Scholarship Description:
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Graduating senior at Portsmouth, Minford, Notre Dame, Valley or Wheelersburg high school, Scioto County, Ohio
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Maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher
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Received at least two varsity letters
- Must attend an accredited college or university
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Exhibited leadership qualities, pride in school, their community, good communication skills, community involvement and overall good character.
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Must include an essay describing why you are deserving of this scholarship, how your achievements parallel Courtney's and how you live your life by dedication, determination and discipline.
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Additional reference letter from a coach is required.
The Courtney Clifford Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Courtney Clifford. Courtney bravely battled ovarian cancer for five years and was a thyroid cancer survivor, having been diagnosed at the age of 14.
Courtney was a valedictorian of the Class of 2001 at Portsmouth High School. While at P.H.S., she was an All-State Athlete in tennis, basketball and softball, senior class president and football homecoming queen.
Courtney graduated summa cum laude in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Public Relations from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she was also a member of the women’s tennis team. She was president of the Public Relations Student Society of America and event chairperson of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life on the campus of UNCC. Courtney was also involved with the Catholic Campus Youth Ministry.
Following graduation from UNCC, Courtney was employed by American Tennis Professionals (ATP) in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Shortly following her employment, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and returned home to begin the fight of her life.
Courtney untiringly advocated for herself and others affected by cancer. She attended Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Summits in Texas and at the Ohio State University. She also attended the National Ovarian Cancer Alliance Conference in Washington D.C. Courtney will be remembered for her cancer awareness efforts and her selfless work to ensure that someday cancer will be eradicated.
Courtney's journey in the cancer world showed her intense fight and drive to never give up hope. She has touched many lives with her courage and strength.
Courtney passed away from this terrible disease on February 11, 2011 at the age of 28, but she will continue to touch lives through this scholarship fund and ovarian cancer awareness.
Courtney Recognized as a Woman of Courage...
Demonstrated remarkable acts of courage when confronted with adversity
Served as a role model to family, friends, and the community-at-large for her selfless fortitude in striving to overcome the challenges thrust upon her
Made a difference in the lives of others
The Scholarship
The goal of the Courtney Clifford Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Fund is to provide financial assistance to a deserving senior at Portsmouth High School, Notre Dame High School, and Minford High School who is planning to attend a university/college of their choice. The scholarship will reward a student who best exemplifies Courtney's achievements and character.
The Courtney Clifford Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Fund is held with The Scioto Foundation, P.O. Box 911, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662, which is a non-profit community foundation. The Scioto Foundation is responsible for accepting contributions, investing and managing the fund. Donations to the fund are tax-deductible.
Income from the fund will be distributed to the award-winning student's university/college, based on eligibility and the recommendations of the Courtney Clifford Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Committee.