West Orange Scholarship Foundation History

3/12/1962

The West Orange Scholarship Foundation (WOSF) organization was created and the Articles of Incorporation were written by a group of Winter Garden business and civic leaders, named as “subscribers,” as follows:

William Franklin Cappleman, Jr. President

Gerald Thompson Vice-President

James M. Higginbotham Secretary & Lakeview HS Principal

Kenneth Winter Treasurer

George M Barley

Dan L. McKinnon

W. S. Arrington

Charles W. McMillan

3/14/1962

WOSF was organized as a corporation under the laws of and filed with the State of Florida

1962

The first recipient of the WOSF Scholarship was Fred Crabtree who lives in Winter Garden and continues to serve his community today.

The second recipient of the WOSF Scholarship was John Terrell who came back to Winter Garden as well, and served as president of the organization for 30 years.

1964

The WOSF and the Winter Garden Welfare League agreed that a member of the latter organization (who changed their name to the WO Jr Service League the very next year) would have one member seated on the WOSF Board of Directors annually to assist in the selection of their sponsored Madge Peters Scholarship.

Over the years, this became the WOJSL Scholarship Chair, rather than an elected “member at large.”

3/1965

WOSF was issued a determination and recognition from the Internal Revenue Service as an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service.

WOSF was also classified as a public charity under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code.

1960-70s

The WOSF was originally funded by the Winter Garden Rotary, the West Orange Welfare League/Jr. Service League, Winter Garden Lions Club, Lakeview Athletic Association, West Orange Ministerial Association, Winter Garden Lodge #165 F&AM, West Orange Jaycees, Benevolent & Police Order of Elks Lodge #2165, City of Oakland, Town of Windermere, and the Veterans of Foreign War.

During this time, the WOSF was consistently funding the WOJSL Madge Peters Scholarship. The organization also funded, a varying number of students with varying amounts, ranging from $200 to $600 annually.

Marge Cloughley was the 1963-64 WOJSL President and in 1966 WOJSL Scholarship Chair

In 1971, WOSF President Marge Cloughley boldly stated in a newspaper interview that “there has never been a student we felt was deserving turned down because we didn’t have the money for the scholarship. We have had excellent support from the community. And if we ever needed some more money, we know to whom we can go to get it, and it’s never refused.”

She also stated that the WOSF had assisted 67 students through the years.

1970s-80s

It is stated that Foundation Representatives were appointed by the Board.

Applicants were from Lakeview High School, and later from West Orange High School, after it opened in 1976. Initial contact for the scholarship was with the Principal who was the WOSF Secretary. Those deemed eligible then submitted an application, including scholastic records, SAT scores, future goals, and justification if they were requesting to study out of state.

Scholarship Award was $900 toward a B.S. degree and $450 toward an A.S., but it is noted around this time that they increased the award to $1200 and $600, respectively.

Records show the WOSF was funding eight students this year, and has assisted 120 students over the years, totaling $140,100.

By 1990

Consistent funding sponsors are listed as the Winter Garden Rotary Club, the West Orange Junior Service League, The Orlando Optimist Club, and “various other local businesses and individuals.”

1995

Records show that John Terrell was President at this time. There is evidence that he had also served in and around 1981. It is speculated that Marge Cloughley may have served as Treasurer at this time and until the time of her death in 2004.

1998

West Orange High School’s first band director, Harold Cooper served in that role for 23 years, from 1975 until his death in 1998. Due to donations from his widow, Martha, and community members, the WOSF established a one-year scholarship award in his name for a WOHS band student.

2000s

Application criteria and process remained the same, round tabling and voting on the applications by Directors, including a representative from the WOJSL. Funding continued to be $1200 toward a B.S. and $600 toward an A.S., renewable up to 8 and 4 semesters respectively, or until the degree was earned if sooner. The Harold Cooper Scholarship was paid $1200 for one year only. The Treasurer communicated with the recipients to establish eligibility of renewal and communicated directly with, and paid, the universities and colleges.

The Bond Foundation started donating.

3/2004

Treasurer Marge Cloughley passed away. Terry Rayborn became Treasurer.

2011

Treasurer Terry Rayborn passed away. Kathee Pierce became Treasurer.

2013

A rubric was introduced to the application review and recipient selection process.

The Bond Foundation committed to sponsoring a student annually and paying the scholarship amount for said student for the entirety of their term.

2014

Funding amounts increased to $1500 toward a B.S. degree and $750 toward an A.S. degree. As it was historically, no set number of scholarships were awarded, but rather, the Foundation awarded all that it had raised.

2016

Long time President John Terrell retired from the presidency. Buddy Nash was elected. Kathee Pierce continued as Treasurer.

2017

Kathee Pierce was elected President and Brenda Smith became Treasurer

2018

Due to ongoing confusion by students applying for both the general awards and the Harold Cooper award; and because funds, specifically for the Harold Cooper award, were depleted, his widow and long-time WOSF Director, Martha Cooper suggested ending it. Instead, President Kathee Pierce suggested adding Harold Cooper to the memorial list. It was confirmed by the Board of Directors, and this year one of the four year awards was named in his memory.

2019

Carrie Wilson took over Treasurer position

2021-22

As of today, the WOSF has assisted 275 students with over $580,000!

2023

Funding was increased to $2000 annually (up to $8000) for a four-year State university, and $1000 annually (up $2000) for a two-year state college.

The first disbursements of these amounts were to the WOHS Class of 2024.

2025

Beth Wincey Ielfield was elected President

WOSF President History

1962: Franklin Cappleman

1966 – at least 1973: Marge Cloughley

1981: John Terrell (listed as Chairman)

1991: John McKey (listed as Chairman)

1995 - 2016: John Terrell

2016 - 2017: Buddy Nash

2017 – 2021: Kathee Pierce

2021 – 2024: Beth Wincey Ielfield