(5-23-25) To celebrate the 60th anniversary of their graduationfrom Marion Local High School, the Class of 1964 last year created a fund to support a scholarship to be awarded annually to a graduating senior. The inaugural award was presented at the May 8 awards ceremony to Justin Knouff, who will attend the Lake Campus of Wright State University.
The scholarship affirms the Class of ‘64’s belief that providing access to broad-based higher education forMLHS graduates is one strategy to enhance the quality of life and economic viability of the Marion Community, making it a magnet for future agricultural, manufacturing and business development. Contributions to date from members of the Class of 1964 ensure that the scholarship—initially valued at $1,000–will be awarded annually for the long term. The dollar amount of the scholarship will increase over time as contributions are received and the fund balance grows. The scholarship will be awarded each year to a graduating senior who will enroll in a post-secondary education program to pursue a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or a technical/professional/vocational certification. The recipient is chosen by an MLHS faculty committee.
Thomas Bills, chair of the 1964 Class Reunion Committee
“Justin meets and exceeds the criteria set for the scholarship. He is a scholar-athlete who earned enough Advanced Placement credits to start his college career as a sophomore. Justin has been on the honor rolland is a 4-year member of the state championship Flyers football team as well as the track team, where he set several school records. He embodies all the qualities we seek to support with this scholarship.”
Justin is the son of Jason and Jodi (Fleck) Knouff of St. Sebastian. Ms. Knouff described her son as a “hard worker who is also humble and low-key.” He held several jobs while pursuing his academic and athletic achievements. He also showed steers at county fairs.Justin will major in business at Wright State with the goal of starting his own business.
In launching the scholarship fund last year, 1964 alumni noted it is in keeping with their class motto, “Not Finished, Just Begun,” and is an expression of gratitude for the education they received at Marion Local as well as a means for helping today’s students begin their life journeys. It also represents a challenge to other MLHS classes to “step up to the plate” and initiate their own scholarships.
The 1964 Class Scholarship is administered by the Marion Community Scholarship Foundation. Funds are held and invested by the Mercer County Civic Foundation.
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Do you remember????
Marion Local Class of 1964….Sophomore Year 1961-62
Mercer County Outlook 