KEN WALDIE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
A FINAL WORD
Classmates, friends and supporters,
Almost 25 years ago, we began a journey with a single purpose: to honor the memory of our classmate and friend through a scholarship fund. What started as a way to give back has become something so much greater.
In September, we had our final event, we gathered not only as classmates and friends but as a group that has grown stronger with each passing year.
From the beginning, the scholarship was the spark. But what has endured is the bond that brought us together and kept us together for almost a quarter of a century (think about that). The real accomplishment is not measured in dollars awarded, (although impressive) but in the friendships, the laughter, the stories and the steadfast commitment we shared. That is the true legacy of this memorial fund.
We are deeply grateful to all who supported us whether-you traveled from across the country or joined us from right in Bethel Park. Your presence and dedication honoured our classmates memory. You should take pride in your role.
As we close this chapter, we do so with full hearts and peace. The scholarship may be ending but the connections we built and the memories we shared will last a lifetime.
The Ken Waldie Memorial Fund Team
SCHOLARSHIP HISTORY
The Ken Waldie Memorial scholarship was established after Ken tragically lost his life on September 11, 2001. While on a business trip, Ken would be a passenger on the first plane to strike the World Trade Center. In memory of Ken, his closest classmates and friends decided to honor him by establishing a memorial scholarship in his name. The scholarship aims to continue Ken’s legacy by supporting students in their educational/athletic endeavors, reflecting the values and aspirations he held dear.
Ken Waldie was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston on September 11th, 2001. He leaves behind his wife Carol, 3 sons: Andrew, Jeffrey, and Jonathan “JT”… and his daughter Meredith along with his brother Jack and his 3 sisters: Jane, Mary Louise, and Grace.
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.
While attending Bethel Park High School, Ken participated in several activities, including track, student council, Junior Class Vice-President, and NHS, but it was swimming 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. His senior year he was 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.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE:
Frankie DePercio, Thomas Etzel, Award Recipient,
Steve McGinnis and Terry Crump.
KEN'S FAMILY
Jane Waldie Wrenshall lost her brother, Kenneth Waldie, in the crash of American Flight 11 into the World Trade Center on 9/11. He is shown in the picture she is holding at the top of a group of four Raytheon Corp. employees who died that day
Notable legacies of notable Pittsburghers
The Ken Waldie Memorial Fund was set up to provide college scholarships to graduates of Bethel Park High School After Ken Waldie, a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston, was killed in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, a van loaded with Mr. Waldie’s buddies from Bethel Park High’s class of 1973 drove to Massachusetts for his funeral.
Steve McGinnis, 64, of Oakdale, can’t remember the name of the Catholic church in Methuen, Mass., where his friend — who’d been best man at Mr. McGinnis’ wedding — was laid to rest. But he remembers a throng so vast that the overflow sat in the church hall for a broadcast of the Mass. Estimates are that 1,500 attended. On the long ride to and from Massachusetts, the men decided they needed to come up with a tribute worthy of their irreplaceable friend.
By the following March, the Ken Waldie Memorial Fund was launched. Since then, numerous graduates of Bethel Park High have received college scholarships. (Another program granted 15 scholarships to other South Hills students, though that was discontinued when the co-sponsor pulled out.) In all, the Waldie grants have totaled more than $203,500 (at the time of publication). Senior class members have until April 15 to submit an application for the award that’s been bumped up to $18,000. The academic hurdles are real but not extraordinary. Applicants need to score 900 or above on the SAT, have a 3.0 grade point average through the first half of their senior year and write an essay that needn’t be as long as this column.