Tibbals Tree continues to bloom

Mark Ball with Esther and Patti Whitman

The Wylie ISD Education Foundation added a new leaf to The Tibbals Tree of Honor and Knowledge, Friday, January 23, at a ceremony held at the Wylie Educational Service Center.  A leaf engraved with “Coach Billy Whitman Find a Way” was mounted to the tree honoring him and commemorating the endowment of a memorial scholarship in his name.

WEF director Betty Stephens and WISD Athletic Director Mark Ball shared with guests the impact that Coach “Whit” had on the lives of students.  Billy Whitman was a favorite coach and teacher for six years at Wylie ISD and was instrumental in the football team reaching playoff status during the early 2000’s.  He also coached in surrounding communities including McKinney ISD.  Coach Whit passed away in October of 2005 after a courageous battle with ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Mark Ball, in collaboration with McKinney ISD’s former Athletic Director Keith Garinger, assisted the family in establishing a memorial scholarship in Coach Whitman’s name.  Each year, a senior athlete from Wylie High School and McKinney High School is awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Through special events, the scholarship organizers have raised more $28,000 toward the memorial fund.

To insure continued growth and subsistence of the scholarship, the organizers and family members met with the Wylie ISD Education Foundation to endow the funds.

 “We are honored to continue the family’s dream and Billy Whitman’s love of helping kids,” said Foundation President Betty Stephens.  “By endowing the scholarship, Coach Whitman will touch the lives of students forever.”