A Scottsburg High School graduate who devoted her career to nursing has established a scholarship endowment fund for nursing students, shared Scott County Community Foundation Executive Director Jaime Toppe.
Sarah M. Waldkoetter, better known as Sally to her family and friends, graduated from SHS in 1955. She was a 1959 graduate of Evansville College with a bachelor of science in nursing. In 1965 she graduated from Indiana University with a master of science in nursing and then went on to University of Cincinnati as a doctoral candidate. Sally worked at Babies Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City from 1959 until 1964, and was a professor of nursing at Columbia University in New York City. From 1965 until 1968 she was a professor of nursing at University of Cincinnati and then from 1968 until 1993 she was professor emeritus at University of Cincinnati.
Sally was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Vallonia, where she lived. According to an article in the Seymour Tribune, after her career, Sally then ?nursed? a Vallonia landmark back to health. As chairman of the Joe Jackson Hotel Restoration Committee, Sally led the way in restoration efforts of the hotel that was built in 1914.
To show her appreciation for the education and guidance of the faculty of the high school, Sally directed in her estate plan that the Carter/Waldkoetter Nurse Scholarship Fund would provide assistance to graduating seniors who plan to receive a bachelor?s degree in nursing. Sally cared very much for her family and friends, and established this scholarship in memory of Ida Bell Everitt Carter, James Levi Carter, and their descendants who have graduated from Scottsburg High School, as well as her parents, Harry John and Grace Mildred Carter Waldkoetter.
Sadly, Sally passed away last September at age 81. She donated her house to the Scott County Community Foundation, which was able to sell it recently to provide the funding for the scholarship. The scholarship will be available for Scottsburg High School seniors starting in 2022, and is open to students who have worked during high school to help with college costs.
Visitors to the Community Foundation office can view a painting that Sally donated of the Marshfield School, which was occupied by Sally?s parents. Sally shared that Thomas Everitt, her mom?s grandfather, was a trustee when it was built.
Sally was remembered by friends and family as a determined, dedicated, kind person who delighted in helping and giving. Her legacy and that of her family name will continue to live on through this scholarship fund and the financial help it will provide nursing students for generations to come.
