A new scholarship fund at the Carbon County Community Foundation will benefit Panther Valley students in memory of a 1981 graduate and standout athlete.

The Kenneth ‘Cutter’ Weaver Memorial Scholarship, established by Tracy and Chase Weaver in honor of their husband and father, will award two $500 scholarships to qualified students graduating from Panther Valley.

One award will go to a member of the high school football team; the second award will go to a member of the boys’ basketball team.

The scholarship fund was created in memory of Kenneth ‘Cutter’ Weaver, who passed away in 2024. Cutter attended Panther Valley, where he excelled on the football field his senior year, accumulating more than 1,000 yards of total offense. He was a member of the Schuylkill League 1st team offense and defense and received an all-state honorable mention.

“My dad was not only a great athlete but also my biggest supporter — he never missed one of my basketball games,” said Chase Weaver, Cutter’s son and a stand-out athlete himself, with a career of 1,000-plus points during his time at Panther Valley.

“This scholarship is our way of honoring his legacy by supporting students who share his passion and commitment. We hope it helps them pursue their goals, just like he always encouraged me to do.”

“It means so much to help Chase create this scholarship in honor of his father,” said Tracy Weaver.

“My husband was always his most dedicated fan, and this fund is a way to carry on that love and encouragement by helping student athletes pursue their dreams.”

Applications for the inaugural scholarship are available now and may be submitted online through the Community Foundation website at www.cccfoundpa.org. Students will need to submit a short essay on what it means to them to be a team player and how they balance that with serving as a team leader, especially on the field or court. The scholarship is based solely on merit; academics are not considered as part of the qualifications.

“We are honored to partner with the Weaver family to establish this meaningful scholarship fund in memory of Cutter Weaver. This scholarship not only celebrates his legacy but also creates opportunities for local graduates to pursue their dreams,” said Sharon Alexander, president of the Carbon County Community Foundation.

“Scholarship funds like this are a powerful way for families and individuals to give back to the community in a lasting and impactful way. At the Carbon County Community Foundation, we are here to help donors create scholarships that reflect their values and make a difference for future generations.”

Community members who would like to donate to the Kenneth ‘Cutter’ Weaver Memorial Scholarship may do so by contacting the Carbon County Community Foundation or visiting the scholarship website at www.cccfoundpa.org. Donations will be placed in an endowment so the scholarship can be awarded annually to students, forever.

The Carbon County Community Foundation was formed in 2015 with the mission to improve the quality of life for all Carbon County residents, now and forever.

The foundation offers individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today, combining that with expertise in philanthropic planning, nonprofit sector issues, and community priorities.

Since 2016, the charitable funds at the foundation have cumulatively awarded more than $1 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit and community organizations, teachers, schools, and students in Carbon County.

Learn more about the Carbon County Community Foundation at cccfoundpa.org or by calling 1-855-545-1311.