Phil Rodgers Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Phil Rodgers Memorial Scholarship, established by the Germantown Grove Club in Jim Thorpe, honors the legacy of Phil Rodgers, a lifelong Jim Thorpe resident and the founder of the Special Needs Fishing Derby.  This $500 scholarship recognizes Jim Thorpe students who embody Phil Rodgers’ dedication to inclusivity, service, and making a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs.

Philip Rodgers was born on January 13, 1924 and passed away on August 13, 2006.  A lifelong resident of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, Philip served his country proudly as a member of the US Army, between 1943 and 1947. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 304, an active volunteer with the Red Cross, and an EMT with Fairview Ambulance. He was a dedicated member of the Jim Thorpe Memorial Park Comission, working to create meaningful community spaces.

Philip’s passion for the outdoors and nature led him to establish the Special Needs Fishing Derby in 1955 and in 2003 found the Germantown Grove Club. 

On April 18, 1953,  Philip married the love of his life, Kathryn and together they raised ten children – five boys and five girls instilling the values of service, compassion, and community in their home. His legacy lives on in them today.

The inaugural recipient of the Phil Rodgers Memorial Scholarship was Keira Reese of Jim Thorpe in 2026, who will be attending Lebanon Valley College for physical therapy.

The Phil Rodgers Memorial Scholarship Fund is a charitable fund under the umbrella of the Carbon County Community Foundation.