Greater Jefferson County Foundation Scholarship Series - Part 5

[Editor’s note: This is fifth in a series of informative articles regarding all of the scholarships available from the Greater Jefferson County Foundation.]

In 2002, The Ralph Perry Memorial Scholarship was created. Mr. Perry was a prominent local businessman with a strong interest in young people and a firm commitment to the Fairfield community. Ralph came to Fairfield in 1952 to establish a men’s retail clothing store following his service in the U.S. Army in WWII. He apprenticed in the clothing business in Iowa City.

Perry Clothing store was a fixture on the west side of the square until he sold the business and retired in 1983. Ralph established the trust that funds this scholarship following the untimely deaths of his wife and daughter. He wanted to ensure that graduates of Fairfield Community School District could continue their education despite any obstacles that may be present. Every year, five (5) $5,000 scholarships are awarded in his memory.

The Stars and Stripes Wrestling Club and Anna Wiseman combined resources in 2002 to create the Robert Wiseman Memorial Scholarship. Bob was a great fan of FHS Trojan Wrestling and this scholarship is directed to go to a graduating FHS senior student who participated in varsity wrestling during their career at FHS.

In 2019, the name of the scholarship was changed to the Robert & Anna Wiseman Memorial Scholarship following her death.

The 2025 scholarship application process will begin December 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 1, 2025. Both Pekin and FHS senior students are encouraged to apply. Online applications will be available on the application website at www.gjcfscholarships.org. For more information, contact the Foundation at gjcf0758@windstream.net or call 641-472-0758.