Founded by Mr. and Mrs. Manwiller’s family for Frederick County Public School graduating seniors, with a preference to Governor Thomas Johnson High School graduations.

Karl S. Manwiller began his educational career in Frederick County in 1963 as supervisor of high schools, and was the founding principal of Governor Thomas Johnson High School. In 1973, he took the position of Director of Pupil Services, followed by the role of Curriculum Specialist for Social Studies and Community Resources, both for Frederick County Public Schools. His achievements in education include development of Frederick County’s advanced placement programs, visual and performing arts offerings, and special and alternative education programs. Upon retiring from the school system, Mr. Manwiller became Executive Director of the Community Foundation, holding that position from 1988 until 1991. He led the organization through a series of “firsts,” including overseeing the first grant from the unrestricted fund earnings awarded to Frederick County Vo-Tech Students, and the first Annual Report to the Community announcing that the $1 million goal in contributions, pledges and current assets had been met. In 1990, the first grants were awarded through a formalized grantsmaking process. Mr. Manwiller was instrumental in laying the groundwork that has helped the Community Foundation grow into a strong, viable entity that has now injected more than $31 million in grants and scholarships into the community since its birth in 1986. Mr. Manwiller passed away in June 2010, and his wife, Evelyn M. Manwiller, established The Karl S. Manwiller Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his memory and keep the legacy of his educational achievements alive. Evelyn M. Manwiller passed away on  April 26, 2023.