Empowering Dreams: Unveiling 2024’s Scholarship Recipients
Scholarships have the potential to unlock a world of opportunities.
Whether a student has been in school for years and needs an extra push to finish their time or is hoping to embark on a new high-learning adventure but isn’t sure if it’s financially feasible, a scholarship can be the difference between achieving their goals or walking away from them.
“This scholarship opportunity is something I am beyond grateful for. There is nothing luxurious about being a full-time student and parent. But having four wonderful sons and a wonderful husband, I have 5 times the motivation to keep pushing! I’m eternally grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given during my educational journey to help me achieve this dream!”
Mariah Crislip is one of four students selected to receive the Connect to Success General Scholarship.
Marietta Community Foundation manages 64 unique scholarship funds that all share a common goal — helping students realize their educational dreams.
In 2024, these funds will award an estimated $449,900 through one-time and renewal scholarships to students in Washington and surrounding counties. This number has the potential to grow due to the flexible nature of some awards and not all scholarship selections having been made.
Marietta Community Foundation strives to make the selection process as fair as possible for all applicants. Applications were sent to selection committees with all names and personal information redacted, allowing for an unbiased review. Selection for an award was solely based on how the characteristics demonstrated in students' applications and essays aligned with the scholarship’s purpose.
Even though there is a clear rubric for each scholarship, making these selections is no easy feat. The volunteers on the Scholarship Committee, comprised of Ryan Robinson, Jill Witucky, Mike Buell, Mary Lou Moegling, and Katelin Wolfe, carefully reviewed the submitted applications, which totaled more than 140 essays from 106 students this year. From there, a ranking and points system is used to quantify the preferences of the multiple evaluators to objectively decide the most qualified applicant.
To express interest in volunteering on the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, visit www.mcfohio.org/committees.
The following scholarship awards have been determined thus far:
Army SPC Christian D. Ward Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Army SPC Christian Ward, who was raised in Lowell and passed away following a tragic accident while stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado, this $500 scholarship assists students entering the United States Military through active duty or the National Guard.
Recipients: Kartyr Armstrong, Charles Wyatt Durham, Kaitlyn Lipscomb, Alesah Sonpon
Anderson-Stage Scholarship
This $1,700 scholarship is awarded to a Marietta High School senior who will attend Marietta College, pursue a degree in technology or pre-med, has shown outstanding leadership and loyal service to the school and community, and has concern for other people.
Recipient: Raelyn Antill (Marietta High School)
Anna Laura Masters Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Anna Masters, a 1999 graduate of Warren High School. This $2,050 scholarship recognizes a senior from Warren High School planning to pursue their education at Washington State College of Ohio with the goal of becoming a Medical Lab Technician or joining the health professional field.
Recipient: McKinley Starcher (Warren High School)
Bob & Dora Jean Bumgarner Scholarship
This $1,500 scholarship provides needed support to a Marietta High School student pursuing an undergraduate degree in education. Recipients must display a passion for teaching and participate in community service or volunteer work.
Recipient: Jalen Thompson (Marietta High School)
Carol Christy Scholarship
Established in memory of Carol Christy, this award provides support to hard-working students who demonstrate determination and the ability to overcome obstacles. This scholarship can cover up to 50% of tuition costs and is renewable for three years.
Recipients: Kaden Dowler (Fort Frye High School), Allison Glover (Warren High School), Cameron Goeller (Marietta High School), Aubrey McIntire (Fort Frye High School), Emma Snyder (Fort Frye High School)
Carpe Diem Athletic and Academic Scholarship
This $500 award will support a Marietta High School student who participated successfully in an area of athletics at Marietta High School, using well the skills of a sport, showing team leadership, unselfishness, and sportsmanship on the playing surface.
Recipient: Ezra Minard (Marietta High School)
Charles D. Fogle Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Established in honor of Charles D. Fogle Jr., this $300 scholarship will provide needed support over two years to students from Washington County planning to attend Washington State College of Ohio.
Recipients: Jonathan Mazariego, James Sams
“I am extremely grateful to be selected as a scholarship recipient, it truly means a lot. This scholarship will help me to pay for my college and help me to achieve my goal of graduating debt free. The scholarship will also help me to achieve my goal of becoming an electrical engineer and one day making an impact on my community.”
Caleb Larrick is a recipient of the Chuck Sulerzyski Scholars College Scholarship, formerly known as The Peoples Employee Scholarship.
Chuck Sulerzyski Scholars College Scholarship
This renewable $10,000 scholarship is awarded to two dependents of Peoples Bank employees who are current high school seniors planning on pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree. Recipients possess the highest SAT combined score obtained among applicants.
Recipients: Gavin Bee (Bishop Rosecrans High School), Caleb Larrick (John Glenn High School)
Chuck Sulerzyski Scholars Vocational/Technical Scholarship
This renewable $5,000 scholarship provides needed support to a dependent of a Peoples Bank employee who is no more than two years post high school and desires to further their education or training to establish a career in a trade or vocation and desires to use these skills to make a difference in their community.
Recipients: Melaina Fry (Caldwell High School), Brady Zurface (East Clinton High School)
Conlan Opportunity Awards Scholarship
This $1,500 award provides needed support to students who will be attending Washington State College of Ohio full-time.
Recipients: Anna Frederick, Kayla Hamage, Kaleene Jett, Michael Mayes, Anastasia Yost
Connect to Success General Scholarship
This scholarship awards $480 to four students who reside in Washington County, Morgan County, or Athens County and will pursue an associate degree or a bachelor’s Degree.
Recipients: Mariah Crislip, Jesse Lehman, David Norris, Melissa Wise
David C. Barrett Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Established to honor the memory of Mr. David Barrett Sr., an educator and a farmer, this $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student at Warren High School who is pursuing a degree in agriculture or education.
Recipient: Morgan Bradford (Warren High School)
Dr. Richard Hille Scholarship for Medical Students
This merit and need-based scholarship awards $1,500 to support individuals currently enrolled in Medical School with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Recipient: Gabrielle Turner (Marietta College)
Edward Parrish Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century Scholarship
This renewable $2,000 scholarship will provide needed support to a current senior of any Washington County school or a descendant of an Edward Parrish Chapter Member. The recipient must show an interest in history and America’s founding and is simply excited to learn.
Recipient: Addison Schaad (Warren High School)
Edwin “Jack” Haas Memorial Scholarship
This $1,000 Scholarship is to be awarded to any qualified individual who would like to continue their technical education and has an interest in mechanical things.
Recipient: Drake Woolard (Marietta High School)
Edwin V. Pugh Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Edwin V. Pugh, this $690 scholarship is given to a Marietta High School senior who has excelled in History and Government and may be planning a future in the field of Social Sciences.
Recipient: Ezra Minard (Marietta High School)
Faustena “Frosty” Haas Health Care Scholarship
Established to honor the life of Frosty Haas, this $1,000 scholarship is available to any Washington County student pursuing a degree in the healthcare field.
Recipient: Maquelah Walker (Frontier High School)
Frank and Grace Proctor Scholarship
This $2,000 scholarship will support a scholarly Warren High School student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field. The recipient is a well-rounded individual who values education and gives back to their community.
Recipient: Ben Bishop (Warren High School)
Frontier Ag Science Scholarship
This $500 merit and need-based award benefits a Frontier High School senior who has participated in the ag program for at least two years and maintains a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Recipient: Haylee Berentz (Frontier High School)
Garrett Scott Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Garrett Scott, a 2014 graduate of Marietta High School and avid drummer, this $1,000 scholarship will provide needed support to a Washington County student pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in music or a career working with children.
Recipient: Haylee Berentz (Frontier High School)
“This means the world to me. I am very thankful for anything I receive and can ensure it will go towards the funding of my schooling. This will help me in a very big way, as I live with my grandmother and our money is tight as I currently work a part time job and she has her social security, and anything towards my schooling financially would help out tremendously! Thank you so much!”
Michael Mays is a recipient of the Conlan Opportunity Awards Scholarship.
Gary E. Loynachan Scholarships
In 2022, three scholarships were established in memory of Gary E. Loynachan, a Barlow native and Army veteran. Each $2,380 scholarship is specific in focus, benefiting one student from the boys’ sports program, girls’ sports program, and music program. The recipients must attend Warren Local High School, have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate leadership on and off the field/stage.
Boys Sports Program: Ben Bishop (Warren High School)
Girls Sports Program: Lillian Cochran (Warren High School)
Music Program: No applicants
Greg Schilling Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Greg Schilling, this $1,000 scholarship is presented to three hard-working students from Fort Frye High School, Waterford High School, and Morgan High School. The recipients are awarded based on their demonstration of compassion and caring for others.
Recipients: Aubrey McIntire (Fort Frye High School), Emmeline Miller (Morgan High School), Addison Schaad (Waterford High School)
Harold & Diane Tuten Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Harold and Diane Tuten, this $750 scholarship will provide needed support to a senior at Fort Frye or Waterford High School as well as a nontraditional student in Washington or Morgan County who aspires to serve as a positive leader in our community.
Recipients: Brandon Dye (Fort Frye High School), Starlette Ruff (Washington State College of Ohio)
J. William Morris Memorial Scholarship
This $5,000 renewable scholarship is awarded to a current senior in Washington County with both merit and financial need, who holds a 3.0 GPA and is planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree with a major in Business, Finance, or Accounting.
Recipient: Coen Eddy (Marietta High School)
James S. and Brenda A. Measell Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Washington County student who exhibits a high level of academic performance and is active in several extracurricular activities with evidence of leadership in one or more of those activities.
Recipient: Haylee Berentz (Frontier High School)
Jim Roberts Marietta Soccer League Scholarship
Renamed to honor the late Jim Roberts, this $1,500 scholarship is awarded to students who have participated in the Marietta Soccer League Program, earned a Varsity Letter in High School Soccer, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Recipients: Olivia Rinard (Marietta High School), Katelyn Schenkel (Marietta High School)
Jolene Craig Journalism Scholarship
This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a deserving individual based on both merit and need. The recipient must be from Washington County, possess a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a major in Journalism.
Recipient: Clara Noelle
Kevin O’Brien Kelly Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Kevin O’Brien Kelly, this renewable $1,000 scholarship will support Washington County seniors intending to enroll at Ohio University.
Recipient: Coen Eddy (Marietta High School)
Marie Adamson Senior Scholastic Scholarship
Established in honor of Marie Adamson’s parents, this $780 scholarship is awarded to the Marietta High School Valedictorian.
Recipient: Taten Ayers (Marietta High School)
Marietta Noon Lions Club Scholarship
This $1,500 scholarship is given to Marietta High School students who are well-rounded members of the community. They have participated in volunteer work, extra-curricular activities, and have taken leadership roles.
Recipients: Tatum Clark (Marietta High School), Caleb Caldwell (Marietta High School)
Mark C. Studenic Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Rotarian Mark Studenic, this $500 scholarship is awarded to an upcoming high school graduate or adult returning to school who plans to pursue engineering or the engineering technology field.
Recipient: Ben Bishop (Warren High School)
“This scholarship gives me the opportunity to begin my dreams toward becoming a physician assistant, as I start the program this summer.
I am honored to have been selected and cannot wait to begin!”
Gabrielle Turner received the Dr. Richard Hille Scholarship for Medical Students.
Melissa Ann Weckbacher Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Melissa Weckbacher, this $1,350 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Fort Frye High School who demonstrates positive behavior and a good work ethic.
Recipient: Jaslynn Casto (Fort Frye High School)
Myra P. Berg Scholarship
Established in memory of Myra Berg, who was a graduate of Marietta High School and Marietta College. This $6,500 scholarship will provide needed support to Marietta High School seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree. The recipient can choose to utilize the award in one year or spread it out over multiple years.
Recipients: Raelyn Antill (Marietta High School), Sarah Burchett (Marietta High School), Molly Cline (Marietta High School), Coen Eddy (Marietta High School)
Nancy A. Miller Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Nancy A. Miller, this $500 scholarship supports a current Fort Frye High School senior who will pursue a degree in math, science, education, information technology, or engineering.
Recipient: Jaslynn Casto (Fort Frye High School)
Penelope “Penny” J. Passavant Academic Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a current student or graduate of Frontier High School or Marietta High School pursuing an undergraduate degree. The recipient is enthusiastic, goal-oriented, organized, and disciplined.
Recipient: Taten Ayers (Marietta High School)
Pete & Laura Pannier Scouting Scholarship
This $2,700 scholarship provides needed support to a Marietta High School student who plans to attend a four-year college and is still involved with Scouts or Explorers.
Recipient: Jack Tindall (Marietta High School)
Stanton W. Brock Art Discovery Scholarship
Established in memory of Stanton Brock, a 1987 graduate of Marietta High School and true artist, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a senior who displays a talent and desire in creative art and has the intent to put their skills to work.
Recipient: Emma Snyder (Marietta High School)
Terry Huck Memorial Scholarship
This renewable $2,500 scholarship was established to support Fort Frye High School graduates who have excelled in both academic and athletic efforts.
Recipient: Kaden Dowler (Fort Frye High School)
Thomas C. Vadakin Memorial Scholarship
Established to honor the life of Tom Vadakin, a graduate of Marietta High School and local business owner, this $500 scholarship supports a Marietta High School student pursuing a degree in business or engineering, who excels academically and devotes time to extracurricular activities and the community.
Recipient: Coen Eddy (Marietta High School)
Trae DeVolld Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Trae Thomas DeVolld, a rising 4th-grade student at Caldwell Elementary School who participated in football and wrestling. This $1,000 scholarship is given to a senior at Caldwell High School and at Shenandoah High School who excels academically, is active in the 4-H program or school athletics, and demonstrates leadership both in and out of school.
Recipients: Katie Franklin (Caldwell High School), Skylar Rich (Shenandoah High School)
Walter J. & Marjorie G. McCarthy Child Care Enrichment Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship provides needed support to a hard-working student pursuing a degree in education, child development, or early childcare.
Recipient: Morgan Bradford (Warren High School)
Warren E. Offenberger Scholarship
This $1,275 scholarship provides support to a Marietta High School senior who displays talent and a desire to study and work in the arts, graphics, or communications field.
Recipient: Haley Travis (Marietta High School)
For 50 years, Marietta Community Foundation has been a driving force in philanthropy, creating local and lasting change throughout Washington County, OH. With nearly $30M of grants and scholarships awarded and boasting $50M in assets across 350+ funds, the Foundation remains a strong, steadfast ally for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations seeking to create lasting charitable impact. Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.
