The Donald Wright Memorial Scholarship, celebrating the life of the late Donald R. Wright, a native of Rock Island Illinois and a 1968 graduate of Rock Island Senior High School, is presented annually to a qualifying, track & field athlete, who is graduating in the same year from Rock Island Senior High School. Don was an excellent student, graduating in the upper 10% of his class. He also participated in the football, swimming and track programs. Upon graduating, in lieu of entering college, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served honorably in the 9th Infantry and the 101st Air Borne Division in Vietnam. He was awarded several medals for his valor in that conflict, including the Bronze Star. Don passed away April 12th, 2004 from Agent Orange induced lung cancer from his exposure to that chemical during the war.

Don had many good friends and a small group of these friends have established this scholarship fund in his memory. Don’s mother, Polly, was honored by this and left a large portion of her estate to the scholarship fund. Thanks to her generosity, we are able to award a $5,000 scholarship every year.