Joe Petrich & Al Beach Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship makes awards in memory of its namesakes—Joe Petrich and Al Beach—both of whom are former teachers in the Marion City Schools. The scholarship was created by Harley “Hal” Mooney to honor the memory of two individuals who greatly impacted his life.

Joe was an alumnus of Chicago Public Schools’ LaSalle School, Albert G. Lane Technical High School, and Miami University of Ohio. His teaching and coaching career began in Russia, Ohio, where he met and married Helen Ann Snider.  He came to Marion in the early 1940s to teach at Edison Middle School and, later, Harding High School. He was head football coach in 1945-1946.

Al was Harding’s 1944 football team captain. He earned college degrees at Xavier University and returned to Marion to teach social studies and coach football. He produced numerous college ball players and All-Americans. He retired in 1987 and passed two years later.

Harley is a decorated Army veteran who served in both Korea and Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Brigadier General and was the recipient of three Bronze Stars, two Silver Medals, and three Purple Hearts. He founded the consulting firm of Mooney Osborne & Associates and serves on the board of directors for Champion Industries, a commercial printing, office, and furniture supply business based in Huntington, West Virginia.

This scholarship fund, created in 2006, supports higher education for Marion Harding High School seniors.