Published: May 05, 2008 10:28 am      

Catlin offers new scholarship

Award honors longtime high school principal

CATLIN — A new scholarship has been named after Gordon Combs, the principal at Catlin High School from 1971 to 1990.

Over the years, Combs was a friend and role model for many students and colleagues. They will gather at 6:30 p.m. CDT Thursday at the Beef House, near Covington, Ind., for the Evening of Excellence awards banquet.

This year, the new Combs scholarship will be awarded to a senior at Catlin High School who meets the criteria set forth by a committee.

Joseph Stutsman, former principal and superintendent of Catlin High School, is on the committee who will select the recipient.

“The way the scholarship came about was that extra money was donated along with the already-established Coach Don Lashmet award, and the committee decided instead of giving two Lashmet scholarships, they would give a Gordon Combs scholarship as well as the Lashmet award.” Stutsman said.

“The scholarship is for $1,500. The recipient has to have a 3.0 or better GPA and write an essay about someone who has been an inspiration or guided them in their career while at Catlin High School,” he said.

“The recipient may pick the school of their choice,” Stutsman added.

Combs was born in London Mills, Ill., where the Spoon River anthology takes place.

He was drafted and fought in the Korean War conflict. He went to school on the GI Bill and graduated from Western Illinois University and later from the University of Illinois.

“I married my late wife Joyce, and we had three children, Kevin, Krista and Karla,” he said.

“I love the small schools and have only taught in two: Alexis, Ill., and Catlin. After teaching at Alexis, I took two years off and became a sales representative manager for Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, Mo.

“I was able to watch the Arch being built while in St. Louis. I then returned to teaching at Catlin High School in the agricul-ture department, and also drove a school bus for seven years.

“I not only knew the students, but also their families,” Combs said. “Since retiring, I like to travel and be in my mobile home.”

“I have had a lot of great experiences and many great people and lots of good friends.”

Karla Wallace, daughter of Combs, said, “I remember my dad always had everything in line. He knew what was going on in the school. Everyone knew where they stood and that my dad was fair.

“He treated all students alike. The staff and students knew that they could rely on him. Dad ran a ‘tight ship,’ but was still very kind,” she said.

“Many students have since told my dad ‘thanks for your influence.’ When my dad was principal, Catlin was rated a top school in the county, and it still is today,” she said.