The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced at their annual dinner the establishment of the Shirley Hise Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of long time Chamber Director Shirley Hise. “Shirley was an integral part of the growth of the Chamber during her tenure as Director and continued her commitment to education and the support of her community throughout her life,” said Patti Jensen, Mitchell County Chamber Director.
In honor of her undying commitment to her community, the Mitchell County Chamber and to education, a scholarship fund has been established to be given to a Mitchell High School student in the Spring of each year. Criteria for the scholarship will be established by the Board of Directors in partnership with the family of Shirley Hise.
The Chamber is providing the seed money to establish the scholarship and announces that anyone who would like to support the scholarship in Shirley’s name is invited to participate. Pledge cards are available from the Chamber of Commerce by calling 765-9033.
The following was read at the Annual Dinner at the announcement of the scholarship.
In October of this year, we lost a very special person to the Mitchell County Chamber and to our county. Shirley Hise served as the Director of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce for nearly 15 years and led the Chamber with new initiatives, growth and a fierce commitment to seeing Mitchell County and its citizens grow and succeed.
Prior to coming to the Chamber, Shirley taught in the Mitchell County Schools for over 30 years and there wasn’t a week that went by over the last decade that we didn’t hear from a current business owner or local business person who said that Shirley was their hardest but best teacher they ever had. She cared for her students and worked tirelessly to make sure they had every opportunity to succeed. She cheered them on in the classroom and was a fierce Mitchell High fan in the stands. She continued to support them in any way that she could even after they graduated and after she retired. They knew that Shirley was in their corner if they needed her. If you or your children were taught by Shirley we ask that you stand.
As Chamber Director Shirley was continually writing checks to support student groups, field trips, scholarships and especially students facing hardships. Shirley was a lifelong learner and held several degrees herself including a Masters degree and a Doctoral degree in Education. She loved history and politics and was an avid reader and researcher.
Shirley’s presence is missed by everyone at the Chamber and as a way of honoring Shirley’s service and her love of education and community, the Board of Directors of the Mitchell County Chamber is announcing the Shirley Hise Memorial Scholarship Fund to provide an annual scholarship to a Mitchell High School Student. The Chamber will seed this scholarship and in response to those who have asked for ways to honor her, there is an opportunity for anyone to contribute to her scholarship fund on a one time basis or with a yearly pledge.
For more information, contact the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce at 828-765-9033.