Ted & Carole Minnick Family Scholarship

The Ted and Carole Minnick Family Scholarship was funded by friends and family members for Ted and Carole’s contributions to Pleasant Valley School District and our community.

Ted completed his BA Degree at The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls where he also wrestled and played football. He was awarded a Masters Degree in Physical Education in 1968 and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration in 1980, both from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville.  Carole completed her BA Degree in Music Education at The University of Iowa in Iowa City in 1965.  Prior to working at Pleasant Valley, Ted taught physical education and coached wrestling and football at Iowa City High School and Davenport West High School.

Ted came to Pleasant Valley High School in the fall of 1978 as Athletic Director and Chairman of the Physical Education Department.  In his 19 years as Athletic Director,  he was instrumental in the planning and development of several major projects including installation of the first all-weather track, the football stadium renovation, development of the baseball/softball complex, the swimming pool addition at the high school, the new high school competition gym, and the organization and operation of the PVHS Century Club.

Program changes under Ted’s direction include going from a 3A school to a 4A school for athletic competition, providing leadership in the formation of the Mississippi Athletic Conference, the addition of a Health curriculum at the high school, the addition of an athletic trainer for athletes in all sports, the addition of Adaptive Physical Education for special needs students, and the addition of Red Cross Life Saver Certification for students and staff.

After the Pleasant Valley Educational Foundation was established, Ted was instrumental in organizing and operating the Foundation’s major fundraiser, the annual golf outing, which he continued to assist with for several years after his retirement from the district.

Ted received many honors during his career in education.  They include his induction into the University of Northern Iowa Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1960 Football Team, his service as President of the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association, serving on the Advisory Boards for the Girls and Boys State Athletic Associations, and induction into the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame.  Ted has also worked as a tournament official for Iowa State High School, Big Ten, and NCAA Wrestling Tournaments.

Carole Minnick served as the High School Cheerleading coach for several years and reorganized the high school athletic concessions operation.  Carole also provided private piano lessons for many years to students throughout our community.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support for a graduating PVHS senior who plans to pursue a career in athletic administration, sports wellness, physical therapy, sports medicine, or athletic training.

Criteria to Apply:

• GPA satisfactory for college admission
• A PVHS senior who plans to pursue a career in athletic administration, physical therapy, sports medicine, or athletic training

Scholarship Personal Statement/Essay:

• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please explain how your involvement in the wellness curriculum and/or extra-curricular activites influenced your post-graduate plans.
• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us why you've chosen your field of study.
• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us what your plans are after your post-secondary education is complete.
• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us about one of the following: your ability to problem solve, work with others, and/or your dedication to the community.
• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us how you've overcome an obstacle.
• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us anything else about yourself you think the selection committee would like to know.

Click here to Apply for a Scholarship

Past Scholarship Recipients