The Why of Our Scholarship Names!

Two+ Moore High School Alumni Association 

This was the first scholarship created by the Association.  In 2016 we awarded two MHSAA Scholarships. In 2020, seven were awarded including one awarded to a Cross Country team member to honor a Rachel Freeman, Kolby Crum, and Yuridia Martinez.

The Bennie Raine

This was our first scholarship in an individual’s honor.  Bennie Raine was an inspiring English and Journalism teacher at MHS in the '60s.  Mrs. Raine touched many lives as was evidenced by the overwhelming response of donations to the scholarship. We proudly award a scholarship commemorating Mrs. Raine's contribution to so many young lives.

At the time it was decided to honor Mrs. Raine, she was 95 years old and living in an assisted living facility; but still able to present her scholarship to the first recipient, Lindsay Sakal in 2005.  The two forged a friendship and remained friends until Mrs. Raines’ death a few months after the scholarship was awarded.  Mrs. Raine had retired in 1973 but remained active in church and social work.

The George and Doral Hopper 

This scholarship was the second named scholarship and was first awarded in 2006.  George Hopper was a principal at Central during the ‘40s, ‘50s, and '60s and coached basketball.  His wife, Doral, was an elementary teacher at the same time in the same building.  She was the first elementary school counselor and Director of Special Education. Mr. and Mrs. Hopper influenced so many young lives as they advanced through their education. 

They were married in 1940 and had three children, one of which followed in an education career. They also had five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They enjoyed their time retired together by traveling and staying active in the community. Mr. Hopper retired in 1976 and died in 1987. Mrs. Hopper retired in 1980 and died in 2016.

Two Music

Two music scholarships were added in 2011.  In 2010, long term Association member, faithful Treasurer, and former band member, Larry Haswell, envisioned a scholarship to tribute band and vocal music students.  MHS has such a long history of outstanding bands and vocal music groups, it seemed only right that the Association honor this impressive tradition.

Paula Gabrish is a 1979 grad and part of a family with numerous family members who played in the band through several generations at MHS. In 2011, she very generously established the first music scholarship in 2011.  Thanks to another unselfish donation from Paula, we award two music scholarships - one for a vocal music student and one for a band student.

The Hoby and Anita Horn 

This scholarship came as a surprise in late 2010.  Hoby and Anita are proud parents and grandparents of six girls, so it is their goal to honor women with their kind endowment.  Hoby grew up in the Moore School System and is a 1977 MHS graduate.  Anita was President of the Moore Public School Foundation for three years in the late 1990’s.  All three of the Horn’s daughters graduated from Moore High.

The 70's Legacy

This scholarship came about when Mark McBride ('79) suggested a scholarship to commemorate all those who graduated during the decade of the 70's.  Many of those grads are now successful business owners, public figures, artists/musicians, and more.  In 2013, we awarded the first 70's Legacy scholarship due to the thoughtfulness of Paula Gabrish.

Thank you for reading. Our scholarship information will be covered in a series of four posts with this being the first. Please go to the first page of the blog to subscribe so you don’t miss a post.