New scholarship endowment named for beloved Diamond history teacher
A new scholarship endowment for Diamond High School graduates is now raising funds with a $250,000 goal. A generous match promises to double donations to $500,000.
The Paul Dieckhoff Diamond High School Fund, named in memory of the beloved civics and history teacher, was recently established with the Neosho Area Community Foundation. When the endowment meets its fundraising goal, it will provide about $20,000 annually for scholarships to Diamond High graduates.
Paul Dieckhoff’s career in education spanned 54 years — first at Diamond High School from 1960 to 1991, then another 23 years at Crowder College — conveying his love for history to every student he taught. In addition to sponsoring extracurricular activities, Dieckhoff was very active in the Diamond community through the Diamond Lions Club and the Lutheran Church. He and his wife, Gladys, also donated 17 acres for the senior apartments and what is now known as Dieckhoff Park.
“We are very thankful for a matching contribution of up to $250,000 to help with this effort,” said Tyler Smith, who helped establish the endowment. “Paul touched so many young minds to further their education and to become better citizens, and these scholarships will help continue that legacy.”
How to give: Secure online donations to the Paul Dieckhoff Diamond High School Fund can be made by credit card or eCheck at cfozarks.org/diamond.
The Neosho Area Community Foundation, through its affiliation with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, can accept other types of gifts, including checks, appreciated stock, personal property, real estate and more. All gifts to the Paul Dieckhoff Diamond High School Fund are tax-deductible.
To contribute, contact: Alice Wingo with the CFO at awingo@cfozarks.org or 417-864-6199; Tyler Smith at tylerclay@hotmail.com or 417-483-0323.
The Neosho Area Community Foundation was founded in 2011 with a mission to enhance the quality of life in Neosho and Newton County through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.
Founded in 1973, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks is the region’s largest public charitable foundation serving a network of donors, 54 regional affiliate foundations — including the Neosho Area Community Foundation — and nonprofit partners across central and southern Missouri.