Ohio Awards $870K in Scholarships to Appalachian Students

Four Washington County students are heading to college this fall with scholarship support that recognizes their dedication to public service and community leadership.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and its partners distributed more than $870,000 in scholarships to students across the region. The awards help students from 32 Appalachian counties pursue higher education without the weight of crushing debt.

Three local students received the Jennifer Garrison Public Service Scholarship, which honors teens who served in elected student government positions. Parker Burris of Whipple, a Fort Frye High School graduate, will attend Syracuse University. Cassidy McCarthy from Marietta and Sydney Starcher from Belpre, both Warren High School graduates, are headed to The Ohio State University and Marshall University respectively.

Phineas McDole of Belpre earned the Bob Evans and Wayne White Legacy Scholarship. The Warren High School graduate plans to study at Ohio University.

The scholarships come from donor contributions specifically established to support postsecondary education in Appalachian communities. These awards target students who have already shown commitment to making their communities better through leadership roles and service.

The Ripple Effect

When students from rural Appalachian counties receive scholarship support, the benefits extend far beyond individual achievement. Many scholarship recipients return to their home communities after graduation, bringing new skills and knowledge to areas that need them most.

The investment in these four students represents a broader commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and limited opportunity in rural Ohio. By removing financial barriers to education, these scholarships help talented young people pursue careers in public service, healthcare, education, and other fields that strengthen their hometowns.

These teens proved through their student government service that they're already invested in making positive change. Now they'll have the chance to develop those leadership skills at the college level and beyond.