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Charles P. and Geneva Varney Memorial Scholarship Fund
Scholarship Criteria:
- Must pursue a degree in Vocal Performance, Music Education with an emphasis in voice/choral conducting, or Church Music with an emphasis in voice/choral conducting
- Scioto County residents will receive first priority
- Residents of neighboring counties may apply and will receive consideration
- GPA 3.0 or higher
- Audition and essay are required. - The essay must be 500 words or more on your intent, outlining musical training and experiences, as well as your goals in the field of music, both short and long term.
- Must attend an accredited college or university
A committee of Portsmouth High School alumni chaired by Stanley Workman, Jr. has established the Charles P. and Geneva Varney Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Scioto Foundation to honor the long-time music educator and community leader who died April 9 after an extended battle with cancer.
“We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Charles and Geneva Varney Scholarship Fund celebrating the achievements of Charles Varney as a teacher, performer and choral director in Scioto County since the early 1950’s,” said Workman. “While the details of the scholarship are still being worked out, it will be open to vocalists from Scioto County choosing a career in music education, performance or choral conducting, especially honoring Mr. Varney’s commitment and dedication to the talent of young people in this area.”
The committee invites and encourages friends and former students of Varney to contribute to the fund. Contributions designated for the Varney Scholarship Fund may be sent to the Scioto Foundation, P.O. Box 911 or 303 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.
Born on September 17, 1931 in Huntington, WV, Charles served in the U. S. Air Force as an Intelligence Specialist during the Korean War before attending and graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. In 1958 he took the position of Music Specialist for the Wheelersburg Public Schools and in 1962 moved to the Portsmouth City Schools where he remained for 27 years until his retirement. He was an adjunct faculty member of the Shawnee State University College of Education for 12 years.
During his career as music educator, Charles also served six church congregations as choir director and was the director of the Portsmouth Male Chorus for 27 years. He was bass soloist for services at B’nai Abraham Temple in Portsmouth for 40 years and founded and directed the Portsmouth Symphony Chorale until 2009.
Charles served in leadership roles for numerous professional and community organizations including Second Presbyterian Church, the Portsmouth City Teachers Association, the Ohio Association of Classroom Teachers, the Southern Ohio Community Concerts Association, the Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association and the Scioto County Retired Teachers Association. Charles was also president of the Wheelersburg Kiwanis Club for three terms and Lt. Governor of the 9thDivision of the Ohio District. He was a 32nddegree Mason in the Wheelersburg Western Sun No. 91 Masonic Lodge.
With his wife Geneva, also a retired educator, Charles had 3 children, Joseph Roy Varney who died in an accident in 1987, Charlotte Ann Campbell of West Jordan, Utah, and Charlie Varney of Honolulu, Hawaii, and 10 grandchildren.
Scholarships associated with Charles P. and Geneva Varney Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Charles P. & Geneva Varney Scholarship Fund
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