Tom and Betty Tegtmeyer Education Scholarship
The Tom and Betty Tegtmeyer Education Scholarship scholarship was established in 2012 by Tom Tegtmeyer in memory of his wife of 32 years. The purpose is to provide financial assistance to graduates of Ottawa High School who intend to pursue a career as an elementary education teacher. Betty graduated from Ottawa High in 1965 as a member of the National Honor Society. Tom and Betty both graduated from Illinois State University, Betty in 1969 and Tom in 1970. Betty's teaching career, mostly at the fourth grade level, took her to Lake Zurich and Cincinnati. She found time away from teaching to raise two children, Kelly Ann and Bradley. Betty cherished her students' comments, "You are tough, but always fair." She always took new teachers under her wing, sharing materials with them. A memorial garden was dedicated in her honor by the administration of the elementary school where she taught in Ohio.