Pennie M. Iott, family, and friends

The Philip J. Iott Memorial Scholarship was established by Pennie M. Iott, with family and friends, to honor her late husband’s commitment to the youth of the Monroe community.

Raised on a farm in Monroe County, Philip Iott was the middle of nine children in the Hubert and Bernandine Iott family. He attended St Joseph’s Catholic grade school in Maybee, and graduated from Catholic Central High School. He married Pennie Raymo in 1974. They have three children: Philip Jr., Daren, and Sarah. Though he did not go to college, Phil was proud of his family for attending. Philip Jr., Sarah, and Pennie Iott are MCCC alumni. Philip worked for Ford Motor Company as a lift truck operator for 26 years as well as raising animals at his home in Frenchtown Township.

Being raised on a farm was something that ran deep in Phil’s blood and he felt that it was an important thing to be able to teach his children about raising animals and caring for them. Active in 4-H with his children he felt this was a great way to keep kids out of trouble and give them something wholesome to do. Phil was famous for his family fun hayrides which provided memories for generations of his family and friends. Children and adults alike enjoyed his wild rides through the trails in the woods with “farmer Phil.”Phil was an avid hunter, 4-H leader, Boy Scout leader, and was a member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Maybee, Michigan.

“Phil was always concerned for anyone who had a disadvantage, especially young people. He worried about kids in the Monroe County Youth Center. Some of his fellow employees at Ford Motor Co. had children in the Youth Center. He said, if they could come live with us on the farm, they would not get in trouble.” Said Mrs. Iott. Pennie Iott, who graduated from the MCCC Registered Nursing program after Phil’s death, now works at the Monroe County Youth Center as an RN. “This scholarship is meant to be a chance to change one’s circumstances for the better. Phil would be very proud to have helped young people who are at a disadvantage to improve their lives and take charge of their circumstances.”