Stephen Switzer
Executive Director

John Poulson
President

2022-23 PSF Trustees

Back Row, L-R: Brent King, Terry Rufenacht, Dave Grieser, Callie Jacoby.
Front Row, L-R: Tom McWatters, John Poulson, Kristen Rupp, Pam Skates.
Missing: Dan Sauder

2021-22 PSF Trustees

Back Row L-R: Dan Sauder, Brent King, Dave Grieser, Callie Jacoby, John Poulson.
Front Row L-R: John King, Neil Rupp, Tom McWatters, Kristen Rupp.

As we look to the “ NEXT 35 Years,” the Pettisville School Foundation will continue to serve our students, staff and community through scholarships, grants and other projects.

Blackbird Signing Day 2024-25
August 16, 2024

The Class of 2037 started their first day of school by "Signing" as official Blackbirds! Each student stamped their painted handprints on their very first Pettisville Blackbird t-shirt, alongside their teachers, Principal Waldvogel, and Superintendent Clark. This was made possible thanks to the Teacher+ Grant program.

Since 1986, the PSF has awarded over 183 grants totaling over $70,000 to support the “Teacher+ Grant Program” which provides small grants for special programs created by teachers or staff members to help with special school and community projects. These grants may also be used to further education at a conference, an educational field trip, special programming, or provide additional learning tools for the classroom.

Thank you to the donors and members of the Pettisville School Foundation, as your gifts allow these programs to happen!

PETTISVILLE SCHOOL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS 2024
May 16, 2024

Nine Pettisville High School 2024 graduates join the over 150 Pettisville School Foundation scholarship recipients to receive awards since the first scholarship was awarded in 1986.
Scholarship, (First Year Awarded), Recipient, Amount

Werder Scholarship. (1986) Trevor King, $1,500
Boyer PTA Scholarship (1987) Ashlynn Lugbill, $1,500
Weber Scholarship. (1994) Amanda Grimm, $1,500
Schroeder Scholarship (2000) Susan Ringler, $1,750
Springer Scholarship (2009) Ella Richer, $1,500
Ruth K. Wyse Scholarship (2019/2023) Emily Bartoe, $1,750
P S F Career Scholarship (2021) Hollyn Klopfenstein, $1,500
Pettisville Grain Company Scholarship. (2021) Lily Wiemken, $1,250
Lt General Jeff Kruse Leadership Award / Scholarship (2023) Sophie Sterken, $2,000

The Pettisville School Foundation is nearing its 40th Anniversary and has exciting things planned to celebrate and commemorate this milestone. We are looking to update contact information from the past 8 years. If you have moved, graduated, or changed phone # or email addresses.... whether or not you are a PSF Member, please fill out this form to ensure we can keep you connected on the upcoming membership drive & future project(s)! There are so many wonderful things in the works!

Please take a few moments to enter your contact information in the form for the Pettisville School Foundation HERE.

Whether through Scholarships, Teacher+ Initiative Grants, the Family Fund and Major Projects, the PSF has supported our Blackbird students and families for the last (almost) 40 years!

Stay tuned for more information regarding the upcoming Unity Project!

January, 2024
Mrs. Meller and her Physics students successfully "wowed" another class of 2nd-grade students with their Physics of Toys lessons. The Pettisville School Foundation has supported this initiative for over a decade, and it never gets old! Each year, the excitement and awe of the elementary students combined with the high school students putting their knowledge into action makes for a memorable learning environment for all involved. Thank you to Mrs. Meller, the Physics class, Mrs. Borton, and Mrs. Holsopple for continuing this wonderful collaboration at Pettisville Schools.

August, 2023
This year's Class of 2036 started their first day of school by "Signing" as official Blackbirds! Each student stamped their handprints on their very first Pettisville Blackbird t-shirt, alongside their teachers, Principal Waldvogel, and Superintendent Clark. This was made possible thanks to the Teacher+ Grant program.

Over the past 35+ years, the PSF has awarded over 125 grants totaling over $32,000 to support the “Teacher+ Grant Program” which provides small grants for special programs created by teachers or staff members to help with special school and community projects. These grants may also be used to further education at a conference, an educational field trip, special programming, or provide additional learning tools for the classroom.

Thank you to the donors of the Pettisville School Foundation, as your gifts allow these programs to happen!

June 5, 2023
Less than two weeks after driving from Washington, D.C. to present the first Kruse Leadership Award at his alma mater, Pettisville High School, Lieutenant General Jefferey A. Kruse was appointed by President Biden to serve as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. 

Lt. Gen. Kruse (PHS 1986) and his wife, Dr. Susie Kruse, created the Kruse Leadership Award, through the Pettisville School Foundation, to be given annually to the PHS senior who has exhibited outstanding leadership and service to others. The inaugural award, which carries a stipend/scholarship of $1,500, was presented by Lt. Gen. Kruse to Pettisville senior Leah Beck, daughter of Reg and April Beck, at the May 19 awards ceremony.

The director of the DIA is the nation’s highest-ranking military intelligence officer, who serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters of military intelligence.  He will serve pending confirmation by the U. S. Senate.

During his Pettisville visit, he received a copy of the sign that the Pettisville School Foundation has sponsored at town limits honoring outstanding accomplishments by Pettisville High School students.  Also honored were the 1991 State Track Championship team of one person, Lincoln Cobb and Girl Named Tom, Winners of NBC’s “The Voice” competition in 2021, Caleb, Josh, and Bekah Liechty.

Captions:
1 - Lieutenant General Jeffery Kruse and Kruse Leadership Award Winner Leah Beck.
2 - Lieutenant General Jeffery Kruse addressing PHS student body at the annual awards ceremony on May 19.
3 - PSF Executive Director Steve Switzer formally presented the sign to Lt. Gen. Jeff Kruse on May 19, 2023.

May 19, 2023
Eight Pettisville High School 2023 graduates join the over 150 Pettisville School Foundation scholarship recipients to receive awards since the first scholarship was awarded in 1986.

PETTISVILLE SCHOOL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS 2023

Scholarship/First Year Awarded/Recipient/ Amount

Werder Scholarship. (1986) Ellie Grieser, $1,000
Boyer PTA Scholarship (1987) Kate Roth, $1,000
Weber Scholarship. (1994) Luke VanDenBerghe, $1,000
Schroeder Scholarship (2000) Zachary McWatters, $1,250
Springer Scholarship (2009) Sean Adkins, $1,500
Ruth K. Wyse Scholarship (2019/2023) Elise Hoylman, $1,250
P S F Career Scholarship (2021) Kelly Wyse, $1,000
Pettisville Grain Company Scholarship. (2021) Leah Beck, $1,250
Lt General Jeff Kruse Leadership Award / Scholarship (2023) Leah Beck, $1,500

March 1, 2023

PSF Adds Leadership Award; Renames Scholarship to Honor Iconic Teacher

The Pettisville School Foundation today announced that a student Leadership Award has been created and an existing scholarship has been renamed in memory of the first PHS teacher. Both will be awarded to PHS seniors in May of 2023.

The “Kruse Leadership Award,” will recognize student leadership and service. The recipient each year will be a senior who has demonstrated leadership across a range of academic, athletic, church and/or community activities, and is poised to embark on a lifetime of selfless service to the community and world around them.

The award was created by Lieutenant General Jeff Kruse and his wife, Dr. Susie Kruse, as their tribute and thank you to Pettisville Schools and the Pettisville community. 

It is a mark of faith and investment in today's youth that they too are committed to serving and advancing a greater purpose beyond themselves.  The award for 2023 is $1,500. It will be in the form of a scholarship or a cash stipend to the recipient. 

A scholarship created to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the PSF has been renamed to honor the first Pettisville High School teacher, Miss Ruth K. Wyse, and her long career at PHS. 

The Ruth K. Wyse Memorial Scholarship will be first awarded in the spring of 2023. Ruth K. Wyse was born January 25, 1903 in Pettisville and passed away June 4, 2005 at the age of 102.  She was a Pettisville icon, as she taught Latin, French, English, and journalism for 43 years, retiring in 1972. She continued serving her school as in 1986, she became one of nine founding trustees of the Pettisville School Foundation, serving until 1992.

These two scholarships are part of ten offered annually to PHS graduating seniors by the Pettisville School Foundation.

February 2002

PSF HONORS GRADUATES: Girl Named Tom

Visitors to Pettisville are now greeted by additions to the “city limits” signs as the Pettisville School Foundation honors four PHS grads who have brought honor and recognition to Pettisville.

Three-star Air Force Lieutenant General Jeffrey A. Kruse and the musical group, Girl Named Tom, consisting of Caleb, Josh, and Bekah Liechty will join the 1991 State Track and Field Champion Team which, uniquely, consisted of one person, Lincoln Cobb. All are PHS graduates. 

This recognition is sponsored by the Pettisville School Foundation to honor those who, through their accomplishments, earned status, or other achievements, have brought honor and recognition to the Pettisville School and community. 

The Fulton County Engineer and Clinton Township Trustees installed the new signs.

One of only 43 three-star generals in the United States Air Force, Lieutenant General Jeffrey A. Kruse (PHS ’86), is currently Director’s Advisor for Military Affairs, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, McLean, Va. Jeff has served as an outstanding representative of PHS. He was very gracious and humble in his return to Pettisville to receive the district’s “Circle of Excellence” Award in May of 2017. Jeff is the son of Arnold Kruse and the late Joan Kruse.

Siblings Caleb (’PHS 13), Joshua (’15), and Bekah (’19) Liechty make up the vocal group Girl Named Tom. GNT won season 21 of NBC’s “The Voice” with their amazing sibling harmonies during the finale results show on Dec. 14. On that same day, four of their songs were on iTunes Top 10 Songs Chart (including #1). The first trio ever to win on “The Voice,” they have represented Pettisville well in both song and through their presence on the national stage. Their parents are Holly Liechty and the late Chris Liechty.

The original 1991 state champion track and field team sign has been replaced. That “team” garnered national media attention as the only team member, Lincoln Cobb, competed in three events and won the team championship for Pettisville all by himself. He won the long jump, the 100 meter dash, and finished second in the 200 meter dash, scoring 28 points to claim the 1991 Division III state team championship, the first and only in Pettisville’s history.  Lincoln is the son of Jan Cobb Nofziger and the late Dan Cobb.

November 10, 2022

We are heartbroken to have to report that PSF trustee and treasurer Neil Rupp passed away on November 9, 2022.  Neil was a genuinely special person who had a gigantic heart for service to others and demonstrated that heart through his tireless work and generosity. 

Neil served as a PSF Trustee for 30 years, served as president from 1996 to 2003, and was our treasurer since 2008. He commented often how he enjoyed writing checks for the PSF’s Family Fund, which helps students and families in need.

Neil was a very special friend and I could sum up his essence in these words:
They simply do not come any better. His will genuinely be missed. 

Steve Switzer,
Executive Director, PSF

#GivingTuesday419 - 2022

November 2022

This is a reminder that we are just days away from #GivingTuesday419 on November 29 at Founders Hall. Registration ends Nov 21 or before (if they reach capacity).

#GivingTuesday419 is sponsored by Everence and held at Sauder Village’s Founders Hall. The program includes a great meal and brief presentations from ten non-profit “Difference Makers”. Attendees make donations during the evening to the difference makers or any 501-c-3 organization! In 2021 PSF was featured as a “Difference Maker.”

PSF has greatly benefitted from this event. Our donors have given over $100,000 at #GivingTuesday419 events, but thanks to a funding match arranged by Everence, the PSF has received over $130,000. This is a great way give to the Foundation!

You must be present to donate and have your gifts matched, so please be sure to attend this year’s event. Please register now at https://fs4.formsite.com/everence/mttm77yl4h/index.html

See you on Tuesday, November 29, 2022!

Steve Switzer,
Executive Director, PSF

August 2022
The Class of 2035 started their first day of school by "Signing" as official Blackbirds! Each student stamped their handprints on their very first Pettisville Blackbird t-shirt, alongside their teachers, Principal Waldvogel, and Superintendent Clark. This was made possible thanks to the Teacher+ Grant program.

Over the past 35 years, the PSF has awarded over 120 grants totaling over $30,000 to support the “Teacher+ Grant Program” which provides small grants for special programs created by teachers or staff members to help with special school and community projects. These grants may be used to further education at a conference, an educational field trip, or special programming, or provide additional learning tools for the classroom.

Some of the other projects include Opera on Wheels, The Big Read, Portraits of and for Orphans in Nicaragua, Painting a Rainbow (KG students planting flowers), The Physics of Toys, Literacy Night for Kindergarteners, Women in Math and Science and STEM toys for indoor recess.

Thank you to the donors of the Pettisville School Foundation, as your gifts allow these programs to happen!

2022 Senior Scholarship Winners

Pettisville School Foundation Scholarships

Bryant A. Weber Memorial Scholarship:  Carson Bennett

David E. Springer Memorial Scholarship:  Zachary Girdham

Richard M. Werder Memorial Scholarship:  Bryce Beltz

Lawrence H. Schroeder Memorial Scholarship:  Keilah Fish

Pettisville Teachers Association (Boyer) Scholarship:  Hannah Huddle

Pettisville School Foundation 30th Anniversary Award:  Karsen Pursel

Pettisville School Foundation Career Scholarship:  Emma Salmi

Pettisville School Foundation Pettisville Grain Scholarship:  Clara Damman

Congratulations to our Class of 2022 Scholarship Winners!

Join The PSF!

PSF Newsletter - December 2021

PSF Membership Form + Ballot - December 2021

The 35th Anniversary Newsletter was mailed out in December 2021. Click the links above to read about, join the Pettisville School Foundation, and vote on trustees. Thank you for your interest in, and supporting Pettisville students!

Bits of News

Difference Maker - Pettisville School Foundation was selected as a 2021 “Difference Maker” for #GivingTuesdayNWO!

The PSF renamed its grant program as the “Teacher+ Grant” with the plus referring to anyone who has a unique idea that would benefit the school or community. The base amount was increased from $300 to $500.

“Girl Named Tom”, a musical group of Blackbird siblings Caleb (PHS ’13), Joshua (’15), and Bekah Liechty, (‘19), are a national sensation after competing on, and winning NBC’s “The Voice.” They were the season’s lead-off act (which started with 48), “Watch Parties” were held in the Theatre to cheer for the Blackbirds on the national stage. Congratulations, Caleb, Joshua, and Bekah!

Lieutenant General Jeffrey A. Kruse (PHS ‘86) received his 3rd Star in August of 2020. … General Kruse was honored in May of 2017 with Pettisville High School’s “Circle of Excellence” Award, the only PHS grad so honored.

Former Superintendent David L. Lersch passed away in December of 2020 at the age of 84.  He served as the sixth Pettisville superintendent from 1963 to 1982.

Watch the PSF’s new website for additional features.  You will soon be able to donate and join on-line. www.PSFBlackbirds.org. Some of the current highlights include a video of the auction in the old school, shortly before demolition… many pictures ... a history of the PSF.

Pettisville Schools has been able to hold in-person instruction throughout the pandemic, with the exception of the period from March to June in 2020 when classes were remote. Ironically, four months before going remote, the PSF Family Fund provided internet at home for all students grade 5-12 who were without. Graduation for the Class of 2020 was held in the parking lot with graduates in cars.

To contact the PSF, email the executive director, Steve Switzer, at sswitzer@PSFBlackbirds.org or call his cell at 419-306-4168.   

Nov 30, 2021 #GivingTuesday419

The Pettisville School Foundation was featured as one of the 10 Difference Makers featured at this year's GivingTuesday419 event organized by Everence®. More information about this event at Founders Hall, Sauder Village is on our GivingTuesday419 page.

The PSF would like to thank Myrna (Cordy) Brown for the updates of our PSF graphic, which she originally designed. Mrs. Brown has been designing logos for the School and Foundation for over thirty years.

2021 Senior Scholarship Winners

Pettisville School Foundation Scholarships

 Bryant A. Weber Memorial Scholarship:  Thomas McWatters

David E. Springer Memorial Scholarship:  Kaylee Grimm

Richard M. Werder Memorial Scholarship:  Levi Myers

Lawrence H. Schroeder Memorial Scholarship:  Elise Hartzler

Pettisville Teachers Association (Boyer) Scholarship:  Sydnie Adkins

Pettisville School Foundation 30th Anniversary Award:  Joshua Horning

Pettisville School Foundation Career Scholarship:  Ellie Wixom

Pettisville School Foundation Pettisville Grain Scholarship:  Andrew Hulbert

Pettisville School Foundation Grieser Transportation - Diesel Mechanics Scholarship: Blake Eyer

Congratulations to our Class of 2021 Scholarship Winners!

NEW for 2021!

The Pettisville School Foundation Board Trustees have created a new scholarship, the “PSF Career Scholarship”, solely to benefit the graduate who is continuing their education for an occupation/skill in an area not traditionally supported by institutions of higher education. The initial scholarship will be in the range of $1,000 and will be offered annually to a graduating senior who is continuing his/her education by pursuing a trade or career that requires additional (non-college) training. This scholarship could support an internship, an apprenticeship, or classes to learn a new skill or trade.

The Pettisville Grain Company will also fund a new scholarship. The PGC Scholarship, first offered to the PHS Class of 2021, will benefit a PHS graduate to secure training or college credit in an agriculture related field. The scholarship will be for $1,250 and will be awarded annually to a graduate with a preference (although not limited to) for students who plan continuing their education by pursuing a two or four year degree in an ag related field or securing skills in an agricultural related field. If there are no applicants in the ag area, this scholarship can be awarded to any applicant as chosen by the scholarship committee.

The PSF awarded its first scholarship in 1986 and now offers eight different scholarships and has disbursed over $100,000 to over 120 PHS graduates.

A Brief History of the Pettisville School Foundation

Receipt of the $111,000 Meister gift to the board of education in 1982 planted the seed of thought that others might like to donate to the Pettisville Local School and that an organization to encourage such contributions might be worthwhile.

After researching the concept, Stephen Switzer, Pettisville School Superintendent, assembled a group of interested individuals to consider forming an educational foundation. Individuals included Gary Frazier, Steve Graffice, Myrl Sauder, Rod Nofziger, Valetta Werder, Jan Stamm, Golda Boyer, and Mr. Switzer.

In November, 1986, a press conference was held in the high school library announcing the formation of the “Pettisville School Foundation” and receipt of a $1,000 gift from Henry Keller, the first gift to the PSF, and a $10,000 gift from Valetta Werder, fifth grade teacher at Pettisville, to endow the “Richard Werder Memorial Scholarship” in memory of her husband.

The foundation organization included a board of trustees, with two trustees appointed by the board of education and seven elected by the membership. Founding trustees include Chris Rychener, President; Luana Esterline, Vice President, Valetta Werder, Secretary-Treasurer; Golda Boyer, Gary Frazier, Steve Graffice, Rod Nofziger, Myrl Sauder, and Ruth Wyse.

Superintendent Switzer was appointed executive director. PHS grads attorney Jan Stamm and accountant Dave Rupp agreed to assist in legal and accounting areas. At the time of its founding, the PSF was one of the first local school foundations in the state. Since that time, the PSF has provided assistance in the creation of numerous area school foundations.