Pam Helfers Riss of Streator created the Frank C. Oathoudt Memorial Scholarship to honor her late brother-in-law, a Vietnam veteran, newspaper journalist and editor. Frank, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam from October 1970 to October 1971, died at the age of 74 on January 8, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina. His wife, the former Mary Jo Helfers, died in December 2023.
“Those who knew Frank were blessed to experience his quick wit, charm, and unique perspective,” said Pam Riss.
Born in Manistee, Michigan, Frank maintained a lifelong connection to his hometown. Following his Army enlistment and tour of duty, he spent his civilian career in newspapers, rising to editor before retirement. “When not on a news desk, he was an avid reader. There was rarely a topic on which Frank could not converse thoughtfully. We created this scholarship to honor how generous he was throughout his life.” Pam said. She also noted, “Frank had a roadmap for success made up of four steps: ‘Every day you must get up, you must show up, and then you must keep up. And sometimes, you might need to shut up.’”
Scholarship applicants will be asked to describe a situation in life where this “roadmap” would have or did serve them well. Pam added that Frank was a voracious reader of literature and applicants will be asked to describe a time when a book or piece of literature changed their perspective.
Recent high school, home-schooled, or community college graduates planning to attend a four-year college or university, as well students planning to attend a professional trade school, are eligible.
