The Fredericktown High School Alumni Scholarship Fund continues to make a significant impact on the lives of local students, helping them pursue higher education with financial assistance.
Launched in 1993, the initiative known as “Freddies Helping Freddies” has grown into a $1.2 million endowment.
To date, the fund has awarded $203,700 in educational funding to 113 Fredericktown High School alumni, with continued growth driven by the Fredericktown community and alumni.
Roger Davis, chair of the scholarship fund’s fundraising committee and a 1961 graduate of Fredericktown High School, has played a key role in the fund’s success.
“Next year, we’ll be awarding 36 scholarships, either new or renewed,” Davis told the Mount Vernon News. “These scholarships can be for one year, two years, or up to four years. Our average award is about $1,000 a year, though some can go as high as $3,000, and the lowest is $500.”
Davis explained that the scholarships are endowed funds, meaning that donations are made in perpetuity, and only the growth of the principal is used to fund scholarships.
“We need to come up with a minimum of $10,000, and that would fund a $500 scholarship,” he said.
Donations are often made in honor of individuals connected to the school or community, with the names of donors and honorees prominently recognized.
Davis, now 81, spoke about how the scholarship fund has become a way for alumni, many of whom have moved far from Fredericktown, to give back.
“We celebrate every dollar someone donates,” he said. “People from Fredericktown have always been doing great things and a lot of the donors are like me, people who haven’t lived there since they were 17 or 18 years old. But once you go out into the world and get some life experience, you realize how lucky you were to grow up in a place like Fredericktown.”
“The town really cares about its kids, it cares about education, and it’s a place where everyone knows everyone. That’s why alumni want to pay it forward. They want to make sure the next generation of Freddies has the same opportunities.”
Davis also highlighted the contribution from Karen Buchwald Wright, the president and CEO of Ariel Corporation. Wright donated $208,118 in matching funds to encourage more donations from the community.
“When people find out there’s a way to pay it forward in their hometown or to honor a teacher or a parent, they’re eager to get involved,” Davis explained.
The Fredericktown High School Alumni Scholarship Fund is managed by the Knox County Foundation, which handles all fiduciary responsibilities, ensuring that every donation is properly accounted for and used to benefit students.
In 2024, the fund introduced several new named scholarships, including those honoring local figures such as Lori Ackerman and Dr. David L. Dalrymple. A record $38,700 in scholarships were awarded in 2024, and Davis is optimistic about the future of the fund.
“We don’t put any limits on what we can or can’t do,” he said. “We just want to do more and larger scholarships every year. Fredericktown has always believed in the power of education, and we’re here to make sure that legacy continues.”
Those interested in donating can contact Davis at rfdavis12@hotmail.com or by phone at (727) 580-0740.
