Alex Powderly was a fun loving Junior at Cape Central high school when he was stricken with a rare form of cancer in his spine. This cancer paralyzed Alex in a matter of days from his diagnosis and we lost Alex 9 months later on September 26, 2021. Alex loved everything about Cape Central. When he was younger he would say “I wanna be a Tiger like you were Dad”. Alex was more than just a Tiger, as his vibrant personality and huge smile will never be forgotten throughout the halls of Cape Central. He was a friend to all and loved everyone! The Alex T. Powderly Scholarship will be award to a student chosen by a committee.
Scholarships
Alex T. Powderly Scholarship
Amelia Harris Fisher Memorial Endowment Fund
Amelia was a junior at Woodland High School, where she was a member of the pep club. She was also a member of Centenary Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. This scholarship is used to help cover exam costs for out of school youth or adults wanting to earn a Missouri high school equivalency certificate.
Bill Ewing Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
Bill Ewing had a remarkable career as both a music teacher and musician at Cape Central High School. His passion for music was evident in the way he taught and inspired countless students throughout his tenure. As a dedicated educator, Bill nurtured a love for music in his students, guiding them to reach their full potential in the classroom and during performances. In addition to teaching, he was an accomplished musician, known for his talent and involvement in the local music scene. His ability to connect with students through music made him a beloved teacher and mentor, leaving a lasting impact on Cape Central High School's music program and the broader community. This scholarship will be awarded to a student majoring in Music Education and graduating from CHS.
Coach Bob Sink Memorial Scholarship
Bob had a master's degree in industrial technology. Through teaching, coaching and refereeing, he touched the lives of thousands of students in Jackson, Cape Girardeau and throughout Southeast Missouri. This scholarship is awarded to a male athlete chosen by a committee from the Athletic Department and Sink Family.
Coach Dick Wadlington Athletic Scholarship Endowment Fund
Dick grew up in Cape Girardeau, graduating from Cape Central High School in 1963 and Southeast Missouri State University in 1967. After college, he began his teaching and coaching career at Charleston High School before serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, where he was honorably discharged. Upon returning to Cape Girardeau, he earned his master’s degree from Southeast Missouri State and embarked on a 30-year career at Cape Central High School as a teacher and coach. He coached golf from 1976 to 2003 and served as head basketball coach from 1980 to 1990, retiring from teaching in 2004. This scholarship is offered to a CHS graduate who played on an athletic sports team.
Coach Jean L. Estes Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors Coach Jean L. Estes' legacy by supporting a hardworking senior, male or female, who demonstrates the same commitment to education, perseverance, and strong values that he instilled in his students, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their education and build a successful future. Coach Estes dedicated 33 years to teaching and coaching, 31 of which were at CJHS, shaping the lives of many young people. A 1947 graduate of Cape Central High School, he served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict before earning his bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State College and a master’s from the University of Missouri. Coach Estes led teams in football, track, and most notably basketball becoming a role model and mentor known for his values of hard work, honesty, and integrity. He encouraged lifelong learning and retired in 1985, leaving a lasting positive impact on everyone who experienced his teachings.
Coach Terry W. Kitchen Endowed Scholarship
Coach Kitchen was a coach, teacher and administrator for more than 40 years and was employed at Cape Girardeau Public Schools for nearly his entire tenure. He was still performing in the role of junior high athletic director upon his passing. Retirement did not suit him. Terry graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1970. While a student, he was awarded the title of "Mr. CHS" and lettered in football, basketball and baseball. As a senior football player, he was named Outstanding Lineman of the Year for the Southeast Missouri North Conference, placed on the 4A All-State team as a defensive specialist and was Cape Central's second all-state football player. The following spring he was Honorable Mention All-State in baseball. Finally, he was honored with the Lou Muegge Award, given to the senior athlete who best exemplifies outstanding traits on and off the field. Awarded to a male athlete chosen by a committee comprised of the Athletic Department and Kitchen Family.
Darla Pannier Endowed Scholarship
During Darla's high school career at Cape Central, she was all-everything. Darla was named first-team all-state twice and second-team once and was recruited by many NCAA Division I schools. After graduating in 1988 she eventually attended Central Methodist College where she scored the second most points in the nation as a freshman. Darla's memory lives on in this scholarship as it is awarded to a female athlete chosen by a committee comprised of the Athletic Department and Pannier Family.
Elisabeth Bahn Reese Scholarship
A music scholarship for a Cape Central High School senior who shows promise and excellence in music to honor Elisabeth Bahn Reese. Her husband, William G. Reese, M.D., and their children initiated this award.
General Seth J. McKee Leadership Scholarship
General Seth J. McKee graduated from the Cape Girardeau High School in 1934 before marking on an impressive and heroic military career in the United States Air Force. After joining the Missouri National Guard in 1935, he went on to become an Aviation Cadet in the United States Army Air Corps, completing flight school in 1939 and leading him to a successful full career in military aviation. General McKee passed away at the age of 100 in 2016, but his lessons in leadership, service, and honor, will serve as a model for successive generations of leaders to come. This is a $1000 to $1,500 scholarship for a deserving AFJROTC cadet who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, responsibility, and initiative for success.
Dr. Jon Johnson M.D. Memorial Endowment Fund
The Dr. Jon Johnson, M.D. Memorial Fund honors the remarkable legacy of Dr. Johnson, a 1975 Cape Central graduate, Salutatorian, and recipient of a 12-year perfect attendance award. A dedicated student-athlete, he excelled in football, basketball, and track while maintaining outstanding academic performance, embodying leadership, perseverance, and excellence in all he pursued. This annual donation will provide ongoing support for student growth, education, and athletics, creating lasting opportunities for future generations to succeed. We are deeply grateful to his brother, Joseph, for this meaningful contribution that continues Dr. Johnson’s lasting and inspiring impact.
Karen East Altenthal Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is awarded to a student selected by a committee who will be pursuing a Family and Consumer Science degree in their higher education journey. Karen East Altenthal, born June 20, 1958, graduated from Cape Central High School in 1976 and earned a teaching degree at Southeast Missouri State Univeristy with an outstanding 3.9 GPA. She taught Family and Consumer Science at CHS for 20 years before retiring in 2017. She passed away on December 18, 2022, leaving a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and community.
Keith Adams Memorial Scholarship Fund
Keith graduated from New Madrid County Central High School in 1982, where he played basketball and was class president his senior year. He went on to attend Southeast Missouri State University, earning a bachelor of science degree. During his college years, Keith served as an athletic trainer and met the love of his life, Gretchen Kean. They married July 24, 1993, and, after their wedding, the happy couple was blessed with the arrival of a precious baby boy, Kieran. Keith took great pride in his son’s academic achievements, especially when he earned his master’s degree. Keith worked for FedEx for 18 years before discovering his true calling as a teacher. From then on he dedicated himself to educating fifth- and sixth-grade students at Cape Girardeau Middle School, where his passion and innovative methods made a significant impact on many young lives. "Mr. Adams" was a staple of the school community and will be deeply missed by his students and faculty peers. In addition to his civilian career, Keith served with distinction in the Army National Guard for 21 years, achieving the rank of captain. His commitment to serving his country was evident in his many years of dedicated service. This scholarship supports students of color pursuing education through trade schools, junior colleges, or four-year institutions with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). The award aims to empower future innovators and leaders in STEM fields, encouraging academic excellence and fostering a diverse, inclusive community of learners.
Margaret Weiss Jurgens & Rudy Jurgens Scholarship Fund
Offered through Cape Career and Technology Center to individuals pursuing Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration (HVACR) Studies, Industrial trades such as welding, vehicle repair, auto body, electrical, etc.
Micheal "David" Papendick Memorial Scholarship
The Michael David Papendick Memorial Scholarship was established by his former students to honor the lasting impact he had on their lives. A passionate educator, mentor, and advocate for technical education, Mr. Papendick spent 26 years teaching at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center, as well as at Mineral Area College and Southeast Missouri State University. His classroom was more than a place to learn, it was a safe and inspiring space where students could explore, experiment, and grow. Known for his zany science experiments, captivating life stories, and deep joy in watching ideas come to life, he created an environment where creativity, curiosity, and unconventional thinking flourished. He inspired generations of students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and his influence continues to be deeply felt. This scholarship carries on his legacy by supporting graduating seniors who share his passion for STEM and hands-on learning, helping them pursue education and careers grounded in innovation, technical excellence, and a love of discovery.
Legacy gifts are essential to our future planning. If you have left us in your will or estate plan, please contact us.
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