Oberlitner Scholarship celebrates decade of college funding
courtesy photo
Members of the Theiler family gather in 2007 to honor Polson High School math teacher John Oberlitner. Pictured from left are Sarah Theiler Horten, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Hugh Theiler, Wenatchee, Washington; Betsy Theiler, Craswell, Puyallup, Washington; John Oberlitner; Kathleen Theiler Elliott, Eagle, Idaho; Matthew Theiler, Idaho Falls, Idaho; and MaryPat Theiler Cheng; Seattle, Washington.
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POLSON — A decade ago the Theiler family decided they were done purchasing Christmas presents for each other. Instead, each of the six siblings would take the money they would have spent on gifts and donate it toward a scholarship in the name of a Polson High School teacher who made an impact on their education.
“We asked the question: ‘Who is the teacher that made the most impact on your high school years and incited you to go on to further your education?’” mother Maureen Theiler explained.
Math teacher John Oberlitner was selected. Since then, the Theiler’s have given away more than $10,000 in scholarships to graduating Polson seniors. Each family member contributes whatever he or she can afford.
“We don’t know among ourselves how much each of us puts in,” Theiler said.
Some of the money is matched through Polson Dollars for Scholars. Anonymous donors add to the pot as well. One donor from California invests in bonds, and then contributes benefits and interest earned on the bonds, Theiler said.
The Theiler children did further their education, boasting grads from the University of Montana, Montana State University, and the University of Idaho. The Theiler family honored and thanked Oberlitner at a family gathering in 2007.
The family has kept the scholarship tradition alive through the years; in 2015, those family members tasked to choose a winner read through 47 scholarship applications. Applications for the 2016 John Oberlitner Scholarship are available through March in the Polson High guidance office.
