Peters family gives $7,500 to Sgt. Peters Memorial Scholarship

Dennis and Debbie Peters announced a $7,500 gift to endow the Special Agent Sgt. Joseph M. Peters Memorial Scholarship at today’s Veterans Day ceremony held at the Ozarks Technical Community College.

The gift will be added to the contributions already made by the OTC family and community donors for a total endowment of $10,000. The Peters family made the donation in honor of their late son, Sgt. Peters, an OTC graduate, who was killed on Oct. 6 while serving in Afghanistan. The scholarship will go to eligible veterans attending OTC.

“Our hearts have always been with OTC and through this gift, we can be sure that our family and Joseph remain connected to OTC,” said Dennis Peters, Joseph’s father and OTC’s Veterans Affairs representative.

Dr. Hal L. Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College, accepted the gift on behalf of the College.

“We are truly humbled to be the trustees of the Special Agent Sgt. Joseph M. Peters Memorial Scholarship that stands in loving remembrance of this noble fallen solider. The Peters family has strong ties to this College and this scholarship will serve as a reminder that Joseph was and always will be a member of the OTC family,” said Dr. Higdon.

Cliff Davis, vice chancellor and executive director of the OTC Foundation, said: “We accept this generous donation from the Peters family with both sadness and pride. His loss affects us all very deeply, but we are proud of the legacy he leaves behind as both student and soldier. His memory will live on at OTC through the scholarship that will serve students for years to come.”

The OTC Board of Trustees recently recognized Sgt. Peters’ service and sacrifice with a resolution. He was posthumously awarded the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. 

To contribute to the Special Agent Sgt. Joseph M. Peters Memorial Scholarship, call the OTC Foundation at (417) 447-2651.