Ohio Town Awards $477K in Scholarships to 950 Students

In Newcomerstown, Ohio, a tight-knit community is proving that investing in young people pays dividends for generations.

The Newcomerstown Scholarship Foundation just awarded $477,400 in scholarships to local high school graduates and returning college students. This isn't a one-time windfall but the latest chapter in a remarkable story of community commitment that spans nearly 60 years.

The foundation distributed $189,350 to graduating seniors this spring, with individual awards ranging from $6,000 to $10,000. Another $288,050 went to students already enrolled in college or training programs, helping them continue their education without crushing debt.

What makes this program special is its flexibility. Students can receive support for up to five years whether they're attending four-year universities, community colleges, or certified training programs. The message is clear: whatever path you choose to better yourself, your community has your back.

The scholarships honor local residents who believed in education, with names like the Clyde Barthalow Scholarship and the Vera Smith Scholarship keeping their legacies alive. Each award represents not just money but a community member who cared deeply about the next generation.

The Ripple Effect

The foundation's impact extends far beyond tuition checks. Since 2008 alone, more than 950 students have received scholarship support totaling over $3.5 million. That's 950 young people who could pursue their dreams without letting finances make the decision for them.

The story gets even better when you look at the humble beginnings. In 1965, local business leaders started raising money by selling submarine sandwiches. Those sandwich sales evolved into a sustainable nonprofit foundation by 2013, now managed by volunteer board members who oversee investments and ensure the program continues growing.

Community contributions over decades built this resource from the ground up. Neighbors investing in neighbors, one donation at a time, created an educational safety net that now supports hundreds of students simultaneously.

This year, dozens of students received awards named after community members like Aloisia Saturski, Helen and Gene Riffle, and Beverly Darr. Each scholarship represents someone who loved this town enough to ensure its children could reach higher than previous generations.

The foundation continues accepting applications each year, always looking to expand opportunities for Newcomerstown graduates ready to write their next chapter.