Joseph H Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Fund

“He had many good qualities, and put them to use. He helped a lot of people become better, more knowledgeable citizens. That is an important thing.” - Todd H.

The endless agony of ringing bells, scribbled notes, and tattered textbooks. The symphony of lockers slamming, shouts to friends, of hundreds of squeaking shoes in the rush to the next class, the next lecture. Hour after hour, day after day; time marked by young, bored eyes watching the clock drag its way to freedom. Such is the life of a middle school student.

Yet for one hour of one school year, the monotony was fractured in Mr. Gilbert’s science class. Students called him “Mister G” with respect and affection. You never knew what he would do! One day you may get settled in, and he invites the kid with the longest hair to the front of the class and directs them to lay a hand on this odd contraption on his desk; flat metal base, long tube topped by a big metal sphere. His face would light up in a smile at the open mouths, oohs and aahs from the crowd when that hair lifted higher and higher…and separated into a glorious static-filled halo. “This,” he’d say, “is a Van DeGraff generator, and our next chapter is about electricity”. There was his famous black box where he demonstrated pouring water in, water out (at a different volume) and dared you to figure out what was going on inside. You were graded on your process, not your results. He had students build a greenhouse on school grounds and established teaming with the state’s Division of Water to sample stream water quality.

You see, he was teaching his students - entire generations – to be curious, to explore their world, and to think logically and with purpose. To accept mistakes, learn from them, and try again. He invited discussion and involvement but didn’t tolerate laziness or empty excuses. He gave you goals that were achievable and expected you to reach your potential. Every year his students were required to work on a science fair project. It didn’t need to be spectacular; some were. It didn’t need to be perfect; no one’s was. He challenged everyone to ask a question that intrigued them, then expertly guided you on the journey of discovery. The independence and responsibility he gave his students allowed them to grow in directions that were suited to them, and they were better for it.

For over thirty years, Joe Gilbert’s love of teaching made an impact on the lives and futures in his small hometown farming community. Even after his retirement, he’d be stopped by former students, thanking him for a small lesson that made a big difference. Unfortunately, a great teacher who guided thousands of young minds with patience and compassion passed away in April of 2023 after a brief battle with cancer. His legacy of education and inspiration can remain long past his illness, with your help. This scholarship fund for deserving Lewis County, Kentucky students has been created in his honor. Each year, a financial award will be given to a Lewis County High School senior who exhibits an excitement and dedication to science that he was so passionate about fostering. Your donation will help continue to support, promote, and reward the curiosity and exploration he wanted for every kid who forgot to watch the clock during Mister G’s class.