The Michael C. Whitlow Scholarship Fund was established with the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation in 2003 to honor the life and legacy of Michael "Mick" Curtis Whitlow.  This scholarship aims to support well-rounded students from Parkersburg South High School (PSHS) who demonstrate financial need in pursuit of a post-secondary education. 

Mick was born on August 9, 1950, in Bluefield, WV as the only child of Oakie and Betty Dent Whitlow.  He lived in Glen Lyn, Virginia and graduated from Narrows High School, Narrows, VA, where he played football, in 1968.  He later earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1972.   His education and hard work led him to Parkersburg and to a successful career at Borg-Warner and General Electric.

In Parkersburg, he met, and later married C. Jayne Beer, who was teaching at PSHS.  Their first date was in 1973 at a PSHS football game.  Together, they raised two daughters, Amanda and Katy. 

In addition to his commitment to family, Mick was actively engaged in the community.  He served on the Parkersburg YMCA Board of Directors, where he was honored as Director of the Year in the early 1990s for his leadership and contributions.

Mick was known for his passion for woodworking and baking bread, often sharing his creations with friends and family.  His positive spirit was captured in his humorous remark that he felt “finer than frog hair.”  He was a hands-on, compassionate individual who frequently lent a hand to friends and neighbors.  Tragically, Mick's life was cut short in 2000 due to a construction accident next door to his home when helping a friend.  His passing serves as a testament to his generous spirit and dedication to helping others.

The Michael C. Whitlow Scholarship Fund seeks to continue Mick’s legacy by providing financial assistance to deserving students and inspiring future generations to embody the values of hard work, community service, and compassion.