Teresa Smithson Memorial Scholarship

This Scholarship was established by family, friends, and teachers to honor the memory of Teresa (Terry) Smithson, long time office manager at Elmhurst Elementary School.

The scholarship will be awarded to one former Elmhurst Elementary students who are Washington High School graduates.

• The recipient must have attended Elmhurst Elementary at least one full academic year.
• The student may attend a college, university, or vocational school.
• The student must have shown perseverance in overcoming obstacles to their education. Obstacles may include, but not limited to, special needs that required an IEP or 504 plan, long-term or chronic illness or injury, and personal or family hardships.

The Washington Scholarship Committee will select the recipient. An alternate for the scholarship shall be selected and the scholarship shall be awarded to that individual if the primary award winner does not meet the requirements of the scholarship.

Mrs. Teresa (Terry) Smithson, a 1973 graduate of Washington High School, was the beloved office manager of Elmhurst Elementary School for 28 years. Terry devoted her entire career as a mother, paraprofessional and office manager to the Franklin Pierce School District. Her connection to this district is strong. Her children attended Franklin Pierce schools and her husband Dan continues to work for Franklin Pierce High School.

Terry was the heartbeat and touchstone for the staff, students, and families at Elmhurst. Former principals, Mrs. Linda Heade and Drs. Shaun Carey and Carrie Adrian, depended on Terry because of her expertise as office manager. The staff was guided, cajoled, reminded, rescued, but most importantly, loved by this kind soul. She touched the lives of hundreds of students over the course of her career by showing them genuine care and concern.

The unexpected loss of Terry during the summer of 2018 inspired her colleagues to honor her memory by creating this scholarship in her name.

• Receipt of a completed Scholarship Acceptance Form will hold this scholarship for the student. The scholarship can be held no longer than 16 months after June 30th of the year of graduation from high school.
• Upon receipt of Proof of Enrollment Form including a student ID number, funds will be released to the institution in the name of the student.