More than $700,000 in scholarships awarded to students across the region
CADIZ, Ohio – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) and the Harrison County Community Foundation have awarded more than $700,000 in donor-established postsecondary scholarships to students across the 32-county region, including two students from Harrison County.
Cadiz residents Kayden Dunkle and TyLynn Smith, both 2025 Harrison Central High School graduates, received the Bob Evans and Wayne F. White Legacy Scholarship, honoring the legacy and commitment these two friends had to the Appalachian Ohio region. Dunkle plans to attend the University of Mount Union, and Smith plans to attend Ohio University Eastern.
Dunkle also was awarded:
- The AK Steel Foundation Scholarship, supporting students pursuing studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, with particular emphasis on metallurgy
- The MPLX Scholarship, supporting graduating seniors of Harrison Central High School, Caldwell High School or Shenandoah High School pursuing a certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree in a field related to the gas industry or a STEM area of study
FAO partners with donors, an advisory committee of volunteers and its affiliate foundations, including the Harrison County Community Foundation, to award scholarships to students across the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio through a competitive application process.
To date this year, FAO has awarded more than 600 postsecondary scholarships to more than 300 students across 26 counties thanks to gifts from residents and friends of Appalachian Ohio who recognize the role education plays in ensuring the region’s people and communities can flourish.
A 501(c)(3) public charity, FAO is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. In partnership with 14 geographic affiliate foundations and the regionwide African American Community Fund, FAO works to unleash the collective potential within Appalachian Ohio by encouraging and supporting philanthropy. FAO’s geographic affiliate partners serve the Nelsonville area and Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Vinton counties.