast, pancreatic and liver cancer she found the time to serve others; living a life of resilience, dedication and motivation to help others and give back to her community.
Family
Chris and her husband, Dick, have three daughters: Amy Krownapple, Whitney (Troy) Ansel and Ashley (Dr. Jake) Overholt, five grandsons, and three great-grandchildren. Chris is a role model in supporting their children, cheering them on, and encouraging them to do their best. This support continues for their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Community Support
A FHS classmate of Chris, Francie Lord Rodstrom, a Centerburg friend, Arlene Griffith, and others, lead this community effort that has raised ~$30,000 to date to endow this "Freddies Helping Freddies" Scholarship.
How to Donate
If you would like to recognize Chris, make a tax-deductible donation:
- Write a check payable to "FHS ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP FUND"
- Note "Chris Well Scholarship" on the memo line
- Mail to: The Knox County Foundation, P.O. Box 309, Mount Vernon, OH 43050-0309
- To donate online, click the "Donate" button on the FHS Alumni website at www.fredericktownalumni.org and provide the same information
Chris' Legacy
A lifetime of dedication to education, community service, and the well-being of others, all while facing personal health challenges with courage and continuing to serve with enthusiasm and a smile.