Compassionate Memorial Scholarship
Margaret Chott (1941-2018) and Virgil Chott (1934-2021) were both dedicated elementary educators. They were passionate about sharing the value of education and encouraging higher education with their students and family.
Margaret taught kindergarten and 4th grade, and later taught Adult GED courses. She found teaching GED courses especially rewarding, and loved seeing the growth her students could achieve with effort and confidence. She believed every pupil had meaning and was capable of making an impact.
Virgil taught 5th grade and later became an elementary principal. Virgil was a first-generation college student. He worked full time in various jobs to afford tuition while attending college. After college he became an educator by weekday and a farmer by weekend on the Fenton farm on which he was born and raised. He retired from teaching to farm full-time at the same property. Margaret and Virgil farmed until they were physically unable. They taught their family work ethic and their family continues tending the land.
Their passion lied in instilling an appreciation of lifelong learning, and they believed in and encouraged all their pupils to obtain higher education. Margaret and Virgil believed that by educating others they could help shape other people’s futures, and they touched hundreds of lives by doing so.
Their granddaughter is a Fox High School alumna of the class of 2015, and a Registered Nurse specializing in mental and behavioral health and funds this scholarship opportunity in their honor, with support of the Chott family in recipient selection.
Lucia has excelled during her high school years. As a Missouri Bright-Flight scholar, she has maintained impressive academics while also staying involved in her school and community. Whether it is as Swim and Dive team captain, as President of the Best Buddies club for special needs peers, or teaching swim lessons in her local community, she leads with passion! She will attend the University of Southern Indiana in August for a Bachelor degree in nursing.
"Higher education is valuable to enable people to pursue a career that matches their gifts and abilities... I want to be that calm in the storm for patients and their families as they are navigating medical uncertainties."
-Lucia