The FHS Alumni Association is pleased to announce that its 30th named scholarship honoring the 30-year teaching career of Tracie J. Weller (1985-2010) has been fully endowed by Malcolm R. Shrimplin, an FHS graduate. To be awarded this spring, the purpose of this scholarship is to encourage young women to further study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
"Ms. Weller cared very deeply about her students and was an inspiration to them both inside and outside the classroom for numerous reasons. Her dynamic teaching style made her a phenomenal educator", said Malcolm. "She was my inspiration for funding these series of four Women in STEM scholarships. I'm grateful for the excellent foundational education in both physics and chemistry that Ms. Weller provided to me before going to college. I encourage others who benefitted from Ms. Weller's tutelage, along with those who want to encourage women pursuing careers in STEM-related fields, to contribute to her scholarship."
Educational Background and Career
Tracie Weller earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in Comprehensive Science from The Ohio State University in 1980, first teaching at Northmor and East Knox High Schools before coming to Fredericktown, her hometown school, and her dream job in 1985.
At Fredericktown, Tracie excelled for 25 years as a science teacher, advisor, and coach. Tracie taught Unified Science, Physics, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and KAP Chemistry with passion and enthusiasm. Tracie's AP Chemistry students truly excelled in National testing achieving a full year of college credit at a rate 225% above the national average.
Athletic Coaching and Recognition
Tracie also coached basketball and volleyball with her 1988 volleyball team winning the MOC Championship. Tracie received numerous awards for her service including the Martha Holding Jennings Scholar Award, Excellence in Education Award, Business Advisory Council Most Influential Teacher, FHS National Honor Society Teacher of the Year, Knox County Walmart Teacher of the Year, and the National Honor Society Honorary Teacher Award.
Teaching Philosophy and Legacy
When asked what motivated her success, Tracie said, "It was always about the students. I measured my success on their success, when their dreams are fulfilled, my dreams are fulfilled. My students worked hard, had fun learning, did their best and accomplished so much. I am proud of every student and so many of them are working terrific jobs and making the world a better place. I feel very honored to have my name on one of the FHS Alumni WOMEN in STEM scholarships sponsored by one of my most accomplished students".
Scholarship Sponsor
Malcolm graduated at the top of his class at FHS in 1988 and earned a BSBA with a specialization in Operations Research, cum laude from Bowling Green State University in 1992. He also holds a master's degree from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Management Science. Malcolm and his husband, David, reside in Scottsdale, AZ. His current employer, Applied Materials, has provided matching funds for this series of scholarships via its Employee Giving Program.
Women in STEM Scholarship Series
With the funding of this fourth scholarship in a series, a four-year Women in STEM scholarship will now be awarded to a graduating female senior every year in perpetuity. The first three Women in STEM scholarships, the "Rachel A. Gregg Women in STEM Scholarship", the "Ruth E. Auker Women in STEM Scholarship" and the "Cathy Zagula Women in STEM Scholarship", were awarded in the spring of 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
How to Donate
Tax-deductible donations to the Tracie J. Weller Women in STEM Scholarship may be made as follows:
- Write a check payable to "FHS ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP FUND"
- Note "FHS Weller STEM" 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 note "FHS Weller STEM"
Scholarship Purpose
This scholarship specifically encourages young women to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), continuing Tracie Weller's legacy of inspiring students to excel in these critical fields.