FAO Announces Scholarship Opportunities

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio has announced scholarship opportunities available for the 2011 Scholarship Awards Program and is pleased to begin accepting applications. Multiple scholarships opportunities are available from donor established funds within FAO, many honoring the legacy of a friend or loved one. The scholarships these funds make possible will leave a tremendous legacy in the region for many years to come, and include:

• Ora E. Anderson Scholarship, established to honor the memory of Ora Eaton Anderson and his lifelong contributions toward the conservation of Appalachian Ohio’s natural environment, the scholarship provides support to students pursuing studies associated with the natural sciences.
• Bachtel Scholarship Awards Program, established by Dr. Harry Keig to honor the legacy of his coach Forrest Bachtel, the awards provide four graduating Meigs High School seniors, two male and two female, scholarships for academic and athletic achievement. 
• Bellisio Foods Scholarship, established by Bellisio Foods to increase access to post-secondary opportunities for dependent children and grandchildren of Bellisio employees, scholarships support programs providing training and certification in various trades and fields of vocational interest, associate degree programs and four year institutions of higher learning.
• Lester and Thelma Ellwood Educational Scholarship, a legacy scholarship to honor the importance of education by providing encouragement and support of access to educational opportunities for graduates of Guernsey County high schools in pursuit of post-secondary education.
• Zelma Gray Medical School Scholarship, in memory of the late Zelma Gray, scholarships will provide support to a current or recent Guernsey County resident attending medical school, with a commitment to returning to the area to work upon completion of studies.
• Susan K. Ipacs Nursing Legacy Scholarship Fund, established to honor the work and life of Susan Ipacs – nurse, instructor, mother, wife and friend, is available to second year Hocking College students in the Nursing Program. As so many depended on Sue for her compassion and dedication to the profession, it is the hope that students pursuing their nursing degree remember the reason behind the studies, and the importance of compassion for people in each step of the day as a result of the scholarship
• .Dr. Allen Smith Memorial Scholarship, in honor of the late Dr. L. Allen Smith and his mother, the late Mary Ellen Smith. The award provides two scholarships, both to Jackson City High School students – the Smith Scholastic Award for Achievement in Math, Science and Engineering and the Smith Community Service Award.
• Ariana R. Ulloa Scholarship, established by family and friends to honor the memory and life’s work of Ariana R. Ulloa, scholarships support international students pursuing any field of study, or students pursuing a degree in international studies.
• Wayne White and Bob Evans Legacy Scholarship, established to honor the two men’s legacy of support to helping students realize they can pursue post-secondary studies, scholarship are available to students pursing post-secondary studies throughout the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.

The economic value of education is without question. Studies clearly document increased levels of education directly associate with a substantially reduced risk of poverty. Yet in Appalachian Ohio, only one-third of adults over age 25 have any formal education beyond high school, as compared to approximately one-half of adults across the rest of the state. Of those who do attend post-secondary institutions, the Appalachian Ohio student population has far more first-generation students and a higher drop-out percentage than non-Appalachian peers – fifty-one percent of our students are first-generation college students versus 40% of their non-Appalachian counterparts.

“The Foundation is committed to ensuring every child in Appalachian Ohio has access to the opportunities necessary for success,” said Cara Dingus Brook, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “Our scholarship funds help the Foundation sow the seeds for the region’s future prosperity, by encouraging and supporting youth in their post-secondary endeavors.”

Additional information on scholarship opportunities, guidelines and application forms can be found on FAO’s website. Completed applications and all accompanying materials must be postmarked by March 31, 2011 and sent to the Foundation’s Nelsonville Office at P.O. Box 456, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764.

Each year, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio offers scholarships to students across the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. For more information about how to apply or how you can contribute to scholarship resources, call 740-753-1111.