MARIETTA, OHIO— The Washington State College of Ohio Foundation announced the award of over $140,000 in scholarships for the upcoming academic year. The award amount is more than double what was given a year ago thanks to an increase in full scholarships.
In total, the Foundation awarded scholarships to 121 students, which represents a nearly 35-percent increase from last Spring. The most significant change, however, was the addition of 11 full scholarships awarded by The Donald Morris Charitable Trust, A.D. Heddelson Family, Elmer Michaels Family, and the Dorothy Fouss Greacen Memorial. Nine of these scholarships were all-expense awards that pay tuition, fees, and books, while two cover tuition only.
In addition, the Foundation welcomed several scholarships that provide at least one award of $1,000. These include the Hellenic House WSCO2MC, Schwendeman Agency, Morgan County, and Fort Frye Armored Cadet scholarships.
“We appreciate that our donors recognize the value of investing in Washington State students,” said WSCO President Dr. Vicky Wood. “The growth we’ve had sends a clear message to our students that this community believes in them and supports their desire to improve their lives.”
Traditionally, the Foundation hosts an annual scholarship reception that connects donors with scholarship recipients. Though this year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students have not let the cancellation deter their expressions of gratitude.
“Thank you for allowing me to have a way of saying ‘Thank you’ in return,” read the message from Julie Mace. She received the Nine Oaks Scholarship for Appalachian Service and Development in her pursuit of a Physical Therapist Assistant Technology degree. Messages echoing Mace’s sentiment fill the Foundation’s email inbox daily. And while the words are unique, each message has one common feature— a photograph of a smiling scholarship recipient holding a #thanks sign.
“There’s no doubt that our students appreciate these scholarships,” said Wood. “And while a student sees the immediate reward, our donors are looking to the future because they recognize the long-term value of a scholarship. These awards touch and benefit an infinite number of people beyond our students, from their family, and employers, to ultimately, our local economy. Our graduates go on to make our community a better place to call home.”
