Class of 1970 recognizes ‘Mountain Climbers’

The West Delaware Class of 1970 is proud to announce a new scholarship, the Mountain Climber Award, which will be available to students in all grades starting this year.
The Mountain Climber Award recognizes students who have overcome difficulties to succeed in academics, improve their social-emotional well-being, or demonstrate overall good citizenship. The award is focused not on students who necessarily achieved at high levels, rather students who have overcome difficult situations. Up to four students each year will be recognized with the award, and one senior will be selected annually from the cumulative awardees to receive a scholarship.
For many years, members of the Class of 1970 have recognized the death of fellow classmates with a $50 memorial gift to the family. Recently, several classmates decided to explore an approach that makes an impact on future generations while building their class legacy.
“We were particularly inspired by the idea of rewarding students who have overcome obstacles in their academic or personal lives to continue their education. These aren’t the students who are typically recognized and rewarded,” says classmate Chris Mundy. “We hope to encourage students to continue getting an education despite the barriers they may face to doing so.”
Mundy joined classmates Leo Monaghan and Chris Tegeler in the effort to raise $10,000 to launch the endowment fund with the Foundation for the Future of Delaware County. The fund will pay out annually, forever, to support the scholarship. The organizers say they are overwhelmed by their classmates’ response. Within eight weeks of the fund’s establishment, over 20 classmates had contributed almost $11,000, while others pledged to donate in 2025.
“We believe those who haven’t yet given and even those who have will help this endowment grow significantly to encourage more Mountain Climbers in the generations to come,” says Mundy.
West Delaware High School Principal Tim Felderman provided the idea for the new award. “Recognizing students who have overcome difficult situations shines a light on their resilience, inspiring others to persevere through challenges,” he says. “It validates their journey, fostering a sense of pride and belonging that encourages continued growth. Recognition from the Class of 1970 transforms hardships into powerful stories of triumph, creating a ripple effect of hope and determination with our current students.”
Each spring, faculty and students will be invited to nominate recipients. To learn more, or make a gift, visit dbqfoundation.org/WD1970 or contact Leo Monaghan at Lmonaghan.nd74@gmail.com, Chris Mundy at cmundy@mchsi.com, or Chris Tegeler at cancunblue1@yahoo.com.
The Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Executive Director Amanda Diers at 563-880-3816.