MCF Awards Over $550,000 in Scholarships, Investing in the Next Generation of Washington County Leaders

May 6

Washington County - A new chapter of opportunity is taking shape at Marietta Community Foundation. One defined by generosity, fueled by purpose, and focused on the future of Washington County.

In 2026, MCF will award approximately $550,000 in scholarships. Through a combination of one-time awards and renewable support, these funds are helping local students take meaningful steps toward their futures.

This year’s scholarship cycle brought together 112 unique applicants, each representing a story of ambition, resilience, and potential. Behind every application was a student ready to take the next step, and behind every award was a donor’s vision brought to life.

To ensure a fair and thoughtful process, all applications were reviewed with identifying information removed. Guided by detailed scoring rubrics, MCF’s volunteer Scholarship Committee carefully evaluated each submission, aligning student experiences with the intent of each fund. With so many deserving applicants, the process required both diligence and deep consideration.

MCF extends sincere appreciation to Scholarship Committee members Mike Buell, Dan Fliehman, Mary Lou Moegling, Ryan Robinson, Michelle Secrest, and Jill Witucky. Their time, care, and commitment to fairness ensure that each decision reflects both donor intent and the promise of local students.

At its heart, MCF’s scholarship program is about more than financial support. It’s about creating pathways, expanding possibilities, and connecting generosity to lasting impact.

Through the vision of donors who have established enduring scholarship funds, Marietta Community Foundation is proud to help shape what comes next for Washington County, one student at a time.

The following scholarship awards have been determined thus far:

This $1,800 scholarship is awarded to a Marietta High School senior attending Marietta College who plans to pursue a degree in technology or pre-med and has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedicated service to both their school and community.
Recipient: William Tornes
Established in memory of Anna Masters, a 1999 graduate of Warren High School, this $2,200 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: Emma Parker
Given in memory of Barbara King LeMaster—an influential community member and the eldest of ten siblings who carried on her family’s legacy through her work in interior design and furniture—this $500 scholarship is awarded to a Fort Frye High School student pursuing a degree in interior design or the arts.
Recipient: Elora Mash
Established in honor of Bob and Dora Jean Bumgarner, this renewable $1,000 scholarship supports a Marietta High School student pursuing an undergraduate degree in education. Recipients must demonstrate a genuine passion for teaching and a commitment to community service or volunteerism.
Recipient: Ella Hess
Established in memory of Brenda DeGori—a beloved high school English teacher, award-winning educator, cheerleading coach, and devoted mother of two—this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Frontier High School senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA, with preference given to students planning to pursue a degree in education.
Recipient: Miley Kiggans
Established in memory of Carol Christy, this scholarship supports hard-working students who demonstrate resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles. This scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition costs and is renewable up to three additional years.
Recipient: Benjamin Nguyen, Drennan Threatt, Samuel Beaver, Elizabeth Morrison, and Wyatt Kerns
This $500 award is presented to a Marietta High School student who has demonstrated success in athletics, exemplifying leadership, selflessness, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Recipient: William Tornes
Charles D. Fogle Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Established in honor of Charles D. Fogle Jr., this scholarship provides a total of $680 distributed over two years to a student from Washington County planning to attend Washington State College of Ohio.
Recipients: Trinity Farley and Holden Weihl
The Chuck Sulerzyski Scholars Awards were established in honor of former Peoples Bank President, Chuck Sulerzyski. These awards are designed to support and recognize the dependents of Peoples Bank employees.
Recipients: Mackenzie Nicely, Gage Bee, and Trevor Jefferies
This $1,500 award provides meaningful support to students pursuing full-time enrollment at
Washington State College of Ohio.
Recipients: Audrelle Seevers, Ella Butcher, Ashlyn Graham, Reid Tilton, and William Efaw
This scholarship awards $540 to four students that reside in Washington County, Morgan County or Athens County and will be pursuing an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree.
Recipients: James Clevenger, Gabriella Howell, Phylen Walters, and Lorena Webb
Established to honor the memory of David Barrett Sr., an educator and a farmer, this $1,500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student at Warren High School who is pursuing a degree in agriculture or education.
Recipient: Jeremiah Mosier
Established in memory of H.S. Lakkegowda (father), H.L. Lalithamma (mother), Jyothi Lakkegowda (sister), this $1,400 scholarship is given to a Washington County senior who has excelled academically and has maintained a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Recipient: Drennan Threatt
This renewable $3,000 scholarship supports a graduating senior from any Washington County school—or a descendant of an Edward Parrish Chapter member—who demonstrates a strong interest in history, a passion for America’s founding, and an eagerness to learn.
Recipients: Hayleigh Chidester and Zack Holman

I'm so grateful for this scholarship and for all the ways these opportunities help so many students. It really means a lot to be supported in this way as I prepare to head to The Ohio State University in the fall. I’m excited for what’s ahead and thankful to be part of something that invests in students like me. ***- Faith Treadway***

Receiving this scholarship means so much to me. It truly fuels my passion for agriculture and motivates me to keep working toward my goals. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to using what I learn to give back to my community and make a positive impact. ***- Alexis White***

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a qualified individual pursuing technical education who demonstrates a strong interest in mechanical systems and hands-on, technical learning.
Recipient: Theodore Bauer
Established in memory of Edwin Pugh, this $750 scholarship is awarded to a Marietta High School senior who has demonstrated excellence in History and Government and aspires to pursue a future in the social sciences.
Recipient: Henry DeVol
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Washington County high school senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA who plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and attend Marietta College. The recipient demonstrates strong academic achievement, a commitment to community service, and active leadership involvement.
Recipient: Cate Edgell
Established in honor of Frosty Haas, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Washington County student pursuing a degree in the healthcare field, supporting their commitment to a career in caring for others.
Recipient: Valentina Marasco
This $3,000 scholarship supports a high-achieving 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 is committed to giving back to their community.
Recipient: Anna Boothby
This $500 award supports a Frontier High School senior who has been actively involved in the Agricultural program for at least two years and has maintained a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Recipients: Kelsey Dye and Anna Bowersock
Established in honor of Garrett Scott, a 2014 graduate of Marietta High School, this $1,000 scholarship supports a Washington County student pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in music or a career working with children.
Recipient: KisAnndra McCort
Established in 2022 in memory of Gary E. Loynachan—a Barlow native and proud Army veteran—these three $4,000 scholarships honor Warren High School students who are actively involved in athletics and the music program. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate strong leadership both on and off the field.
Recipients: Hudson Elzey, Cate Edgell, and Jeremiah Mosier
Established in memory of Greg Schilling, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to hardworking students from Fort Frye and Morgan High Schools who exemplify compassion and a genuine commitment to caring for others.
Recipients: Paige Morgenstern and Katelyn Valandingham
Established in memory of Harold and Diane Tuten, this $750 scholarship supports a senior from Fort Frye or Waterford High School, as well as a nontraditional student in Washington or Morgan County, who aspires to be a positive leader in the community.
Recipients: Caleb Schaad and Luke Baumguard
Established in memory of Helen Z. Thomas, this $1,250 award is for Washington County residents who have graduated within the past five years and are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The recipient exemplifies strong character, quiet leadership, and a commitment to serving others.
Recipient: Jackson Estes
This renewable $2,500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding Warren High School student who resides in Decatur, Fairfield, or Wesley Township in Washington County.
Recipient: Hudson Elzey
Established in honor of Jim Thrash, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Marietta High School senior who reflects pride in their school and Marietta roots. It recognizes a student who demonstrates dedication and a strong sense of community, values defined by Thrash during his years as an educator, guidance counselor, and coach. Preference is given to students involved in athletics or extracurricular activities and pursuing a degree in education, the social sciences, or sports administration.
Recipient: William Tornes
This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a Washington County student who demonstrates strong academic achievement, active involvement in multiple extracurricular activities, and clear leadership within one or more of those pursuits.
Recipient: Elizabeth Morrison
In memory of the late Jim Roberts, this $1,500 scholarship is awarded to two students who have participated in the Marietta Soccer League, earned a varsity letter in high school soccer, and maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Recipients: Taylor Addis and Colbie Wheeler
This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a deserving Washington County student with a minimum 3.0 GPA who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
Recipient: Alexis White
Established in memory of Kevin O’Brien Kelly, this renewable $1,000 scholarship supports Washington County seniors who plan to enroll at Ohio University.
Recipient: Jack Rauch
This $1,000 scholarship provides renewable support for up to four years to one outstanding student, helping to sustain their academic journey as they pursue higher education and continue working toward their goals.
Recipient: Peyton Offenberger
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who is ‘making all the right moves’ toward their future by pursuing postsecondary education through either technical training or a traditional university pathway.
Recipient: Dayne Miller
Established in honor of Marie Adamson’s parents, this $840 scholarship is awarded to the Valedictorian of Marietta High School in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.
Recipient: Avery Herb
This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to Marietta High School students who are well-rounded members of their community, demonstrated through meaningful volunteer service, active participation in extracurricular activities, and leadership roles.
Recipients: Jocelyn Arnold, Theodore Bauer, and Kobie Alexander
Established in memory of Rotarian Mark Studenic, this renewable $500 scholarship is awarded to a Washington County student with a minimum 3.0 GPA who plans to pursue a degree in engineering or engineering technology, in recognition of academic achievement and dedication to the field.
Recipient: Jackson Estes
Established in memory of Melissa Weckbacher, this $1,450 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Fort Frye High School who demonstrates strong character, positive behavior, and a solid work ethic.
Recipient: Faith Treadway
Established in memory of Myra Berg, a graduate of Marietta High School and Marietta College, this $7,400 scholarship supports Marietta High School seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree. Recipients may choose to use the award in a single year or distribute it over multiple years of study.
Recipients: Jackson Estes, Hayleigh Chidester, Drennan Threatt, and Averi Kendall
Established in memory of Nancy A. Miller, this $500 scholarship supports a Fort Frye High School senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA who plans to pursue a degree in math, science, education, information technology, or engineering.
Recipient: Caleb Schaad
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student from the Frontier or Marietta High School districts who is pursuing an undergraduate degree and exemplifies enthusiasm, goal-oriented focus, organization, and discipline.
Recipient: Jackson Estes
This $2,900 scholarship supports a Marietta High School student who has been actively involved in Scouts or Explorers and plans to attend a four-year college.
Recipient: Roman Tatalovich
Established in memory of Stanton Brock, a 1987 graduate of Marietta High School, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Washington County senior who demonstrates talent and passion in the creative arts and intends to apply their skills in future endeavors.
Recipient: Emma Gomez
In honor of the life of Terry Huck, a former coach at Fort Frye High School, this renewable $2,500 scholarship supports Fort Frye High School graduates who have demonstrated excellence in both academics and athletics.
Recipient: Dayne Miller
Established in honor 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. The recipient is a high-achieving student who demonstrates academic excellence and a strong commitment to extracurricular involvement and community service.
Recipient: Theodore Bauer
Established in memory of Trae Thomas DeVolld, a rising 4th grade student at Caldwell Elementary School who participated in football and wrestling, this $2,500 scholarship is awarded to two seniors at Caldwell High School, who demonstrate academic excellence, active involvement in 4-H or school athletics, and strong leadership both in and out of the classroom.
Recipients: Sophia Marshall and Lyla Lowe
This $1,000 scholarship provides meaningful support to a hardworking student pursuing a degree in education, child development, or early childhood care.
Recipient: Morgan Bradford
This $1,350 scholarship supports a Marietta High School senior who demonstrates talent and a strong interest in pursuing studies and a career in the arts, graphic design, or communications field.
Recipient: Sophia Parlin

L-R: Taylor Addis, Jocelyn Arnold, Theordore Bauer, Samuel Beaver, Anna Boothby, Morgan Bradford, Hayleigh Chidester, Cate Edgell, Hudson Elzey, Jackson Estes, Emma Gomez, Ella Hess, Avery Herb, Miley Kiggans, Averi Kendall, Wyatt Kerns, Lyla Lowe, Elora Mash, Valentina Marasco, Sophia Marshall, KisAnndra McCort, Dayne Miller, Elizabeth Morrison, Jeremiah Mosier, Benjamin Nguyen, Peyton Offenberger, Sophia Parlin, Jack Rauch, Caleb Schaad, Drennan Threatt, William Tornes, Faith Treadway, Katelyn Valandingham, Colbie Wheeler, and Alexis White.

“Stepping into this role right before scholarship season started has been incredibly rewarding,” said Charlotte Sweet, Program Services Associate at Marietta Community Foundation. “Each application reflects a student who is working hard, setting goals, and truly thinking about their future—and that’s something special to be part of. It’s been an honor to help carry out a process that connects those students with the generosity of donors who believe in their potential. I’m really excited to continue building on this momentum and to see how this program grows in the year ahead.”

Since its founding, Marietta Community Foundation has served as a trusted philanthropic partner, helping individuals, families, and organizations turn generosity into lasting impact. Powered by the strength of local giving, MCF has awarded more than $37 million in grants and scholarships—supporting nonprofits, empowering students, and enriching communities across Washington County. Today, with over $78 million in assets and more than 400 funds, the Foundation continues to connect people, passion, and purpose to build a stronger, more vibrant future. Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.

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