Waldie Scholarship Application

Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship for Bethel Park High School Seniors
Past Ken Waldie Scholarship Recipients

Ken Waldie was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston on September 11, 2001. He leaves behind his wife, Carol, and four children. Ken’s life touched many people. This was shown by the turnout at his Memorial Service, estimated at 1,500 people. He was the type of guy who always saw the bright side of things and was the first to offer encouragement and find something positive to say.

Ken Waldie 9/11 Victim from Bethel Park High School, PA

During High School, Ken participated in several activities, including track, student council, Junior Class Vice-President, and NHS, but swimming was where he excelled. After participating in the AAU/youth program from the age of eight (8), he went on to swim for the Varsity Swim Team for four years. In his senior year, he was the Tri-Capitan of the team and led by example with his strong competitive attitude. The team earned the WPIAL Championship by one point, with Kenny swimming and placing in three events.

His accomplishments were many. The team leader, Kenny graduated with several pool records. At the WPIAL Meet, Ken finished 2nd in the 100-yard freestyle, 314 in the 400-yard freestyle relay, and 4* in the 50-yard freestyle. At the PIAA State Championships, Kenny earned All-State honors in the 50-yard Freestyle.

After graduation, he accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He continued his swimming career at this level and also participated in Brigade boxing and intramurals. His personality and leadership enabled him to be voted class president each of his four years – something in the rich tradition of the academy that had never been accomplished. His Classmates continued to vote Ken President of the 1978 alumni group until he relinquished it in 1999.

US Naval Academy Ken Waldie

He fulfilled his military commitment, with a five-year tour that included Australia and the States.

With his Mathematics degree from the USNA, he accepted a job with Raytheon Corporation. He was a dedicated employee who taught classes to less experienced co-workers and won numerous workplace awards. He obtained his Master’s Degree from Northeastern University, graduating first in his class. Keeping his family a priority, he was known to pick promotions that would not affect his time at home.

As impressive as these achievements were, it did not come close to what he accomplished in his personal life. Ken was the Director of Methuen Youth Basketball, active in the Little League Baseball Program, and refereed AAU Basketball.

He gave respect and easily earned it. Words like “leader”, “champion and inspirational” are used over and over in the tributes to Ken Waldie. He treated everyone the same, whether it was a one-time meeting or an ongoing friendship. The site or mention of his name would always bring a smile.

We will always mourn his loss, but find that we should celebrate his life. We draw from his strength and realize that we must move forward. The annual scholarship will forever remind future generations of the great cost of this country’s freedom. The scholarship will serve as a reminder that Ken was an honorable patriot of our Community.


The Ken Waldie Memorial Fund, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of one-(1) Sixteen Thousand ($16,000) dollar scholarship to a Bethel Park High School senior student, entering as a full-time student at an accredited college or university.

  1. The applicant must:
  2. Be a member of the current Senior Class of Bethel Park High School

                                                       and

  1. Score 900 or above on the S.A.T. (Scholastic Aptitude Test), or 22 on the A.C.T. (American College Testing) composite.

                                                        and

  1. Have maintained a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.00 or above

Through mid-year of his/her senior year.

                                                        And

  1. Had completed in a varsity sport and been awarded at least (1) varsity letter award.
  2. The completed scholarship application must be received by the Waldie Scholarship Committee
    on or before April 15, 2024.

    In addition to the completed application, the applicant:
  1. Must be enrolled full-time for the upcoming Fall Term and intend to obtain a four-year degree.
  2. Must submit a copy of his/her school transcript, showing S.A.T. or A.C.T. scores and the G.P.A. transcript.  
  3. If attending a test-optional or test-flexible university or college, the applicant must include any school requirements, i.e. supplemental essay or personal statement.
  4. Must submit an essay of not less than 350 words on “Character” -double-spaced

Click below to download 2024, Ken Waldie, Memorial Foundation Scholarship Application.


Read the application Guidelines below.

Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship
Ken Waldie – BPHS and US Naval Academy