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Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary | Generosity rooted in pride, remembrance, dedication to home

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News & Happenings

FAO Awards Scholarships & Grants to Stellar Students & Teachers

Dr. Harry Keig grew up to become a successful physician and surgeon in the Omaha area, but never forgot his home town or the teachers who educated him.  He also never forgot the life-shaping influence of his friend, Forest Bachtel, long time teacher and coach at Middleport High School in Meigs County.  When Dr. Keig passed away in 2003, his bequest created a $500,000 endowed fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in honor of his friend, Coach Bachtel, to provide college scholarships for Meigs High School students.  Each scholarship recipient receives $2,500 to assist with college education. The recipients of this year’s Bachtel Scholarships for Academic Achievement are:

  • Miranda Beha.  Miranda was an active member of the band, editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, National Honor Society president, and a Special Olympics volunteer. Miranda plans to attend Marietta College to study Social Work.
  • Jacob Venoy. Jacob was involved with National Honor Society, Foreign Language Club, Drama Club and Environmental Club. He also served as captain of the varsity golf team. Jacob plans to major in Pre-Pharmacy at the University of Charleston.

The recipients of this year’s Bachtel Scholarships for Athletic Achievement are:

  • Joey Haning. Joey played varsity softball (team captain, two years), basketball (team captain, one year), and volleyball (team captain, one year). She also was Senior Class treasurer and a member of the Environmental Club. Joey plans to attend Ohio Valley University.
  • Eric VanMeter.  Eric played football, basketball and baseball during his four years of high school. He also served as team captain for each sport. Eric was the Blood Drive assistant for Meigs High School Student Council. He will major in Pre-Physical Therapy at Ohio University this fall.

School awards improve teaching techniques, technology

Dr. Keig also established a $200,000 endowed fund through his bequest to support teachers and students at Mason Elementary School in Meigs County. The Teacher Award is a merit award for teachers demonstrating innovative curriculum development, outstanding instructional technique, and excellence in student motivation. The School Fund Award provides support to purchase educational materials and/or equipment to enrich the school’s curriculum.

The recipients of this year’s Mason Grade School Teacher Award are:

  • Ann Parker and Stacy Bissell. Ann and Stacy shared the $5,000 award for successfully utilizing the principles of Differentiated Instruction in the school’s reading program. Parker and Bissell describe Differentiated instruction as an approach by which “instructional methods and materials are chosen based on the needs of the individual students, rather than attempting to fit the students into a pre-molded curriculum.”

On behalf of the school, this year’s Mason Grade School Fund Award was accepted by:

  • Angela Roach, Technology Integration Specialist. The $6,060 grant will be used this year to purchase four interactive Whiteboards. Angela noted, “Whiteboards are used in conjunction with data projectors and computers, which allow the teacher or student to not only present material, but to collaborate and exchange information with the entire class.”

Principal Gewanna Nichols commented: “The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Mason Awards are a great asset for the school and help to provide effective instruction for our students. The Teachers’ Award encourages professional development among our teachers; and this year’s School Award will greatly accelerate the implementation of white board technology within our classrooms.”

Presenting the scholarship awards at Meigs High School and Mason Grade School was Marianne B. Campbell, Chair of the FAO Board.  She commented, “The gratitude and enthusiasm expressed by all of the recipients was truly inspiring. Such positive response makes all of the efforts of the Foundation and Advisory Committees for the Bachtel Scholarships and the Mason Grade School Awards worthwhile.  Of prime importance is recognition of Dr. Harry Keig, whose generosity and vision for the future, on behalf of students and teachers in Meigs County, Ohio and Mason County, West Virginia, made these awards possible.  FAO is proud to be a part of this meaningful scholastic program.”

International Studies Student Receives Ulloa Scholarship

The Ariana R. Ulloa scholarship fund was established at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio to honor the legacy of its namesake, Ariana Ulloa, a native of Mexico. Ariana moved to Athens in 1986 and began working for the Hocking College Department of International Programs in 1990, eventually moving into the position of Director. She had a reputation for her kind and encouraging nature and was known to many students as “Mamá Ariana.”

Ariana passed away in December 2002, but her legacy continues through this endowed scholarship fund, set up at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and created through the contributions of Ariana’s family, friends and students. In keeping with her work in International Programs, the scholarships are offered to international students or students pursuing a degree in international studies.

The recipient of this year’s Ariana R. Ulloa Scholarship is:

  • Bernini Elizabeth Goitte. Bernini, a native of Venezuela, moved to the U.S. in 2004 at just 17 years of age. She currently studies International Business at Hocking College. After she graduates in June 2007, she plans to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree at Ohio University in International Business.

Upon hearing the news of receiving the scholarship award, Bernini expressed much excitement and gratitude: “My older sister was a student here at Hocking College and personally knew Ariana. This award has special meaning to me.”

Ann Day, FAO Program Director noted: “The Foundation recognizes the importance of education as the common denominator for the future success for our young people and adults, to bring about positive change for Appalachian Ohio. Therefore, the Foundation is committed to building endowed scholarship and grant resources for our region.”