Donors

• Must be a graduating senior at Wheelershburg HS
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

The Portsmouth High School Class of 1964 has established a new scholarship fund at the Scioto Foundation designed to leave a legacy for the class and help future PHS graduates pay for college educations.

Additions to the fund may be made by alumnae, friends, family and supporters of Portsmouth High School in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property to the fund at any time. Contributions also may be made to honor and recognize a Portsmouth High School graduate or to serve as a memorial to an individual.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must be a graduating senior of Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth, Ohio
• Must complete PHS essay 
• Must attend an accredited college or university

Abby was born February 24, 2011 in Columbus to Jesse and Kristin (Barnett) Ruby.  Abby attended preschool in South Webster and played Pee-Wee soccer in Minford.  She was full of life and put a smile on the face of everyone she came in contact with.  She loved playing outside and with her kittens, Tiger and Buckeye. She attended Union Freewill Baptist Church where she participated in youth activities.

Sadly she passed away at age Four. Her family established this fund in her memory. 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior of Minford or South Webster high school, Scioto County, Ohio

• Enrolled at a vocational, college or university

• Must show school spirit and kindness - school community involvement

A committee of South Webster and Minford teachers and family will select the scholarship recipient each year. Contact South Webster High School and Minford High School guidance office for details.
 

• Planning to attend Shawnee State University 
• Majoring in business
• A graduating senior from a Scioto County High School

• Must be a graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school
• Maintain a  GPA of 3.0 or better
• Attend a post-secondary educational institution

The son of Vicky Skaggs Eldridge, Adam Eldridge was born on December 6, 1977 in Portsmouth. He passed away on March 31, 2021 at the age of 43. Adam was a graduate of Glenwood High School and the Scioto County Joint Vocational School. After he graduated from high school, he worked on river barges until suffering a brain injury after being hit in the head by a piece of equipment in 1999 when he was almost 22 years old.

His mother Vicky was Adam’s loving and proud caregiver for more than 20 years before he died from cancer two years ago.

“Adam was an all-round good person,” Vicky said. “He was very intelligent and encouraged everyone to go to college so that they could get good educations and good jobs.”

“Adam would do anything for anybody and wanted to do everything he could for people,” Vicky added. “He loved animals too. His injury left him with short-term memory problems; he still had long-term memory. He was an avid reader, but that activity was taken away with his short-term memory difficulties.”

Vicky said she and Adam talked about setting up the fund. He wanted to give kids the opportunity to have a better life and to help those with lower incomes improve their financial situations. They wanted the scholarship to be available to any students in the Scioto County area to attend any college if they were qualified.

Adam thought about going to college but loved his job before he got hurt, Vicky said. “He didn’t know what he wanted to do later in life, but he would have wanted to help many folks,” she added. “He cared about others.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better son,” Vicky concluded.

Contributions to the Adam Eldridge Memorial Scholarship Fund from family, friends, or the general public may be made at any time. Donations may be in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property.

Additional information about the Adam Eldridge Memorial Scholarship Fund or other planned giving opportunities at the Scioto Foundation may be obtained by contacting Patty Tennant, Program Office – Donor Services, or SF Executive Director Kim Cutlip at (740) 354-4612.

• Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent 
• Must be a resident of Adams County, Ohio or have received a diploma from a high school in Adams County, Ohio. Maybe be homeschooled in Adams County, Ohio.
• Must be attending or planning to attend an accredited, nonproprietary college, university or certified vocational training program in a full-time capacity
• Must show financial need. 
• Undergraduates Only 
• Must have a record of satisfactory academic performance
• Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher

• have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
• be a resident of Adams County, Ohio or have received a diploma from a high school in Adams County, Ohio or have been homeschooled in Adams County, Ohio;
• be attending or planning to attend an accredited, nonproprietary college, university, or certified vocational training program in a full-time capacity;
• show financial need;
• have a record of satisfactory academic performance;
• have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; and
• be an undergraduate student.

• Scholarship Criteria
• Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent 
• Must be a resident of Adams County, Ohio or have received a diploma from a high school in Adams County, Ohio. Maybe be homeschooled in Adams County, Ohio.
• Must be attending or planning to attend an accredited, nonproprietary college, university, or certified vocational training program in a full-time capacity. 
• Students must show financial need
• Graduate of an Adams County, Ohio high School

he Adams County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Scioto Foundation, has announced the creation of the Earl and Helen Johnson Scholarship Fund, established for the benefit of Adams County students striving to attain post-secondary educations.

The new scholarship fund was set up by the Johnsons' son Bill, a native of Adams County, who said "he wants to give back to the community that was so good to him as he was growing up."

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and be a resident of Adams County, Ohio, or have received a diploma from a high school in Adams County. Applicants must be attending or planning to attend an accredited, non-proprietary college, university or certified vocational training program in a full-time capacity.

Students must demonstrate financial need and have a record of satisfactory academic performance. Participation in extracurricular activities, community services, employment and school attendance will also be considered. When possible, for current graduates of Adams County high schools, scholarships will be allocated equally among those schools. As the fund grows at some point in time, when practical, scholarship renewals will be considered.

Earl and Helen Johnson Scholarship selections will be made annually by the volunteer scholarship committee of the Scioto Foundation acting on behalf of the SF Board of Governors.

Bill Johnson, now a resident of Dallas, Texas, established the scholarship fund in memory of his parents. His father, Earl, died in 1957 and his mother, Helen, died in 1974.

Bill grew up on a farm south of West Union and graduated from West Union High School and Wilmington College before becoming a flight instructor in the United States Air Force in Dallas. He and his wife Anne settled in Dallas where he worked in the insurance industry. According to Bill, he knows the value of giving back and has worked heavily in the philanthropic community in Dallas.

Bill's father Earl was an executive with the Adams County Building and Loan (now Southern Hills Community Bank.) He had three sisters, Betty Piatt, Caryl McFarland , Doris Rudy, who are deceased. He maintains close ties to Adams County through his brother-in-law, Ernie McFarland, and his family.

In creating the new fund, Bill said "his sincere desire...is to help other Adams Countians have some of the benefits he enjoyed by pursuing education beyond high school.

Contributions to the Earl and Helen Johnson Scholarship Fund from family, friends or the general public may be made at any time. Donations may be in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property.

Further information about the Earl and Helen Johnson Scholarship Fund may be obtained by contacting the Adams County Community Foundation at (937) 544-8659 or by contacting Ginnie Moore, Grants and Scholarships Coordinator for the Scioto Foundation which manages the fund for the ACCF at (740) 354-4612.

• Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent 
• Must be a resident of Adams County, Ohio or have received a diploma from a high school in Adams County, Ohio. Maybe be homeschooled in Adams County, Ohio.
• Must be attending or planning to attend an accredited, nonproprietary college, university, or certified vocational training program in a full-time capacity. 
• Undergraduates Only 
• Must show financial need. 
• Must have a record of satisfactory academic performance
• When possible, for current graduates of Adams County, Ohio high schools, scholarships will be allocated equally among those schools.

• Graduating senior from an Adams County, Ohio high school
• 3.0 GPA
• Majoring in a health-related field
• Must attend an accredited college or university

Scholarship Criteria: 

• Graduating senior from Portsmouth High School or Notre Dame High School in Scioto County, Ohio

• 2.8 GPA or above

• Must attend an accredited college or university

Preference for Education Major and those attending a college or university in Ohio. 

The Scioto Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Amy M. Keating Scholarship Fund established by Kathy Fish and Tom Keating, Amy’s mother and husband, in memory of the highly-regarded English teacher and tennis coach who passed away on February 5, 2019.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be graduating seniors from Portsmouth or Notre Dame High School and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.8 on a scale of 4.0. Preference will be given to students studying education and attending Ohio schools.  As the fund grows, it is anticipated that annual awards will be made to graduating seniors from other high schools in Scioto County. 

A committee of up to five members will make annual selections in concert with the Scioto Foundation’s volunteer scholarship committee.  If the committee no longer chooses to make the selections, the volunteer scholarship committee, on behalf of the Scioto Foundation Board of Governors, will name the annual recipients. 

A daughter of David E. Barney and Kathy Boyce Fish, Amy was born June 20, 1969 in Portsmouth.  An English teacher at Portsmouth High School, Amy was influential not only as a tennis coach but also as a life coach for her students. She was a successful Quiz Bowl and Mock Trial coach, had multiple winning seasons in both Boys’ and Girls’ tennis and was the yearbook advisor. Amy coined the PHS phrase “You Belong Here” and was instrumental in the development of the school’s new food bank.  She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed tackling new adventures such as hiking with friends, old and new.

 “Amy regularly received letters from her former students thanking her for preparing them for college English. Students came by the school to see her and to let her know they wouldn’t have made it through college if it weren’t for her classes,” said her mother and husband. “Amy was the kind of teacher and person that the students wanted to be with – whether in the classroom or the tennis courts. Parents have told us their daughters want to be like Amy. Some parents told us they encouraged their children to sign up for everything Amy was doing so they could spend more time with her.”

“Amy encouraged and inspired her students, and she made each and every one of them feel special. She encouraged them to push themselves to be better students, athletes and people. We want the scholarship fund to keep Amy’s legacy alive by helping those who seek a good life for themselves while helping others achieve success. Amy’s message was ‘Believe in your abilities,’ “ Fish and Keating explained.

Amy was a 1987 graduate of PHS and earned a Bachelor of English degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a teaching degree from Ohio University. She received a Master of Education degree from Concordia University. Amy was a board member of the Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery and attended Cornerstone United Methodist Church. She and Tom were married on August 7, 2000, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.  Their family includes stepsons Thomas Jacob and Benjamin David Keating of Indianapolis, Indiana and stepdaughter Megan Sowkulech of McDermott, Ohio. 

Additions to the Amy M. Keating Scholarship Fund may be made by friends, family and supporters in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property at any time.  Further information about the Amy M. Keating Scholarship Fund or other planned giving opportunities may be obtained by contacting Kim Cutlip or Patty Tennant at the Scioto Foundation office, (740) 354-4612 or by visiting the SF website at www.sciotofoundation.org. 

 

• Enrolled at an accredited college or university seeking an associate or bachelor’s degree to become a vet tech, vet assistant, or a veterinary-related degree (e.g. pre-veterinary)
• Students living in one of the following counties Adams(OH), Greenup(KY), Jackson(OH), Lawerence(OH), Lewis(KY), Pike(OH), or Scioto(OH).

• Must be a Scioto County, Ohio high school graduate
• Must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Attend Shawnee State University
• Must major in Business

The Scioto Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the new Appalachian Marketing and Media Scholarship Fund, established by Audrey and Ryan Schiesser who are making the scholarship available to students who are interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business. 

To be eligible for the Appalachian Marketing and Media Scholarship, a student must be a graduate of a Scioto County high school, maintain a 3.5 grade point average on a scale of 4.0 and attend Shawnee State University, majoring in business. Preference will be given to students studying marketing.

The Scioto Foundation volunteer scholarship committee will make annual selections of scholarship recipients on behalf of the SF Board of Governors.

“We believe that entrepreneurship and business are essential to the growth and success of our community,” said the Schiessers. “We wanted to create a scholarship that could help support students who are interested in pursuing these fields and help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in our community. Our goal is to give back to the community by supporting students passionate about those fields”

“We hope that this scholarship can help support these students’ academic and career goals,” Audrey concluded.

“It is so exciting when young people like Ryan and Audrey want to give back to the community and help other young people afford a college education, “ said Patty Tennant, Scioto Foundation Program Manager for Donor Services. “It is because of people like them that the Scioto Foundation can make a difference in our community.”

Audrey, who is the owner of Appalachian Marketing and Media, is a graduate of Portsmouth West High School. She attended Shawnee State University where she graduated with a B.S. Degree in Marketing.  She was a recipient of a scholarship from the Scioto Foundation. 

She is on the board of Scioto Christian Youth Athletics, Vice President of Main Street Portsmouth and a member of the Leadership Team for Friends of Portsmouth.

Ryan, the Business Manager for Appalachian Marketing and Media, is a graduate of Green High School. He graduated from SSU with a B.S. Degree in Cybersecurity and Business Management.  He is currently serving his 10^th year in the United States Navy as an Intelligence Specialist.  He is a mentor at the Kricker Innovation Hub and a member of the Leadership Team for Friends of Portsmouth. 

Audrey and Ryan are the parents of Addie, three months old, and Hunter, eleven years old. 

The Appalachian Marketing and Media Company, which is three years old, has developed eight marketing services to address every need, said the Schiessers. The services include strategic marketing, photography, social media marketing, email marketing, website development, search engine optimization, videography and graphic design. 

Their intent is to grow businesses with target marketing strategies, tactics and resources aimed at attracting more clients and gaining peace of mind, the Schiessers said. 

“We believe in supporting our local community which is why we give back to local organizations in our area,” Audrey explained. 

The company has launched an internship program benefitting local college students, has expanded into eight service lines, services more than 80 local companies and currently employs seven Shawnee State University graduates, according to Audrey. 

“We focus on providing high quality marketing for our customers, excellent employment opportunities for our staff and excellent experience for local college students with our internship program,” she concluded. 

Contributions to the Appalachian Marketing and Media Scholarship Fund from family, friends or the general public may be made at any time. Donations may be in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property.

Additional information about the Appalachian Marketing and Media Scholarship Fund or other planned giving opportunities at the Scioto Foundation may be obtained by contacting Patty Tennant, Program Office – Donor Services, or SF Executive Director Kim Cutlip at (740) 354-4612.

• Graduated from a Scioto County, Ohio high school
• Must have a college Sophomore, Junior, or Senior status 
• Majoring in Business or Music
• Undergraduate
• Must attend an accredited college or university

Scholarship Description:

• Graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio High School

• Pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies

• Must attend an accredited college or unversity

A native of Scioto County, Bernie was a 1976 graduate of Northwest High School. He later attended Ohio University and graduated with honors in 1987, with a bachelor’s degree in environmental zoology. The following year he took a job with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
 
To his coworkers at the Ohio EPA, Bernie was known as a dedicated and likable man who had extensive knowledge of dragonflies. “He was one of those guys, if you asked him to do something you knew it would get done without any questions,” said Chris Yoder, supervisor of the ecological assessment unit where Bernie worked.
 
Counts conducted aquatic ecological studies for sites regulated by the Division of Emergency and Remedial Response. He investigated the environmental damage done by chemical spills and other pollution problems. Over the years, Bernie was involved in evaluating more than 80 rivers and streams in Ohio. He helped raise the alarm about the hazards in the Little Scioto River in Marion County long before Marion’s pollution problems became widely known.
 
An avid reader and life-long learner, Bernie was a member of the Dragonfly Society of America and the Ohio Odonata Society. He contributed a chapter to Dragonflies of Ohio, written by his friend, Bob Glotzhober, curator of natural history for the Ohio Historical Society.
 
“Bernie dedicated his life to making a small footprint on the planet. He was involved in many environmental protection issues and practiced what he preached,” said co-worker Dave Altfater. Bernie will be fondly remembered as an excellent colleague, an advocate for the environment, and a man dedicated and passionate about his work. All who knew him felt fortunate to have called Bernie Counts a friend. 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must complete the Bill Newman Sportsmanship Essay

• Must show good sportsmanship

• Must be a graduating senior of a Scioto County, Ohio High School

• Must attend an accredited college or university

Bill was an advocate of youth and sports for most of his life. He was a retired OHSAA official for baseball, basketball, football, softball and volleyball. Through his 50-plus years of officiating and his 29 years of coaching American Legion Baseball, he was privileged to mentor and touch many lives. His teams won many league championships and one state championship. Several of his players went on to play major league baseball. He officiated in district, regional, and state tournament games. He was inducted into the OHSAA Officials Hall of Fame and into the Portsmouth High School Hall of Fame. He was honored with the signing of a star on the Portsmouth Floodwall. Bill received numerous honors and recognitions throughout his career for his many sports accomplishments. Bill always believed his greatest accomplishment was the love and support of his family. HOT-CHAMALE!
 

Scholarship Criteria: 

• Graduating senior of a Scioto County, Ohio High School unless the scholarship is renewed

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

• Child of an employee of the City of Portsmouth.

• Active in the community

• Must attend an accredited college or unversity

May be renewed for three additional years if recipient maintains a 2.0 GPA.

UPPER CLASSMAN can only apply if a renewal

Proceeds of the City of Portsmouth's Employee Recognition Dinner held January 18, 2003, Established this fund honoring Bobby J. Burns. The dinner was sponsored by Tri-State Coca-Cola Bottling Company and numerous local businesses. Officials from the City chose to honor the memory of Burns through this scholarship.

"During the final stages of the development of this scholarship, we lost a good friend -- Bob Burns. Sometime during the days that followed, we were struck with the notion of what better way to say thank you to Bob than to name this scholarship after him. Through this award it is our hope Bob's life and good work will continue for many years to come," said Mayor Greg Bauer. 

The scholarship will assist a graduating senior who plans to attend Shawnee State University and is a child of a City of Portsmouth employee. The recipient must be active in the community. This scholarship is renewable for three years provided the recipient maintains a 2.0 GPA. The first recipient will be chosen Spring 2004. 

Bobby J. Burns was born in Huntington, WV., in 1959. He was the son of Polly Faye Maynard Burns and the late Paul Burns. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Michele Wylie Burns and children, Leah Burns, Micah Burns and John Burns.

Burns was a 1977 graduate of Chesapeake HS and a 1995 graduate of the Scioto County Joint Vocational School where he received his Licensed Practical Nursing degree. He worked during some of his off-hours from the city as an LPN, his last being in the Emergency Department of the Adams County Hospital.

"Often when asked by others what type of work he did, Burns would always reply by saying he was public servant, which is exactly how he saw himself. He lived to help others, young and old. As he puts it, the young ones, 'they just need someone to really listen to them and he would just be there for them and the elderly. He would always feel the seniors would so graciously extend their arms and welcome him into their family. He believed that his job gave him the opportunity to help," remembers his wife, Michele. 

"Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. He always said he had a lot to be thankful for because it seemed he was always getting a lot more than he gave. Nothing could shine his name brighter than a scholarship for children, and we, the Burns family, thank all of those involved in helping a true loving man's name live on," expressed Michele. 
 

• Junior or Senior status
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• Majoring in Special Education
• Must attend an accredited college or university
• Graduate of a Scioto County high school 

​

​The Brenda Musser Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Eric Musser to honor his mother who died on January 12, 2011 after a long, four-year battle with lung cancer.

​To be eligible for the Musser Scholarship, a student must be a junior or senior enrolled at an accredited college or university majoring in special education with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students must have graduated from a high school located in Scioto County.

Brenda Sue Musser was born February 14, 1953, the daughter of Goldie Wireman Griffith and the late Paul W. Griffith. She was a 1971 graduate of Portsmouth High School and a faithful class reunion organizer.  She earned a BS degree in Special Education in 1975 and a MA degree in Economics Education in 1981, both from Ohio University. 

​A cancer educator and advocate of children with special needs, she retired from the Portsmouth City School District in 2008 as the Facilitator of Special Needs.  She was an active member and past president of the Portsmouth City School Teachers’ Association. She was also the Local District Representative to the Ohio Education Association for 25 years.

​“Mum may have gone into special education due to its higher demand, but she never liked the derogatory tone in people’s voices when they called her students names,” said Eric when remembering his mother. “She saw the potential in her kids that other teachers would ignore.”

“She would take the extra time and effort to help children with dyslexia learn to overcome their difficulties. A friend of mine who was one of her former students commended her as the only teacher to ever take the time to teach him how to read despite his dyslexia,” Eric recalled.  

         “Throughout school, when I would talk with her students on the playground or in the halls, when they found out I was her son, the story was always the same: ‘She's your mom! She's tough! I feel sorry for you.’ After I graduated when I would run into her former students, they always had similar stories but it was much different from school. ‘She's your mom! She was the only teacher I learned from. She was my favorite’,” Said Eric.                            

“I hope the future educators who qualify for this scholarship go into the field looking to empower the children they will come into contact with as my mum did. I hope they impact the lives of their students in such a way that their children hear similar stories on the playground and after graduation that I did,” concluded Musser.
 

Additional information about the Brenda Musser Memorial Scholarship Fund or other scholarship funds invested at the Scioto Foundation may be obtained by contacting the staff at (740) 354-4612 or by visiting the SF website at www.sciotofoundation.org. 

• Graduate from Manchester High School, Adams County, Ohio
• Majoring in Education or Healthcare
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university

• Graduate from a high school in Scioto County, Ohio 
• Majoring in Education or Healthcare 
• Enrolled at an accredited college or university

Scholarship Description:

• Scioto County, Ohio high school graduate

• Have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act

• Must attend an accredited college or university

Brooks was born in Portsmouth and attended the U.S. Grant grade school until he moved to Union Township after the 1937 flood. There he lived along the little Bear Creek near Highway 73. He attended Union Township Grade School and Otway High School. At the age of 17, Carl left the area to join the Navy Seabees during WWII. Served in Guinea and the Philippine Island. Books retired U.S. Customs Agent. 
 
During his 20 years as an agent, Carl became interested in learning Spanish but never quite achieved his goal. Upon retirement, he renewed his efforts to learn Spanish, which ultimately took him to Cuernavaca, Mexico. For two months he lived there with a Mexican Family and attended a language school. When Brooks returned to Ft. Myers, he gained teaching experience by instructing English to Spanish-speaking immigrants. For the past 11 years, he has devoted himself to teaching English to people of other languages. 
 
Why did Brooks create this fund, according to Carl, “ I thought I should try to do something beneficial for the town and county of my birth, the place and people that nurtured me during my formative years. I hope that this gift, Portsmouth and Scioto County will be better off because of Carl E. Brooks passed this way on a journey through life.”

Established in 2000
 

• 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 graduate from a Greenup Co. (KY) or Scioto Co.(OH) high school
• Pursuing a Music degree
• Submittal of a music audition is required
• Must attend an accredited college or university

• Graduating Senior of Portsmouth West High School
• Enrolled at The Ohio State University 

• Graduate of East High School

• Graduating Senior of Notre Dame or Wheelersburg High School. (One will be award to each school district)
• Plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school for post secondary education.
• Complete the essay that discusses their adherence to Coach Miller's philosophy of faith, family and football. 
• Students must demonstrate hard work, showcase pride in school and have a desire to achieve are encourage to apply

Scholarship Description: 

• Graduate of a Scioto County high school

• Sophomore rank or higher at an accredited college or university

• Majoring in education and planning to pursue a career in teaching

• Undergrad

• Must attend an accredited college or university

Preference is given to students who are interested in coaching athletic teams at the elementary, middle and/or high school level.

Established by former athletes of Coach Shurl Shoemaker, this fund provides scholarship assistance to a worthy high school graduate from the Scioto County area who has progressed beyond the second year of study at a college or university that he or she intends to pursue a full-time career in teaching. 

Preference will be given to candidates who are interested in coaching athletic teams at the elementary, middle and/or high school level.

Shoemaker was born in 1934. He attended North Moreland school and graduate from Portsmouth East high school in 1952. Following graduation, Shoemaker graduated from Ohio University with BS in Education. In 1956, he started teaching in the Portsmouth city school district, and taught there for the next 30 years. 

Shoemaker was active in coaching, including teams for North Moreland, Roosevelt, Mckinley and Portsmouth high school girls basketball. 

In addition to coaching in the Portsmouth city school district, from 1953 to 1975, Shoemaker was active in the New Boston Kiwanis Little League. 

According to former athlete, Norm Burroughs, "Coach Shoemaker is one of those rare individuals we are very lucky to brush up against in life. I'm so thankful to have been blessed with his influence and care. He has made a difference in my life."

 

Scholarship Description:

• Graduating senior at Portsmouth, Minford, Notre Dame, Valley or Wheelersburg high school, Scioto County, Ohio

• Maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher

• Received at least two varsity letters

• Must attend an accredited college or university

• Exhibited leadership qualities, pride in school, their community, good communication skills, community involvement and overall good character.

• 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.

• 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.
 
 

• Graduating Senior at Notre Dame HS, Portsmouth Ohio
• Participants in outstanding community service projects
• Must attend an accredited college or university

• College sophomore or junior
• Majoring in history or education
• ​Must be a resident of Ohio, Kentucky or West Virginia
• Must attend an accredited college or university

• Graduating senior of a Scioto County, Ohio high school
• GPA 2.5 - 3.00
• Planning to Attend Shawnee State University
• Family income of $45,000 or less
• Must attend an accredited college or unversity

• A least a high school junior or senior at a Scioto County, Ohio or Greenup County, Kentucky high school
• Planning to attend a summer music camp of at least six weeks in length or pursuing a baccalaureate degree in music at a college or university. Music Education and music performance are included.
• Audition required.
• Those pursuing a music degree must attend an accredited college or university

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must be a graduating senior at Valley High School, Lucasville, Ohio 

• Must possess the following: the ability to think critically and creatively, express loyalty to the school, family and community; a desire to contribute to the community; competitive spirit; commitment to goals; and academic performance

• Must attend an accredited college or university

Established by the Valley Local School Board, the Doug Booth Scholarship Fund will assist a graduating senior annually from Valley High School who possesses the following: the ability to think critically and creatively, express loyalty to the school, family and community; desire to contribute to the community; competitive spirit; commitment to goals; and academic performance. The first recipient was chosen in the spring of 2004.
 
The Valley Local School Board has named the fund the “Doug Booth Scholarship” in honor of Mr. Douglas L. Booth who has spent his entire career of over 40 years as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent in the Valley Local Schools. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Booth has shown a commitment to providing a better quality of education for students of the Valley Local School District. He has exemplified throughout his career the power of ideas, creativity, loyalty and competitive pride. He, along with the Board, provided leadership for the district to obtain modern buildings and facilities that promote quality teaching and learning for the students of the district. The scholarship is a means to acknowledge the years of efforts and achievement of Douglas L. Booth and is an expression of gratitude to him for his contributions to current and future generations of students. 
 
“I take great pride in the accomplishments of the school district and our students’ achievements, all of which is a tribute to the dedicated staff and Board of Education. My role has simply been to serve the community of Lucasville and to care for our most prized possessions, our children. I am truly humbled and proud that the board has chosen to name this scholarship in my honor. It is my sincere hope that these funds will assist worthy students in attaining an education that might not otherwise have been available to them,” comments Booth. 
 
The Valley Local School Board believes in and supports the continuous physical, mental and emotional growth of the students enrolled in the Valley Local School District. The Board believes that students should be given the opportunities to participate in society to the best of their abilities. Being dedicated to these beliefs, the Board has established this fund for the purpose of providing students scholarships to assist deserving students to attain a college education. 
 
Board member, Dr. Charles Wilson explains, “this is an idea that the Board has discussed for a long time. Currently, Valley Local High School has many different scholarships to offer worthy students, but the amount just does not make a big enough difference in the cost of higher education. The scholarship fund was created in hopes of someday providing full scholarships to deserving students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to seek higher education."
 
Booth states, "making a difference in the lives of children is what all of us in the education field strive for each day. This is the best retirement gift an educator could possibly receive. I sincerely thank those who made it happen.”   

 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduate of a Scioto County high school or a current resident of Scioto County
• Minimum high school and/or college grade point average of 3.0/4.0
• Pursuing a degree in science with a preference for healthcare.
• Enrolled at college or university listed in the most recent US News and World Report’s National University or National Liberal Arts College rankings of “Top 200 Schools.”
• Submit three letters of recommendation from a family member, an employer or coach and a teacher, faculty or staff member of their current school.

The Scioto Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Dr. James R. Mullins Scholarship Fund, established in memory of a local physician who practiced medicine for 31 years in Portsmouth. The new fund has been set up by Mullins’ daughters, Jame Rebekah Monroe of Powell, Ohio and Remi Mullins-Murphy of Tracy, California.

Born November 4, 1946 in Magnolia, Arkansas, Dr. Mullins died on November 9, 2011 at the age of 65. He was a son of the late Cennie and Mae Smith Mullins. Dr. Mullins was a graduate of the University of California-Berkeley, received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of California San Francisco Medical Center and was a New York Life Medical Scholar. 

He was a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners, Board Certified by the Board of General Medicine and an active member of the Ohio State Medical Association. He came to Portsmouth to establish his practice in 1980. Locally, he was a past chief of staff of the Southern Ohio Medical Center and former medical director for The Counseling Center. In addition to his two daughters, Dr. Mullins was the grandfather of four grandchildren with another expected in six weeks.

“Our dad was a consumer of information, a champion of knowledge,” said Mullins-Murphy. “He believed that greatness could come from anyone and that education is the best avenue to facilitate meaningful advances and changes in people’s lives. Moreover, those tangible results make huge differences in our communities here and around the globe.”

“Our father viewed education in such high regard,” Monroe said. “I know he would be pleased that we have moved forward with this fund.”

To be eligible for the Mullins Scholarship, a student must be a graduate of a Scioto County high school or a current resident of Scioto County. In addition, applicants must have a minimum high school and/or college grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be pursuing a degree in science with a preference for healthcare. 

Applicants must attend a college or university listed in the most recent US News and World Report’s National University or National Liberal Arts College rankings of “Top 200 Schools”. Candidates are required to complete and submit three letters of recommendation from a family member, an employer or coach and a teacher, faculty or staff member of their current school.

Annual scholarship selections will be made through an advisory committee working in concert with the Scioto Foundation Board of Governors. The initial members of the committee will be James and Rebekah Monroe, Remi Mullins and one other member. In the event that either Monroe or Mullins-Murphy or another immediate family member of Dr. Mullins resigns, dies, or for any other reason becomes unavailable, the selection will be made by the SF Board of Governors or on its behalf by the volunteer scholarship committee of the Scioto Foundation. 

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

• Must be a Scioto County high school graduate
• Majoring in business
• Enrolled at Shawnee State University and major in business
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 and be a local student 

 The application can be found through the guidance office. Selection is made by the school. 

Scholarship Criteria:

• A graduate of Eastern High School, Pike County, Ohio or Eastern High School Student attending Vern Riffe JVS in Piketon, Ohio

• 3.0 GPA  or higher

• Must major in Education​

• Must exhibit good character

• Show financial need

• Must attend an accredited college or university

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduate from an Adams or Scioto County, Ohio high school

• Majoring in Secondary or Elementary education

• Must attend an accredited college or university

• Graduating seniors from any public Adams County high school, including Manchester High School. 
• Top 25% Class Standing
• Must have a good work ethic 
• Must show extracurricular activities 
• Must attend an accredited college or university

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must be a graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio High School

• Must be in a pre-med program

• Must attend an accredited college or university

The Larry Keller – Eva McCowen Medical Scholarship Fund was established from a bequest from Eva McCowen Keller‘s estate. 
 
Keller’s parents were Edward Oscar McCowen and Clara Edith Smith McCowen. Keller was one of six children. She and all of her siblings followed in the father’s steps and chose the field of education as their occupation. 

Edward started the first “Normal School” in Scioto County in order to train teachers. He believed in educating his daughters as well as his sons.
 
Keller then attended Miami University in Oxford. Eva was next to the oldest in her family; however, she outlived all of her siblings. She was 95 at her death. She lived alone and maintained her own affairs until five months before her death. She was intelligent and followed the news and world events and could discuss politics and history after turning 95. Eva was a 63-year member of the DAR. 
 

• Graduating senior from South Webster or Wheelersburg HS, Scioto County, Ohio
• GPA 3.0 or Higher
• Must attend an accredited college or university

Scholarship Description:

• Graduate from a Scioto County, Ohio high school

• Undergrad

• Must have financial need

• Must attend an accredited college or university

In August of 2001, Larry Fitch established the Fitch Family Fund in honor and memory of the Fitch family of Scioto County, Ohio. The fund provides assistance to needy and worthy students to attend the college or university of his or her choice. Applicants must be graduates of high school in Scioto County, Ohio. 

According to Larry, growing up in New Boston and having very little inspired him as an adult to give back to the community through the creation of this fund. 

Founding donors to the scholarship include Lawrence G. Fitch, Lee Oscar Fitch and James C. Fitch. 

 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must be a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School, Portsmouth, Ohio

• Must complete an essay describing “the three most important qualities a person should possess and one that a person should not.”

• GPA of 2.75 or Higher

• Must attend an accredited college or university

The Holsinger Family Scholarship Fund was established by Floyd’s wife Phyllis, his sons Christopher and John, and daughter Christina in August 1998.  Applicants for the scholarship must be graduates of Portsmouth Notre Dame High School who have maintained a minimum GPA of 2.75 and who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, best meet the additional guidelines established. 

Each candidate must submit an essay describing “the three most important qualities a person should possess and one that a person should not.” Additional guidelines require that the applicant should be a genuine, self-motivated, disciplined, hard-working individual who embraces God, family and education. The candidates’ commitment to their community, church, home and school shall be considered by the Selection Committee in evaluating each applicant. 

The Selection Committee has the option of awarding the scholarship to any candidate on a continuing basis until he or she has graduated from a four-year college or to a first-year college freshman. 

The Selection Committee is composed of the Senior Guidance Counselor and Principal of Notre Dame High School and family members Phyllis, Floyd Christopher Holsinger, John Phillip Holsinger and Christina Holsinger Dever. 

Born on November 24, 1937 in Scioto County, Floyd Holsinger was involved in local businesses for over 40 years. He was co-owner of Bob & Floyd’s Tire Sales, former owner of Christy’s Dairy Bar and a real estate developer of Whispering Pines, Oakwood Estates and Harbour View Estates in Stout, Ohio.

Floyd was a member of Nauvoo Masonic Lodge and the Portsmouth Elks Lodge and served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1962 until 1965. He attended Nauvoo Methodist Church, Wheelersburg United Methodist Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was also a Kentucky Colonel. 

Floyd’s family was of the utmost importance to him and he built a strong family with his gift of loving and sharing unconditionally. The community in which he lived and worked was also important to Floyd and he gave willingly to make it a better place for all to live, according to tributes at the time of his death. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed the many hours he spent walking and exploring the woods of his subdivisions. 

 “We started the fund because so many people made donations when Floyd died,” said Phyllis Holsinger. “We were overwhelmed and we wanted to put the money to the best use.”

“Floyd was thirsty for education and eager to learn. He was a great supporter of the kids, always boosting them in school,” she added. “He wanted the children to go to Notre Dame where he felt they would be encouraged by the influence of a Catholic education, church discipline and the love of people at the school.”

 “After graduating from Wheelersburg High School in 1956, Floyd tried to attend the University of Dayton, but without funding and encouragement, he left before finishing a semester. He wanted his kids to go to college,” his wife said.

Several Holsinger family members have been involved in education and the schools, including Phyllis’s sister, Garnet Renn, a teacher in the Portsmouth West School System for over 30 years. Daughter Christy taught for many years and is now the principal at Oak and Stanton Elementary Schools in New Boston. She graduated from Otterbein University. 

Both sons attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Floyd Christopher is a Professor of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, at the Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California and John Phillip is Assistant Director of Managed Marketing for Merck Pharmaceutical Company in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. 

 For over thirteen years Phyllis worked in food service at the Notre Dame Elementary School cafeteria, serving as supervisor before moving on to become New Boston School Cafeteria Supervisor in 2003 until she retired. Since 2011 she has worked part-time as an educational aide with the South Central Educational Service Center and Minford Schools, as well as other area school districts, enjoying working with all levels of students. 

Donations to the Floyd Holsinger Family Fund may be made by friends, family and supporters in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property at any time.  Further information about the Holsinger Scholarship Fund or other planned giving opportunities may be obtained by contacting Kim Cutlip or Patty Tennant at the Scioto Foundation office, (740) 354-4612 or by visiting the SF website at www.sciotofoundation.org. 
 

• Graduating senior at South Webster High School, Scioto County, Ohio
• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Majoring in education
• Must attend an accredited college or university

• Must be a graduating senior at Wheelersburg High School

• Must be a graduating senior at Piketon High School, Pike County, Ohio
• Pursuing a degree in education
• GPA of 2.5 or higher 
• Must attend an accredited college or university

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must be a graduating senior of Valley High School, Lucasville, Ohio. 

• Must show showing evidence of community service and financial need.

• Must exhibit these qualities: highly self-motivated individual or “hard worker” who did not quit in the face of adversity.

• Must attend an accredited college or university

Through the contributions of the friends and family, and dedication of Mrs. Angel Romanello, the Ginger Rudd Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2003. 
 
The scholarship will assist a graduating senior from Valley High School, showing evidence of community service and financial need. More importantly, the scholarship recipient must exhibit the qualities that the late Phillips possessed: that of a highly self-motivated individual or “hard worker” who did not quit in the face of adversity. 
 
Phillips graduated from Valley High School and received her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. She received a Master’s degree in education from Rio Grande in 1999. For many years she drove a school bus for the Valley Local School District. During the last 11 years, she taught in the Valley Local Schools. 
 
Angel Romanello, a longtime friend, explains why Phillips would want a scholarship in her name. Phillips had a special way of opening her heart to everyone. She loved life and saw each day as an opportunity. She always saw good and possibility in people, especially children. She loved teaching and helping friends and family whenever there was a need.  With this scholarship, Phillips will be able to continue helping to educate the children she loved so much.
 
Valley Local School Board member, Dr. Charles Wilson, expresses, “Phillips was a super person, willing to do anything the district asked of her. A scholarship fund is exactly how she would want to be remembered. She cannot be replaced and will be missed by all, including the future kids who will not have the opportunity to benefit from her love of teaching.”
 

Scholarship Description:

• Parent or guardian is a member of IBEW Local Union #575

• Submit a 250-word essay, "What the Labor Movement Means to Me".

IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local Union #575 Scholarship Fund is to be officially known as the Gordon M. Freeman IBEW Local Union #575 Scholarship Fund was created in 2011.

The fund is named for an important union leader who worked on behalf of labor organization and service from the 1930’s until his retirement in 1968, according to Dan Shirey, business manager for IBEW Local Union #575.

During the Great Depression in the 1930’s, Freeman helped establish an industrial federation to organize Tennessee Valley Authority workers in seven states, then served on the resulting association’s leadership council. He also served as the vice-president of the 4^th District from 1944 to 1955.

Freeman was elected IBEW International President in 1955. During his tenure he created departments for each major industry within the Union to facilitate organization and improve service to all membership groups. Under his direction, the Union helped Locals expand their four-year apprenticeship programs to include electronics, and in 1959 the IBEW appointed a skill-development training director so that full-fledged members could keep up with technological advances.

Along with skilled improvement and atomic energy, Freeman improved the training programs for technical fields such as industrial electronics, motor control, electrical heating and the National Electrical Code. Under his direction, scholarships were also created for students pursuing degrees in electrical engineering.

In 1964 Freeman pushed for organizing efforts in the South where right-to-work laws and strong antiunion tradition prevailed. 
 
He served at the request of U.S. presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson as vice president of the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. He also served on the Executive Council of the Metal Trades Department of the AFL-CIO from 1955 – 1968.

After his retirement, Freeman served as International President Emeritus until his death in 1983.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must furnish evidence that a parent or guardian is a member of local IBEW Local Union #575 and submit a 250-word essay on the subject, “What the labor movement means to me.”

On an annual basis, the Executive Committee of the IBEW will select a shortlist of potential candidates to receive the scholarship. The Board of Governors or the Volunteer Scholarship Committee of the Scioto Foundation will make the final selections.

From time to time additional contributions may be made to this fund by the IBEW, its members or the general public. Additions may be made in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property to the fund at any time.

Amounts available for distribution from the fund will be based on the current spending policy of the Foundation or will be the net income when not otherwise provided in the Foundation’s spending policy.

Information about establishing scholarship funds or creating other named funds at the Scioto Foundation may be obtained by contacting SF Executive Director Kim Cutlip at (740) 354-4612.
 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must be enrolled in at Shawnee State University 
• Graduate of a high school in Scioto County, Ohio, Greenup or Lewis County, Kentucky 
• Majoring in Business
• GPA 3.0 or above
• Must attend an accredited college or university

• Graduate from a high school in Scioto County, Ohio
• Majoring in education
• Must attend an accredited college or university

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating seniors of Portsmouth West High School, Scioto County, Ohio

• Must attend an accredited college or university

• Graduate from a high school in southern Ohio
• Majoring in Architecture
• Accepted in an accredited college or university's school of architecture

• Graduating senior at Northwest or Wheelersburg High School, Scioto County, Ohio
• Enroll at the Ohio State University

• Employee of Hillview Retirement Center and their children are eligible
• Work for Hillview Retirement Center for at least one year
• Maintain an exemplary employment and performance record

• Parishioner of Cornerstone United Methodist 

  ---

Scholarship Criteria

• Graduate of Portsmouth High School or a member of First Presbyterian Church
• Majoring in education, dental hygiene, or the field of sports/physical education
• Enrolled at Shawnee State University
• dental hygiene students must attend Shawnee State University or the University of Louisville

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must be a graduating Senior of Portsmouth West high school, West Portsmouth, Ohio

Ira was born June 12, 1950, in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was one of ten children of the late Roy A. and Gladys Tatman Swearingen.  Ira was a graduate of Portsmouth West High School and attended the Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College.
 
He was a decorated Vietnam Veteran. He served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Enterprise as a hospital corpsman. For his dedicated service, Ira was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Services Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. At the time of his death, Ira worked as an orthopedic consultant for Sulzer Medical, Inc. in Austin, Texas and was a certified Physician's Assistant.
 
Ira had strong ties to his family, especially his 19 nieces and nephews, 31 great-nieces and nephews and two great-great nephews. It is because of his love of children that the family members decided to establish this memorial scholarship fund in his name.
 
From the outpouring of contributions and donations to the fund, it is evident that Swearingen was loved and touched many lives across the country. His friends at Marli Medical Supplies, Inc. located in New York, will miss him dearly. The Southern Surgical Consultants, of Jacksonville, Florida think of him often.  “We had the great fortune of working with Ira over the past ten years.  Our company’s success is due in large part to Ira’s efforts and dedication. He was always there to help, no matter the task or hour of the day. He was truly a great friend. We will miss him dearly.”

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduate from an Adams or Scioto County, Ohio high school.
• Undergraduate or graduate 
• Has financial need
• Showcases good moral character
• Satisfactory scholastic record

Scholarship Criteria:

• Member of the Girl Scouts, Seal of Ohio Girl Scouts Council

• Must live in Scioto, Adams, or Pike County, Ohio

• Must prove five years of membership in the Girl Scouts of the USA

• Have a “B” average or better for four years of high school

• Participate in church, school, and community activities

• Undergraduate

The purpose of the Jessie M. Payne Memorial Scholarship Fund is to benefit Girl Scouts in Scioto, Adams and Pike counties with college scholarships. 
 
Mrs. Payne was a life member of the Girls Scout Council, Inc. She volunteered over 40 years of service to area Girl Scouts. She served on the Wider Opportunities and Financial Assistance committees, led numerous Girl Scout Area I Association. Throughout her volunteer career, she served in many other capacities. 
 
In honor of her exemplary service to Girl Scouting, the Seal of Ohio Girl Scout Council awarded Mrs. Payne the Thanks Badge, which is a national award created by the founder of the Girl Scouts, Juliette Low. 
 
The Jessie M. Payne Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Mrs. Payne’s sister, Mrs. Willa B. Preston, in her honor. 

 

• Must be enrolled at Shawnee State University 
• Graduate of West Union High School or Peebles High School, Adams County, Ohio 

  ---

• Graduates of Portsmouth High School, Scioto County, Ohio
• Must be a college Sophomore, Junior or Senior status

Scholarship Criteria

• Must be a graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school

• Have a GPA of at least a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale

• Major in Arts and Humanities

• Undergrads and graduates may apply 
  
  The John E. Leasure Scholarship for the Arts has been established as an endowment fund at the Scioto Foundation by Dr. Timothy Angel as a memorial to a man who was widely known for his dedication to the arts in the Portsmouth area.
  
  To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be a graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school, show evidence of a grade point average of 3.2 on a scale of 4.0 and major in the arts or humanities. Students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees are eligible. The scholarship may be renewed.
  
  
  The volunteer committee of the Scioto Foundation, with the assistance of Dr. Angel, will make annual selections on behalf of the SF Board of Governors.
  
  Born in Portsmouth, Leasure was the son of the late Robert and Helen McCartney Leasure. He died on March 14, 2022 at the age of 67.
   
  A member of the Portsmouth Area Arts Council for decades, Leasure served as the organization’s president, vice-president and various committee chairs over the years. He also served on the board of the Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association for many years, involved with both programming and promotion.  Leasure was instrumental in Shawnee State University’s “Reach for the Stars” campaign and the opening of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts in the mid-1990’s. He taught freshman composition, public speaking and script writing classes at SSU.
  
  Leasure earned both a B.A. and a master’s degree in script writing from Ohio University and spent several years working on various productions in Hollywood.
  Leasure was also known to the Portsmouth area as a popular columnist and reviewer for the Scioto Voice newspaper for several years.  Along with his parents, he was a long-time member of Central Presbyterian Church and he served on the  All Saints Episcopal Church Vestry in recent years.
  Dr. Angel recalls that he first met Leasure in 2001 through politics.  At the time Angel was running for the Portsmouth City Council and John became chairman of his election committee.
  
  “John and I were like brothers, close friends and confidants,” said Dr. Angel. “We had great understanding in our relationship. I always tried to be there for him. He was an intelligent and respected individual and led an interesting life in the face of adversity.”
  
  The two talked about how life would proceed for Leasure, but he went beyond life’s expectations even though Covid 19 greatly restricted him, Angel said.
  
  Dr. Angel started the new Scholarship for the Arts as the best way to honor Leasure, he said. “John loved and respected all aspects of the arts and education. I didn’t want to limit the scholarship to one field. This is his legacy; he would have set up a scholarship if he had been able to.”
  
  Portsmouth arts fans and followers will remember that In 2015 Leasure was honored with the Robert A. Fuller Award at PAAC’s “A Town and Its Artists: Awards for Artistic & Creative Excellence” evening ceremonies.  At that time he was recognized for his many contributions to the arts.
  
  Especially noted during the presentation were Leasure’s passion for the arts in many forms, his persistent advocacy for the arts and his faithful involvement in multiple community arts programs over a number of years, in addition to his wise leadership and the depth and variety of his knowledge about the arts.
  “John has a strong understanding of the importance of the arts to a community and to the power of the arts to enrich lives. One of his greatest strengths is his willingness to communicate that idea to everybody and to raise awareness of the value of the arts,” said the children of Robert A. Fuller and Ohio Arts Council board member Martha Burton who presented the prestigious award to Leasure that night.
  Contributions to the John E. Leasure Scholarship for the Arts Fund from family, friends, arts supporters or the general public may be made at any time. Donations may be in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property.
  Additional information about the John E. Leasure Scholarship for the Arts Fund or other planned giving opportunities at the Scioto Foundation may be obtained by contacting Patty Tennant, Program Office – Donor Services, or SF Executive Director Kim Cutlip at (740) 354-4612.
   

• Graduate of Minford or New Boston High School, Scioto County, Ohio 
• GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Must complete essay "Why they would like to be a teacher?"
• Pursuing an Education major

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

• Graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school
• Majoring in History

• Graduate of East Community School, Sciotoville, Ohio
• Majoring in Nursing

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must have a college Sophomore, Junior or Senior status at the time of applying

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

Scholarship Criteria

• Must be graduating senior from Portsmouth or Portsmouth West High School.
• Must show financial need 
• Plan to major in a science-related field of study.

March 26, 2016 -  The Scioto Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Kenneth McCall Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by his family in memory of the long-time Portsmouth educator.

“Dad truly believed education is the key to freedom. With an education, a person has the tools to be and to do what he or she wants. Dad demonstrated this belief in his life by working very hard to obtain his own college education,” said Wendy McCall Johnson, family spokesperson.

Dad’s dream was to share his belief in the power of education by teaching. For thirty-seven years, he taught chemistry to students at Portsmouth High School and Portsmouth West High School. He loved teaching. We know he was a good and beloved teacher as former students often reached out to him to share the positive effects he had on their lives,” continued Johnson. “Our family hopes the Ken McCall scholarship will ensure his legacy by providing future students the chance to find their freedom through education,” Johnson said.

Born in Portsmouth on April 10, 1928, McCall passed away on February 26, 2016. He was the son of the late Charles William and Lillian Elizabeth Walden McCall. After graduating from Portsmouth West High School, he graduated from the former Portsmouth Interstate Business College and then received a BS degree in Chemistry from Ohio University and a Master’s Degree from Xavier University.

He served his country as a First Lieutenant with the Army in the Korean conflict, earning the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge and the United Nations Service Medal with one Overseas Bar. He retired from the US Army Reserves with the rank of Captain.

In 1962 McCall began his teaching career as a chemistry teacher at Portsmouth High School where he was known as “Chemistry Ken” and Chemical Ken.” He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, the American Legion and the Portsmouth Teachers Association.  As a young man, Ken enjoyed playing baseball and pool. Later in life, he loved playing golf.
He married June Deborah Powderhill McCall on December 24, 1950, and the couple has a daughter, Wendy Johnson of Columbus, and a son Colin McCall of Zanesville, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

To be eligible for the McCall Scholarship, a student must be a graduating senior from Portsmouth or Portsmouth West High School. Applicants must show financial need and plan to major in a science-related field of study. Applicants with presidential scholarships or more than enough to go to college are not eligible. The Scioto Foundation's volunteer scholarship committee will make annual scholarship selections.

• Must be a graduate of Wheelersburg High School, Wheelersburg, Ohio

• Must be a graduating senior at Northwest High School, Scioto County, Ohio 
• Must major in Education
• Must be enrolled in an Ohio college or university
• Show evidence of financial need
• GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Must have a 3.3 GPA or higher
• Must have a low to middle income. 

• Graduate of Scioto County, Ohio high school
• Pursuing a degree in Nursing

• Graduating senior at Wheelersburg High School or Portsmouth High School, Scioto County, Ohio
• Show financial need by having a family gross adjusted income of $45,000 and below

Scholarship Criteria:

• Planning to continue his/her education beyond high school graduation
• Diagnosis with Type I Diabetes
• Must complete the essay, "What is life like as a Type I Diabetic?"

The Scioto Foundation has announced the establishment of the new MacKenzie Brown Type I Diabetes Scholarship Fund. MacKenzie, the youngest individual ever to create a fund at the Scioto Foundation, is a junior at Notre Dame High School.  She has set up the fund to help students diagnosed with the disease take care of college expenses.

MacKenzie and her parents, Kim and David Brown, have set criteria for those who are eligible for the scholarship which was established with an initial gift of $1,000 from Fluor BWXT. The scholarship recognizes students who are actively involved in the diabetic community, who participate in community and/or extra-curricular activities, and who demonstrate that they are successfully managing the challenges of living with diabetes.

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be continuing his/her education beyond the high school level, have a childhood diagnosis of Type I Diabetes, and be successfully managing diabetes with proper medication, exercise and diet.  The applicant must also write an essay describing his/her life as a Type I Diabetic. Scholarship selections will be made by the Scioto Foundation’s volunteer scholarship committee.

MacKenzie was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes in May, 2008 at the age of 9.  Each year the number of children diagnosed with Type I Diabetes increases by 3 percent worldwide. 

“There are several children in our community diagnosed with Type I Diabetes,” said MacKenzie. There ae two students at Notre Dame other than myself that are Type I Diabetes.”     
 
MacKenzie recognized the need for Type I Diabetes awareness and fundraising so she started an education and awareness campaign in November of 2015 during National Diabetes Awareness Month.  First she partnered with Southern Ohio Medical Center to spread awareness about Type I Diabetes and to set up a fund for juvenile diabetes. 

“The Annual Development Fund for Juvenile Diabetes was developed to help financially disadvantaged Type I Diabetic families get to and from out-of-town doctor appointments and help with meals and other expenses such as lodging and medical copays, said MacKenzie. 

McKenzie launched her campaign by persuading the Notre Dame and Portsmouth High School athletic directors to organize a basketball game between the two schools on November 24, 2015. Proceeds from the game, t-shirt and wrist band sales, a raffle, donations, concessions, and $1 dress down days in all amounted to $6,000 raised by MacKenzie for families impacted by Type I Diabetes.

To develop awareness MacKenzie developed and displayed educational boards, educational materials and Type I Diabetes supplies at both Notre Dame High School and Elementary School. She spoke to various school-aged children in their classrooms and Notre Dame and Portsmouth Elementary Schools about Type I Diabetes signs, symptoms and the difference between Type I and Type II Diabetes. She was also interviewed by local newspapers and was featured on a segment of WSAZ News on the subject.

“My mission is to educate the community to make others aware about this disease, how to recognize the signs, symptoms, and how to help someone with Type I Diabetes. It may save a life! Diabetes is my life, educating, spreading awareness and helping others is how I live beyond Type I,” said McKenzie.

MacKenzie has much experience in public speaking and is at ease with speaking to small or large groups, according to her mother Kim.  She has been a presenter at the Ohio River Valley TID Support Group of which she is a member. MacKenzie is one of 16 young people selected to be a JDRF Southwest Ohio Youth Ambassador for 2016-2017 and has been featured on websites like Project Blue November and Beyond Type I for her positive attitude and persistence in helping to reach a cure for Type I Diabetes.

After high school graduation MacKenzie will pursue a B.S. degree in pre-medicine and ultimately become a pediatric endocrinologist. She plans to continue to educate and raise awareness about Type I Diabetes and is currently organizing a diabetes color walk/run at Notre Dame Schools to raise funds for JDRF.

On July 28 at the SOMC Friends Center, MacKenzie will continue her awareness and educational efforts when she holds a camp, “Pumped on Insulin,” for all ages of young people who have Type I Diabetes.  The camp will be part of her community service as Notre Dame High School’s representative in the 2016 Miss River Days Festival. Vendors will be attending as well as diabetes educational speakers.

MacKenzie and her parents are grateful to the community which has been very supportive. Now they hope the MacKenzie Brown Type I Diabetes Scholarship Fund will call more attention to this disease that strikes young people, and with hard work by MacKenzie, her family and friends, attract both donations and applicants in the future.

Family, friends, organizations or the general public may contribute to the fund at any time. Donations to the MacKenzie Brown Type I Diabetes Scholarship Fund may be in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Minford and Notre Dame High School, Scioto County, Ohio

• GPA of 3.0 or higher

The Scioto Foundation has announced the creation of the Mamie Brisker Pettit Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Carrie Brisker Purcell to honor the memory of her sister who died suddenly in 2018 at the age of 40.

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be a graduating senior at Minford and/or Notre Dame High School, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 and show evidence of excellence in academics and athletics.

An external committee of family members, along with officials from Minford and Notre Dame High Schools, will make annual scholarship selections. In the event that the committee no longer exists or wishes to make annual selections, scholarship awards will be made by the volunteer scholarship committee of the Scioto Foundation. 

In addition to donations from family and friends, the Brisker family plan to help raise funds for the scholarship with the proceeds from a Notre Dame – Minford basketball game at Notre Dame High School next February, according to Mamie’s sister Carrie Brisker Purcell.  The first Mamie Brisker Pettit Memorial Scholarship will be given in 2020 and the family hopes that eventually one can be given to a graduate at each of the designated high schools.

“We wanted to do something and setting up the scholarship was one way to give high school kids some money in her name,” said Carrie. “And doing it with Notre Dame and Minford and raising money through the basketball ball game because she played basketball throughout high school and college.” 

Carrie and her husband Matt explained that their children go to Notre Dame Schools and she and her sibling, along with many of their Brisker relatives, attended the Minford Schools. 

Born on February 27, 1978 in Hillsboro, Ohio, Mamie was the daughter of Fred and the late Cindy Brisker. She graduated from Minford High School in 1996 and from Shawnee State University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration in 2000.  While in high school, Mamie played several sports, including volleyball and track in addition to basketball. She and her sister Carrie were teammates on the SSU 1999 national championship team and both are members of the Minford High School Hall of Fame, along with their father. Mamie was also elected to the Shawnee State Basketball Hall of Fame and the Ohio Basketball Association Hall of Fame. 
Mamie went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Toledo and was close to completing a PhD degree. 

Known to be outgoing and adventuresome, Mamie “was one of the few people to leave the Minford area,” according to her brother-in-law Matt. She moved to Florida where she worked for the South Florida AIDS Foundation for several years as an event planner, coordinating programs like continuing education sessions for doctors. She also worked for the University of Miami (Florida) for a short while. 

 In 2007 Mamie met her future husband, Greg Pettit, and they were married on November 10, 2013. On January 1, 2016, the couple moved to Boquete, Panama and established a hostel, La Jungla Experience, where she put her event-planning skills to good use. . 
“She was an event planner extraordinaire,” said her husband. 
She and Greg traveled widely, visiting approximately 20 countries during their time together. Greg remains in Panama with their beloved greyhound Floyd and has now converted the hostel to an Airbnb. 

“Mamie knew no strangers,” her sister said, “and was well-known all over the world.” She was involved with volunteer work and fundraising in Panama as well as in southern Florida. She loved children and animals; Mamie and Greg were very supportive of their nieces and nephews and were foster parents, noted the family members. 

“I can’t think of a better way to honor the life of Mamie. She was one of a kind and everybody loved her. This scholarship will always allow us to honor her on a permanent basis,” said her father, Fred Brisker. “I want to thank the Scioto Foundation for this recognition. Mamie deserved it.” 

Additions to the Mamie Brisker Pettit Memorial Scholarship Fund may be made by  friends, family and supporters in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property at any time.  Further information about other planned giving opportunities may be obtained by contacting Scioto Foundation Executive Director Kim Cutlip or Patty Tennant, Program Officer – Donor Services at the Scioto Foundation office, (740) 354-4612, or by visiting the SF website at www.sciotofoundation.org. 
 
 
 
 

In their work with the Genealogical Society, they recorded local cemeteries, repaired damaged grave monuments, and obtained documents of local interest for inclusion in the library. In addition, Marguerite and Virgil researched and wrote a book, "Iron Furnaces of the Hanging Rock Region." Their book fielded acclaim and the Chillicothe Historical Society honored the Ramseys for their efforts.  

Independently, Virgil was a Boy Scout volunteer for several years and had held the office of Village Treasurer of South Webster, Ohio. Marguerite gave demonstrations at the local schools on genealogy and quilting, was a member of many years in the Ladies Auxiliary of the local fire department and squad, and won the Governor’s Award for her Scioto County Historical Quilt.

For their lifelong dedication to the community, the Ramseys were inducted into the Bloom Vernon High School Hall of Fame; Marguerite in 1996 and Virgil in 1997.  

When Marguerite died in October of 2005, the Scioto County Genealogical Society and the Ramsey family thought it was appropriate to established a scholarship to honor Marguerite and Virgil.  Awarding an annual scholarship to a Scioto County high school graduate majoring in history seemed a perfect way to commemorate the Ramseys’ work  in local history, their love of Scioto County, and Virgil's background as a former teacher. 

Scholarship Criteria

• Students must be graduating senior of a Pike County, Ohio high school

• Must Submit writing samples and bio 

The Marian Thomas Memorial Writing Competition was established in memory of Marian Thomas, a 2001 Waverly High School graduate, who passed away unexpectedly in May, 2009. She was active in drama and music, wrote for the school newspaper and served as editor of the high school literary magazine. Marian graduated in 2006 from Oberlin College with a B.A. degree in Creative Writing. A beautiful soul loved by many, she enjoyed sharing and inspiring others with her poetry, short stories and jam sessions. To pay tribute to her artistic temperament and accomplishments, this fund was established in her memory to encourage young people with an interest and ability in creative writing to pursue and develop their talent, and to follow their muse.

• Graduate of a Scioto County high school
• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

• A resident of Scioto County, Ohio, Greenup County, Kentucky, or Lewis County Kentucky
• Enrolled at Shawnee State University 
• Financial need
• Hold a 2.8 GPA or high through out High School 
• A student of good character

Scholarship Description:

• Graduating senior of Portsmouth West High School, Scioto County, Ohio

• Majoring in Visual, Music or Performing Arts. 

The Scioto Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Mary Smalley Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in memory of the long-time music educator by her daughters, Peggy Ruggiero and Jane Boyer.

Applicants for the new scholarship award must be a graduate of Portsmouth West High School and plan to major in music or the arts. The Scioto Foundation volunteer scholarship committee, on behalf of the Board of Governors, will make annual scholarship selections.

“Mary was an accomplished musician who loved music and was committed to fostering the appreciation of music in the young people that she educated. She taught piano to countless students, many of whom performed in her annual piano recitals. Her students remember Mary for her patience and her kind, encouraging words, and also for her ability to challenge them and broaden their horizons, musically and culturally,” said her granddaughter, Susan Ruggiero Salyer.

Her family recalls that whenever Mary went to restaurants, concerts and other events, she was delighted to encounter former students who greeted her with love and fond recollections.

“So many people remember my mother with her bright red hair and welcoming smile, accompanying the West choir or playing the organ at a wedding, funeral or church services,” said daughter Jane Smalley Boyer. “It was a joy for her to be a part of the West Portsmouth and greater community.”

The daughter of Arthur Emrys and Margaret Jenkins Parry, Mary Frances Smalley was born on August 5, 1928 in her family’s home on Fifth Street in West Portsmouth and died on January 15, 2017.  She lived her entire life in several homes on Fifth Street, which was anchored by her school and her church, the EUB Church which became Nauvoo United Methodist Church.

Mary began taking piano lessons at the Portsmouth Conservatory of Music when she was six years old and became the drummer in her school’s band at age thirteen. After graduating from Washington Local High School in 1946, Mary served as the accompanist for the West High School chorus for thirteen years. She was organist for her home church for 70 years and at First Lutheran Church for 27 years. She also played for Daehler Funeral Home and many weddings throughout the community. A member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, she taught hundreds of students in her home for more than sixty years.  In recognition of her lifelong career in music, the Portsmouth Area Arts Council recognized Mary with an Arts Award for “Outstanding Arts Educator” in 2013.

Active in her community, Mary served on the board of directors of the Community Concert Association, the Nauvoo Methodist Church Board, and the Scioto County Mental Health Board. She also was a member of the Portsmouth Sister City organization, the Boneyfiddle Arts Club and Raven Rock Garden Club, as well as other school and church groups. In 2008, she and her husband Elmo received the Joined Hearts in Giving award from the Ohio governor in recognition of their community service.

High school sweethearts, Mary and Elmo, who passed away in April, 2016, were married for 70 years. In addition to their two daughters and their husbands Dan Ruggiero and Doug Boyer, the couple had five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Additions to the Mary Smalley Memorial Scholarship Fund may be made by friends, family, former students and supporters in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property at any time.  Further information about the Smalley Fund or other planned giving opportunities may be obtained by contacting Kim Cutlip or Patty Tennant at the Scioto Foundation office, (740) 354-4612 or by visiting the Scioto Foundation website at www.sciotofoundation.org. 
 

• Must be a graduate of a Portsmouth West High School, Scioto County, Ohio
• Majoring in Education or the Arts

Scholarship Description:

• Graduating senior of Minford High School, Minford, Ohio

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

• Participated in 4–H

• GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Complete the essay "Describe your involvement in 4H and explain how it has influenced your development."

The Scioto Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of a new scholarship fund, the Michael D. Pinson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by his son, Jeffrey D. Pinson and his wife Lorenda in memory of his father.

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be a graduating senior from Minford High School, have participated in 4 – H and maintained a 3.00 point grade point average. In addition, the student must complete a short essay. 

Michael David Pinson of Minford passed away Monday, June 29, 2015 at the age of 69. Born May 15, 1946 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Orville and Olive Bernice Wessel Pinson, he was a 1964 graduate of Minford High School and was retired from Shawnee State University as a Systems Network Manager. He was a 4-H Horse Advisor for more than 30 years and past President of Minford Little League and Minford Athletic Boosters.

“Establishing this scholarship in Mike’s name not only allows us to continue to honor his name and memory, but to continue the legacy he left us: helping the youth of Scioto County.  We wanted to honor his legacy and this scholarship allows us to do that,” said Lorenda Pinson.

“Through his 25+ years as a 4-H advisor and numerous other associations, Mike gave freely of himself for the youth of Scioto County, touching many lives in the process.  Via this scholarship, Mike will continue to have an impact on the lives and future of the youth of Minford and Scioto County,” she concluded.

Pinson and his wife Jill (Allen) Pinson were the parents of two sons, David (Amy) Pinson of Frankfort and Jeff (Lorenda) Pinson of Minford. They had four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  

• Must be a graduating Senior at South Webster High School, Scioto County, Ohio
• Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Pursue a degree in a STEM related field

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating Senior from Wheelersburg High School, Wheelersburg, Ohio

• Preference for those who participate in 4-H

• GPA 2.5 or higher

The Scioto Foundation announces the creation of the new Mike Roth Scholarship Fund
established by David Roth in memory of his son.

To be eligible for the Mike Roth Scholarship, a student must be a graduate of Wheelersburg High School and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0. Preference will be given to students who have participated in 4 - H programs.

Born in 1962 in Portsmouth, Roth was the son of David Albert and Helen Kathryn Delabar Roth.  He died on May 27, 1994 in Maloneton, Kentucky at age 32.

Roth was a truck driver for Portsmouth Block Company. He was a 1970 graduate of
Wheelersburg High School and the Scioto County Joint Vocational School and a member of St. Peter’s In Chains Catholic Church.

Roth was the father of two sons, Carl Dustin Roth and Joseph Michael Roth, and one daughter, Amanda Nicole Roth.

“At the time of Mike’s death, a joint scholarship was established in both his name and that of the Silver Spurs 4 - H Club. That club no longer exists,” said his sister Kathryn Pyles, explaining why the fund has now been set up at the Scioto Foundation.

"Mike was very active with horses and 4 - H horse clubs,” Pyles continued. “He was a very hard worker and always wished that he had gone on to higher education.”

Additions to the Mike Roth Memorial Scholarship Fund may be made by friends, family and supporters in the form of gifts of cash, securities or property at any time.  Further information about the Roth Scholarship Fund or other planned giving opportunities may be obtained by contacting Kim Cutlip or Patty Tennant at the Scioto Foundation office, (740) 354-4612 or by visiting the SF website at www.sciotofoundation.org. 

• Enrolled at the Ohio State Univeristy 
• Graduate of a Scioto County High School

OSCO Industries, Inc. Scholarship Fund (part of William A. and Mary A. Burke Scholarship)

Scholarship Criteria:

• Parents or guardian must be employed at OSCO Industries, Inc.
• Only undergraduates may apply.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Majoring in Veterinary Medicine
  Preference is given to students attending Shawnee State University.

• Must be a graduating senior at Portsmouth High School, Scioto County, Ohio 
• Must complete the PHS essay
• GPA 2.75 or Higher
• Preference given to a past recipient as long as they complete the 250 word essay

• Must be a graduating senior from Portsmouth High School, Scioto County, Ohio
• Must attend Shawnee State University
• Must have a GPA of 3.0 or greater 

The Scioto Foundation has announced the creation of a new scholarship fund established by the Portsmouth High School Class of 1961. 

Local realtor Neal Hatcher proposed the idea for the new fund to commemorate the Class of 1961’s 50^thanniversary during planning for the alumnae group’s reunion.  Assisted by his wife Vicky and 1961 fellow classmate Dr. James Nagle, Hatcher obtained approval for the new scholarship from those attending the reunion last September. 

Criteria for the scholarship were also set by members of the class of 1961 who decided that it should be available to students with average grades needing financial assistance to continue their education and not necessarily be based on solely on students’ GPAs.  Applicants must be a graduating senior at Portsmouth High School, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 based on a 4.0 grading system, and be enrolled in a four-year college or university. 

In addition, applicants must write a 250 word essay explaining their life goals and what this scholarship would mean to them. 

The Scioto Foundation volunteer scholarship committee will make the annual scholarship selections.  Amounts available for distribution will be based upon the current spending policy of the Foundation or will be the net income when not otherwise provided in the Foundation’s then current spending policy.

The Class of 1961 Scholarship Fund is thought to be the first one developed by an alumnae group of Portsmouth High School, according to Neal Hatcher, who hopes more classes will do the same.

A portion of extra revenue received for the reunion reservation fees was donated to the new fund and several 1961 classmates have made contributions.  The 1961 alumnae who created the fund plan to reach out to other members of the class with a direct mailing in the near future. 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior at Portsmouth High School, Scioto County, Ohio

• Minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0

• Enrolled in a 4 year university or college

• Applicants must write a 250 word essay explaining their life goals and what this scholarship would mean to them.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must be a graduate from Portsmouth High School, Scioto County, Ohio

• Must demonstrate "hard work" and be driven 

• Shows community service beyond that required by the school system

• Must have a scholastic, artistic or musical achievement

• Significant caregiving responsibilities

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from a high school in Scioto County, Ohio

• Student is in the upper 25 percent of his or her graduating class

• Must show financial need

Preference is given to those who are pursuing a career in service consistent with the promote the beliefs of the United States Jaycees. 

The purpose of the Portsmouth Jaycee Scholarship Fund is to proved scholarships to graduating Scioto County high school students. It is the belief of the Jaycee Scholarship committee that education of our youth is our greatest asset.  For information concerning the guidelines of the fund, please call the Scioto Foundation.   
 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must have a college Junior or Senior status

• Female

• Graduate of a high school in Scioto County, Ohio

• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0

• Show evidence of community service and volunteerism

• Undergraduate student

Scholarship Criteria

• Resident of Scioto County, Ohio

• Majoring or minoring in Spanish, German, international relations or related degree.

• An additional letter from a foreign language instructor is required

Preference is given to a Shawnee State student with two or more years of high school Spanish or German, a GPA of 3.0 or higher who has visited Orizaba, Mexico or Zittau, Germany.

Scholarship Criteria:
 

• Graduating senior of Minford, Northwest or Valley High School in Scioto County, Ohio

The Scioto Foundation has announced the establishment of the Ralph L. and Louise K. Arrick Fund.  The new combination fund was created by the Arricks to provide scholarships for local high school students and to benefit Grace Baptist Church in Minford.

Ninety percent of the Arrick Fund has been set up to fund scholarships for worthy students from Scioto County with preference to Valley High School graduates.  Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Scioto Foundation volunteer scholarship committee with the assistance of the family.                        

Ten percent of the new fund will be distributed to the Grace Baptist Church where the Arricks were members for many years.

Ralph Arrick, Sr. was born in 1924 in Toledo, a son of the late Ollie Hutchison and Mary Johnson Arrick, and died in November of 2000. Arrick was co-founder and co-owner of Arrick’s Bottled Gas Company.  He was a 1942 graduate of Valley High School and received his B.S. degree from Bowling Green State University. 

Arrick was a former high school teacher at Valley and McDermott. Active in numerous sports and community activities, he was a basketball and baseball coach at McDermott and helped organized the Minford Little League. He was also one of the co-founders of the Lucasville Biddy Basketball League, and he coached for the Portsmouth Del Rice Baseball League for many years. 

Arrick was the first fire chief at the Jefferson Township Fire Department, a member of the Lucasville Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rites, the James Irwin Post of the American Legion and the Ohio Propane Gas Association and a World War II Army veteran.

His wife Louise was born in Portsmouth in 1924, a daughter of the late Tallie and Margaret Burns Buckle. A former resident of Clarktown and then Minford during her married life, she died in October, 2008.  

Mrs. Arrick was also a 1942 graduate of Valley High School. With her husband, she was a co-owner of Arrick’s Bottled Gas Company and a homemaker. 

The Arricks were married on April 23, 1946. They were the parents of a three sons: Douglas Arrick, Ralph Arrick, Jr. and Dr. Ron Arrick. As of 2022, they had nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

• Must be enrolled at Shawnee State University
• Must be a graduate from Scioto County, Ohio high school

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating seniors of Portsmouth High School, Scioto County, Ohio

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduate of a Greenup High School, Co. KY or any Scioto Co. HS,  OH 

• GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Must attend Shawnee State University

• Pursuing a degree the field of Nursing 

The Scioto Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Richard and Melinda (Mamie) McNeer Snook Nursing Scholarship. The new scholarship will benefit students who attend Shawnee State University to earn a two (ADN) or four (BSN) year degree in nursing. 

Applicants must be graduates of Scioto County or Greenup County, Kentucky, high schools and maintain a 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0. The Scioto Foundation volunteer scholarship committee will make annual scholarship selections. 

Both Rich and Mamie Snook were born and raised in Portsmouth and graduated from Portsmouth High School.   The couple say they love this community and are so pleased to see the latest area developments especially in the Boneyfiddle area.

Mamie earned a nursing diploma from Holzer Medical Clinic in Gallipolis, and went on to attain a BSN degree in Nursing from Ohio University and a Master’s Degree as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from The Ohio State University.   In March 2019 she will have worked in the nursing profession at Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC) for 40 years and has a 45 year career in nursing. For the past 5 years she has been a nurse practitioner in the Sleep Medicine Department at SOMC.   She also served as a nurse practitioner in Primary Care and Cardiology. She has been an Adult Nurse Practitioner for 19 years.

“Nursing is very close to my heart, said Mamie.  I have always wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember.”

After high school, Rich served in the U.S. Marines for two years including duty in Vietnam.  When he returned home he attended the Portsmouth Interstate Business College studying business administration and continued courses in the fine arts and business at Shawnee State University on the G.I. Bill.  He worked for the railroad and at Detroit Steel Mill and did construction on the side. When the mill closed, he developed his own business in residential and commercial renovations.

The Snooks are members of Temple Baptist Church and have been active as volunteers in the community.  Mamie has helped to place flags at Greenlawn Cemetery for Memorial Day and worked with the “Friends of Greenlawn” in painting the cemetery fence. She also enjoys volunteering with Sue Burke and Main Street Portsmouth, in planting flowers in the downtown area.  

In explaining their desire to establish the new scholarship fund Rich and Mamie said, “Education is important no matter what your future direction will be. It is everybody’s future.” 

 “I was one of five children and my Mother instilled the importance of education in all of us,” Mamie commented.

“Education is power; it’s the avenue to accomplishing your dreams,” she continued. “Rich and I wanted to give back to the community that has been so gracious to us and to support our local university. SOMC is committed in helping their employees to obtain their education dreams and I was so fortunate to receive assistance from SOMC to further my education.”

The Snooks have one son, Brad, and one granddaughter, Brittany, who will graduate from Kent State with a BSN degree in nursing next spring, carrying on the nursing tradition in the family.
 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Majoring in Nursing

Preference is given to those wanting work in the oncology department.
Nurses seeking advanced degrees are encouraged to apply.


Formerly known as the Bettie L. Diehl Scholarship Fund, this scholarship was established in 1993 in memory of Bettie Diehl who sadly passed in the early 1990’s. After her husband passed in 2012, the fund was renamed the Richard L. & Bettie L. Diehl Scholarship Fund.

Mrs. Diehl was a native of Portsmouth, Ohio. She was educated in Portsmouth and an active member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. In 1948 she married her sweetheart, Richard “Dick” Diehl and they were blessed with five children.

Mr. Diehl graduated from Central Catholic High School and Xavier University and then worked for OSCO Industries where he was President. Mr. Diehl was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he was a Reader and a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was also a former board member of the Scioto County Area Foundation, a former board member of Bank One, and active in the United Way Foundation, as well as a founding member of the Notre Dame High School Development Fund.
 

Scholarship Criteria:

First Scholarship

• Graduating senior from a Scioto County, Ohio high school

• Planning to major in Music or Theatre

• Show evidence of community service and must complete an essay (no more than 500 words) on “What the value of Education means to me.”

Second Scholarship

• Graduating senior from the Scioto County Career and Technical Center.

• Show evidence of community service and must complete an essay (no more than 500 words) on “What the value of Education means to me.”

The Scioto Foundation announces a new Acorn Scholarship Fund established in memory of Richard Wolbert by his co-workers at Sunoco Chemicals Research and Technology in Haverhill, Ohio. A resident of South Shore, Kentucky, Wolbert was the Human Resources Director at the Haverhill Sunoco plant.  He died suddenly of heart failure on June 10, 2008 at the age of 57.

“Richard understood the value of an education,” said his wife, Denise Wolbert. “To him, it made people become valued and productive members of society.”

To be considered for the Wolbert Scholarship, applicants must be graduating senior at the Scioto County Career and Technical Center. Applicants must also show evidence of community service and compose an essay of 500 words or less on the topic “What Education Means to Me.”

A former resident of Imperial, Pennsylvania, Wolbert was born in Sewickly, PA, the son of Laura Drugmand Wolbert and the late William Wolbert. Mrs. Wolbert is a native of Pittsburgh. She is a registered nurse and is employed at the Scioto County Career and Technical Center. 

The Wolberts have two grown children, a son, William Adam Wolbert who lives in Imperial, PA and a daughter, Jessica Elizabeth Wolbert, in Tampa, Florida.

The Scioto Foundation’s Acorn Fund process offers a simple and efficient way to build an endowment fund over time through installments. An Acorn Fund can be used to create an unrestricted, designated, scholarship, organizational endowment, donor advised or field of interest fund. 

To set up an Acorn Fund, a donor works with the Scioto Foundation staff to select a name and commits to making minimum yearly contributions of $1,000. The donor can add to the fund at any time during the calendar year; contributions may be made by donors, relatives or friends. Once the goal of $1,000 is reached, distributions from the fund can begin. 

 The Scioto Foundation invests the funds and all earnings, including interest and dividends, back into the Fund, and the SF waives its minimum monthly fee until the $10,000 goal is reached.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduate of Minford High School, Scioto County, Ohio

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

• Must have a college Sophomore, Junior, or Senior status

• A graduate of a Scioto County High School
• Enrolled at the Ohio State University

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from an Adams County, Ohio high school, or one of the following high schools in Scioto County, Ohio: Portsmouth West, Northwest, Portsmouth, Bloom-Vernon/South Webster, or East Community School; or from Ripley Union Lewis Local in Brown County

• Earn a varsity letter in one or more sports

• Letter of recommendation from a varsity coach

Scholarship Criteria:
Rotary Club of Portsmouth Scholarship Fund - part one (Freshman attending SSU)

• Graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school

• Incoming freshman

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

Rotary Club of Portsmouth Scholarship Fund  - part 2 (incoming junior who has graduated from a Scioto County HS attending any college or university other than SSU)

• Graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school

• College junior status

• Enrolled at an accredited college or university, excluding Shawnee State University

Rotary Club of Portsmouth Scholarship Fund  - part three (incoming junior who has graduated from a Scioto County HS attending Shawnee State)

• Graduate of a Scioto County high school

• Incoming college junior 

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

• Must be enrolled at Shawnee State University 
• Graduate of a Scioto County high school
• Particapate in 4-H 

The Scioto County Medical Society scholarship supports local students aspiring to become medical doctors. The award program began in 1971 with the creation of the Dr. Alden B. Oakes Scholarship Fund, honoring the first orthopedic surgeon in our area. A second scholarship fund was added in 1997 to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Spencer K. Miller, who practiced family medicine in Sciotoville.

In 2002, the  Scioto County Medical Society moved the fund to Scioto Foundation and named it the Scioto County Medical Society Scholarship Fund.

Former Executive Secretary for the Society, Grace Martin stated in the original press release that the goal of the Scioto County Medical Society is to grow the endowment fund so it can provide large amounts and more medical scholarships.




Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school

• Enrolled in medical school

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from a Scioto County, Ohio high school 

• Majors in Education

   

The Scioto Foundation has announced a new scholarship fund established by the Scioto County Retired Teachers Association. Beginning in 2014, the new scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from a Scioto County high school who plans to major in education at an accredited college or university. 

Scioto Foundation volunteer scholarship committee will make annual scholarship selections. 

Founded in 1959, the local Retired Teachers Association has awarded two scholarships each year to Scioto County students after awarding an initial scholarship in 1996. In all, the organization has given 33 scholarships totaling $19,000 through 2012.

“We decided to partner with the Scioto Foundation to build this new fund and work to make it self-sustaining,” said Bill Webb, current president of the Scioto County Retired Teachers Association.  

“We are so happy that the Scioto Foundation is available to invest the funds and see that this type of project continues,” Webb said. “It is a plus to partner with the Foundation.”

SCRTA conducts no fundraising activities, according to Webb. Funds for the scholarships come from members’ donations and small bequests. Members and friends are encouraged to name the Scioto County Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship Fund as a favorite charity for memorials and special gifts

Now approximately 260 members strong, the organization conducts ongoing recruitment for retiring teachers to join.  The group participates in other community projects such as filling Operation Christmas Child boxes and working with Habitat for Humanity.  Last year SCRTA  also made a donation to the Shawnee State Department of Teacher Education to assist students with costs associated with professional preparation programs.

Scholarship Criteria: 

• Must be a graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school

• Must complete the essay " How has suicide impacted your life?"

Scholarship Criteria:

• Must have a parent or guardian who is a contracted employee at South Central Ohio Education Service Center

• GPA 2.5 or higher

• Undergrad only

• Can only receive it once

• Graduating senior of a Scioto County High School
• Participated in golf

• Majoring in a Fine Arts program
• Graduate of a Scioto, Adams, Pike, Jackson Lawrence Ohio or Greenup, Ky high school
• GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Can be renewed for 3 additional years

• Enrolled at an accredited post-secondary school
• pursue a certificate, license in trade or adult education
• Students living in one of the following counties Adams(OH), Greenup(KY), Jackson(OH), Lawerence(OH), Lewis(KY), Pike(OH), or Scioto(OH).

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Portsmouth High School, Scioto County, Ohio

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University

• Preference is given to those who display financial need Less than $45,000

This fund originally housed at the Portsmouth City Schools Foundation has been established at the Scioto Foundation in memory of Steven A. Hunter, by his parents, brother and other community members who knew and loved him. The fund’s primary purpose is to provide financial assistance to students at Portsmouth High School needing help with college tuition, books and fees. 

Hunter was a 2003 graduate of Portsmouth High School where he was involved in almost every facet of student life. He was a member of the National Honors Society and graduated in the top tenth percent of his class. Hunter achieved numerous academic and sporting awards and was a class officer all four years of high school. Hunter was well remembered by all as the PHS mascot “Captain Trojan.”

Hunter attending Milligan College, a four-year Christian liberal arts college located in Northeast Tennessee. At Milligan, Hunter majored in history and was pursing a minor in legal studies. He had aspirations of one day becoming an attorney. He was also a member of Milligan’s tennis team, a good student, devout Christian, avid outdoorsman. 

Scholarship Criteria: 

• Graduate from a Scioto County, Ohio high school

• Enroll at Ohio State University

The Waller Family Scholarship Fund was established by Mr. Frank L Waller in honor of the 80^thBirthday of his father, Edward W. Waller.
 
The Waller Fund memorializes all family members including Frank M., Charles and Clark Waller, who established the Waller Brothers Stone Company in the in the late 1800s; Leo Waller son of Frank M., and Julie Rae Waller, late wife of Frank L.; and honors Edward W., former president and owner of the Waller Brothers Stone Company, who is now retired; sisters, Dorothy Wenger of Hill View and Catherine Frey of Naples, Florida.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school

• Majoring in Engineering

• Graduate of Portsmouth, West Portsmouth, Valley, Northwest, New Boston, Minford, or South Webster High School
• Majoring in business 
• Attending Ohio State University

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Wellston High School, Jackson County, Ohio 

• Must complete Wellston essay

• Graduating Senior at South Webster or Wheelersburg High School
• 3.0 GPA or above
• Renewal for one year

This scholarship was set up by retired school teacher Velma Feagans, to benefit Wheelersburg and South Webster students.  The Feagans Scholarship Fund has been created from the estate of Mrs. Feagan’s former husband, Roland (Ronnie) Feagans.  

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be a graduating senior from Wheelersburg or South Webster High Schools with a minimum GPA, point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  Students may renew the Feagans Scholarship for one additional year with evidence that they have maintained a 3.0 or better GPA in the previous year. The first Feagans Scholarship will be given in the spring of 2020. 

The Scioto Foundation volunteer scholarship, on behalf of the SF Board of Governors, will make annual scholarship selections.   

Mrs. Feagans grew up in South Webster and graduated from South Webster High School in 1949. She worked for Williams Shoe Manufacturing Company for twelve years and later pursued a teaching degree from Rio Grande University where she graduated in 1965. She came back to teach at Vernon Elementary School for three years and then taught fourth grade at Wheelersburg Elementary School for twenty-seven years before retiring.  

Ronnie Feagans was born in Portsmouth in 1935 and graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1953.  He worked as a manager for Sherwin Williams Paint Company for several years and later owned and operated the Eden Park Convenience Store for twenty-six years. He died in 2017.  

• Graduate of Symmes Valley High School
• Must have Financial need. 
• Pursuing a degree in a post-secondary option. 

​Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Wellston High School, Jackson County, Ohio 

• Must complete the Wellston essay

• 2.5 GPA or above

• Majoring in Music

• Must have two letters from current or former Wellston City School teacher or guidance counselor, 

• Must have a letter from Music Teachers

renewable

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Wellston High School, Jackson County, Ohio 

• Must complete "Why the student wishes to attend college" essay

• 3.00 GPA or above

• Must show financial need

• Must have three letters from current or former Wellston City School teacher or guidance counselor

Scholarship shall be selected based on applicant's goals, potential for success, financial need, record of school and or community service, participation in school extracurricular activities with a preference in basketball. Student will be interviewed by the board. 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Wellston High School, Jackson County, Ohio 

• Must complete "Why the student wishes to attend college" essay

• 2.50 GPA or above

• Must have three letters from current or former Wellston City School teacher or guidance counselor

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Wellston High School, Jackson County, Ohio 

• Must complete "Why the student wishes to attend college" essay

• 2.50 GPA or above

• Must show financial need

• Must have three letters from current or former Wellston City School teacher or guidance counselor

Scholarship Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Wellston High School, Jackson County, Ohio 

• 3.25 GPA or above

• Must have three letters from current or former Wellston City School teacher or guidance counselor

renewable

 
Scholarship Description:

• Graduating senior from Wellston High School, Jackson Co, Ohio

• 3.0 GPA or higher

• Complete the essay "How he or she has worked through adversity"
  
  In the reference letter from either the teacher or community leader, the recommender must discuss good character and work ethic. 

Health-related Scholarship

• Majoring in a health-related field (Medical doctor or pre-med students will NOT be considered)

• A resident of Scioto, Adams, Pike, Ross, Jackson, or Lawrence County, Ohio or Greenup or Lewis County, Kentucky

OSCO Employee Scholarship 

• Must have a parent or guardian who is employed with OSCO

Scholarship Criteria:

• Obtained the level of Eagle Scout

• Graduate of a Scioto County, Ohio high school

Preference:

• Member of Troop #12

• Member of Cornerstone Methodist Church located in Portsmouth Ohio

The Scioto Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the William C. Anderson Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund. The new fund has been established by Evelyn E. Anderson and her children in memory of her husband who died December 10, 2008.

Anderson was born on September 25, 1922, in Portsmouth; he and his wife were married for 61 years and resided here throughout their marriage. The couple have three children, Martha Miker of Cincinnati; James Anderson of  Austin, Texas, and Elizabeth Hallam of Okemos, Michigan. They also have seven grandchildren and one great-grand daughter.

“Dad loved scouting! It was in his crinkly eyes as he spoke of Camp OYO fun; in his reverent voice about Monty Montgomery, his troop leader, and in his heart as he earned his Eagle Award and as his troop patrolled the flood wall serving Portsmouth during the “37 flood,” said daughter Martha as spokesperson for the family.

“He lived the Scout Oath throughout his life, becoming a leader in business at Rotary and at Cornerstone United Methodist Church. We Andersons would like to honor his joyful Scout memories through this scholarship to a deserving Boy Scout of Troop #12 who will create his own rich-filled legacy,” added Martha.

A well-known businessman in the community, Anderson was a Chartered Life Underwriter, a designation awarded after eight college-level insurance courses. He was manager of Equitable Life of Iowa, now ING, from 1960 until 1988 and then continued as Agent Emeritus until 2008. 

Anderson was a life-long member of Trinity Methodist Church, now Cornerstone United Methodist. 

In addition to being an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, Anderson was a fraternity member of Phi Gamma Delta at Ohio Wesleyan University and a pilot in the Army Air Corps.  He was also a member and past president of the Portsmouth Rotary Club.

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must have obtained the level of Eagle Scout. Preference will be given to Eagle Scouts that are members of Troop #12 and are members of Cornerstone Methodist Church.  The annual amount of the scholarship will be a minimum of $250.

The amounts available for distribution for the scholarship will be based upon the then-current spending policy of the Scioto Foundation, or will be the net income when not otherwise provided in the Foundation’s then-current spending policy.

 

• Enrolled at Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio
• Majoring in a health-related field. 

• Graduating Senior of Green High School, Scioto County, Ohio
• Must have 3.0GPA or higher
• Must have lettered in at least one sport
• Planning to enroll in a Trade School or University, excluding University of Michigan.