The scholarship was created by the Fisher family in memory of Dorothy Neal Fisher, who came from a line of strong, educated women. Her mother, Elizabeth Lloyd Neal, lived in Marengo when there was no high school. Her family knew the importance of an education, so they rented a room in Cardington so Elizabeth and her two sisters could attend the high school. Although travel was difficult in the early 1900’s, their father would make the trip twice a week so they could be home on weekends. The Neal sisters graduated from Cardington High School, and then from Otterbein College. Elizabeth felt that Cardington helped her become the woman she aspired to be, so she returned after college to raise her family. Dorothy inherited her mother’s tenacity, and was one of the few women who played basketball for Cardington High School and was known for her strong swimming. Dorothy and her husband, Merle, both graduates of Cardington, continued a family legacy that includes graduating all five of their children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren from the school. Dorothy was an active supporter of the school and the Cardington Alumni Association. She loved to play the piano, and played at most of Cardington’s community events and played the school song on the piano at the annual alumni banquet.

Dorothy passed away in 2005, and is remembered for her love of the piano, ballroom dancing, and being a fast driver. The Dorothy Neal Fisher Scholarship was established to continue the family’s dedication to Cardington High School and to help its students as they pursue their dreams.