Don Coss Memorial Scholarship Supports Post-Secondary Education for Stars on the Diamond
Cambridge, OH – Eleven members of the Post 84 Cambridge American Legion Baseball team won’t just receive support on the field – they will receive it on campus as well through the Don Coss Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Don Coss Memorial Scholarship Fund, part of the Guernsey County Foundation’s Family of Funds, honors the memory of Guernsey County’s “Mr. Baseball,” Don Coss.
An active member of the community, Mr. Coss served as a City Council member, a member of the local school board, and as city treasurer. But no position was more important than coach. The founder of the local American Legion team, Mr. Coss was passionate about the sport and the young men playing it. A man who would drive to pick up players who had no other means of getting to games or practice, Mr. Coss started a scholarship program through a bequest in his will to support Post 84 Legion players in their post-secondary studies whether through vocational, associate degree, or bachelor programs.
“Don was passionate about these kids and wanted to provide a helping hand for as long as possible,” said Ron Antill, Post 84 Legion team manager and a longtime friend of Mr. Coss. “Even though future generations of players won’t know him personally, his legacy lives on through this scholarship that bears his name.”
Each of this year’s scholarship recipients received a $1,000 award to use for a variety of post-secondary studies. Recipients from Guernsey County include James Antalis, attending Muskingum University; Maurice Lathan, Jr., attending The Ohio State University; Zavin Orr, attending Lake Erie College; and Robert Warne, attending Muskingum University.
Recipients from Muskingum County include Luke Klinehoffer, attending Ohio Northern University; Luke Larson, attending Muskingum University; Cole Larson, attending Muskingum University; Ryan Long, attending Muskingum University; and Benjamin Van Wey, attending Muskingum University.
Recipients from Noble County include Caleb Heller, attending Muskingum University and Ryan Lovette, attending Washington State Community College
Students are eligible to reapply for scholarship awards for the same number of years as they participated on the Post 84 team.
The Guernsey County Foundation’s Family of Funds is dedicated to improving quality of life in the Guernsey County community, just like Don Coss did. For more information about how you can cement your or others’ legacies, or support scholarship funds like the Don Coss Memorial Scholarship Fund, please visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.
About the Guernsey County Foundation
The Guernsey County Foundation receives contributions and bequests of all sizes from individuals to assist in the funding of projects and charitable organizations. Through this unique collaboration with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, the Guernsey County Foundation extends its philanthropic efforts throughout our community. More information can be found at www.guernseycountyfoundation.org or www.AppalachianOhio.org.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.
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