More than $700,000 in scholarships awarded to students across the region
JACKSON, Ohio – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) and the Jackson County Community Foundation have awarded more than $700,000 in donor-established postsecondary scholarships to students across the 32-county region, including three 2025 Jackson High School graduates.
Lucas Jolly of Jackson received the Bob Evans and Wayne F. White Legacy Scholarship, honoring the legacy and commitment these two friends had to the Appalachian Ohio region. Jolly is planning to attend Miami University.
The Dr. Allen Smith Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of the late Dr. L. Allen Smith, a Jackson native and Ohio University graduate, and in honor of the work and legacy of Dr. Smith’s mother, the late Mary Ellen Smith. The scholarship supports students graduating from Jackson High School. Emma Malone and Easton McGraw, both of Jackson, were awarded the 2025 Smith Scholastic Award for achievement in math, science and engineering, as well as the 2025 Smith Community Service Award, honoring Mary Ellen Smith’s legacy of community service and stewardship. Malone plans to attend The Ohio State University, and McGraw plans to attend the University of Cincinnati.
FAO partners with donors, an advisory committee of volunteers and its affiliate foundations, including the Jackson 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.