Over $870,000 in scholarships awarded to students across the region
McARTHUR, Ohio – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) and the Vinton County Community Fund have awarded over $870,000 in donor-established postsecondary scholarships to students across the 32-county region, including two students from Vinton County.
Marissa White of Londonderry received the Susan K. Ipacs Nursing Legacy Scholarship. This scholarship, honoring Susan Ipacs and her lifelong contributions to nursing, supports students enrolled in an accredited postsecondary nursing program who have completed at least one year of that program. White, a 2016 graduate of Hamilton Township High School, attends Ohio University Chillicothe.
Benjamin Withrow of McArthur received the FAO Environmental Stewardship Pillar Scholarship. This scholarship supports individuals seeking degrees or continuing education in ecology, forestry, wildlife ecology or related natural resource fields, as well as skilled trades, vocational and technical training in fields that integrate and support green energy technology, sustainable agriculture and land stewardship. Withrow, a 2025 graduate of Tippecanoe High School, attends Hocking College.
FAO partners with donors, an advisory committee of volunteers and its affiliate foundations, including the Vinton County Community Fund, to award scholarships to students across Appalachian Ohio through a competitive application process.
To date this year, FAO has awarded over 670 postsecondary scholarships to more than 330 students across 25 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, the regionwide African American Community Fund and supporters across the region and beyond, 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.