Current FCHS Alumni President Ryan Bloser posed for a picture with former President Linda Weller after he proclaimed the dedication of a scholarship from the Alumni Association in Weller's honor yesterday morning.

During a ceremony held in front of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students at Ford City High School yesterday morning, the Ford City High School Alumni Association honored its founder and past President, Linda Weller, by dedicating a scholarship in her name.

“It gives me great pleasure to recognize our success story, a fellow Ford City High School Alumni, whose vision and dedication breathed life into our association and allowed us to carry on our charitable mission,” said current FCHS Alumni Association President Ryan Bloser.

Bloser then read aloud a resolution from the FCHS Alumni Association Board.

“Whereas the mission of the Ford City High School Alumni Association is to preserve the ideals of community service, scholastic excellence, and family values, and whereas Linda Weller has embodied these ideals in her leadership of Ford City High School from its inception: We, the Board of Directors of the Ford City Alumni Association, unanimously direct that the Founders Scholarship now be called the Linda Weller Scholarship for Community Service to honor her achievements as past President of the Alumni Association.”

According to Bloser, during her time as the first President of the Alumni Association, Weller raised $15,000 in scholarship money to reward those graduating seniors who embody the ideals of FCHS Alumni and also raised money for Relay for Life, helped plan a basketball camp for community youth, and honored those who serve abroad in the armed services. She also played a large part in hosting a multiple-day all-class reunion for Ford City High School’s 100th Anniversary and helped to create an Alumni website which contains a Virtual Wall of Honor for all alumni who have served in our Nation’s military, hall of fame inductees, alumni news, scholarship information, and much more.

“Our success story understands that you don’t know where you’re truly going in life until you know where you’ve been,” said Bloser. “In this mindset, she petitioned the Armstrong School District Board of Directors to recognize two juggernauts in Ford City High School sports history, forever cementing their legacy. For years to come, it is our hope that students will play ball on the Hube Rupert Court and Don Mains Field.”

Also, State Representative Jeff Pyle recognized Weller with a Pennsylvania House of Representatives Citation, praising her leadership and dedication to the high school and community.

“It’s a great honor and I’m humbled that the association would recognize me,” remarked Weller. “I am glad that my service tot he association, the community, and the alumni helped so many people.” 

According to their brochure, the Ford City Alumni Association was created in 2001 by two alumni and graduates dating back to the class of 1929. It was their objective to bring alumni together, raise scholarship funds for students in need, and provide outreach to the community.

More information about the Alumni Association can be found at www.fordcityalumni.org. Residents interested in contacting the association can call Kathy Rashlich at 724-763-8322.

This article was extracted from http://www.thekittanningpaper.com and was written by Nathan Lasher of The Kittanning Paper.