About Fred Vehon
Fred Vehon, HP Class of ’85, embodied the Highland Park spirit of lifting up others through humor and kindness. A force on the 1985 state-semi-finalist football team, Fred is remembered for his ability to support his teammates on and off the field. Mostly through steadfast friendship and lots of laughs. He had an unparalleled sense of humor, quick and sharp and belly-laugh inducing.
Fred was endearingly known as “Big Papa,” and was a skilled raconteur who could instantly buckle you with his quick wit and knack for outrageously entertaining storytelling. On a more serious note, Fred was an earnest and principled man who cared deeply about others. He had a heart of gold and a generous spirit.
As a student at Highland Park, Fred had an extensive network of friends from all backgrounds. But his most natural place was always among his teammates. Fred truly had the biggest heart and would go out of his way to find joy in the small thingsof every day life.
A life taken too early, this scholarship is a way to ensure that Fred’s spirit and memory live on. We, his friends and teammates, trust that future winners of this scholarship will model Fred in how they play our game of football and how they represent Highland Park in college – with heart, generosity, work ethic, and a never give up drive to excel.
The Biggest Heart scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior football player who exhibits commitment to the team and his fellow athletes. This is not a scholarship for the star of the team, but instead celebrates the person who has the biggest, most positive influence on the entire squad. The true heart and soul of the Scot squad. We take great joy in remembering Fred, honoring him in this way, and blessing HP football graduates prospectively with financial assistance in meeting the daunting challenge of financing college, graduating and moving on to a successful adult life and career. Here’s to Fred, and here’s to those thought worthy of earning the honor of receiving his scholarship.
