The Peggy Greer Calloway / Richard J Ridley Jr.
Trailblazer Award Scholarship
The BLAST organization has named its multipurpose scholarship in honor of the first four year African – American graduates from Concordia High School, Peggy Greer Calloway (class of 1955) and Richard J. Ridley, Jr. (class of 1956). Mrs. Calloway and Mr. Ridley went on to serve in various capacities in the community, with Mr. Ridley eventually becoming the first Black firefighter to work on the Fort Wayne Fire Department in the 1960s. They have both created lasting legacies within their families at Concordia High School, with many of their children, grandchildren, and relatives attending the Lutheran school system and Concordia High School up through the present day.
Jacob Pennekamp, CLHS Head of School says, “B.L.A.ST. is more than scholarship awards. B.L.A.S.T. provides our students the space to build lasting relationships while pursuing their educational endeavors and career pursuits. We believe in the mission and appreciate the partnership.”
B.L.A.S.T. Founders
Clydia Early
Michael Edmonds
Glenda Walker Ervins
Thomas Essex
Burton Hill
Leilia Ford Randle
Patricia Wilson
We are fortunate to have attended and graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School. The Black Lutheran Alumni Scholarship Team Trailblazer Award was created to honor our parents and loved ones, who made financial sacrifices and lent support, so that we could receive a Christian education. We will be forever grateful, as it has shaped our lives and the future of all our ancestors!
