The Dr. Allen Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund will accept applications from February 15, 2021 through March 15, 2021.

The Dr. Allen Smith Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of the late Dr. L. Allen Smith, a native of Jackson, Ohio, and graduate of Ohio University. The Smith Scholarship also honors the work and legacy of Dr. Smith’s mother, the late Mary Ellen Smith.

Dr. Smith was a man of many interests and led two distinguished careers simultaneously. He was a professor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Simmons College in Boston for 31 years, and associate dean from 2006 until his death in August, 2008. At the same time, Dr. Smith was also a highly skilled Farrier, a shoer of horses, serving two terms as president of the American Farriers Association.

A native of Jackson County, Mary Ellen Smith served as the first female member of the Jackson City School Board, including as President of the Board. The Dr. Allen Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at the Foundation in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Allen Smith and each year, grants at least two awards: one Dr. Allen Smith Scholastic Award and one Dr. Allen Smith Community Service Award.

Eligibility Requirements and Criteria:

Scholarships will be awarded exclusively to graduating seniors of Jackson City High School and shall be distributed to institutions of higher learning selected by scholarship recipients. Both the Smith Scholastic Award and Smith Community Service Award are intended to be awarded to students planning to attend a 4 year Ohio college or university.

The selection criteria for the Smith Scholastic Award includes:

• high overall academic achievement, with a particular emphasis on high achievement and career interest in the Math, Science or Engineering fields;
• financial need;
• community and extracurricular involvement, including musical and cultural activities.

The selection criteria for the Smith Community Service Award includes:

• high overall academic achievement, with particular emphasis on high achievement and career interest in music or arts;
• financial need;
• strong community and extracurricular involvement, demonstrating significant community service contributions and a commitment to live lives of productive community service and stewardship.

Award Amount:

Scholarship awards and amounts will vary, depending on availability of funds. Scholarship awards are made payable directly to the institution of enrollment on the student’s behalf, for all education-related expenses.