Velma and Merlin Applegate Scholarship
Velma Hittle and Merlin Applegate both graduated from Ansonia High School in 1940. In 1990, the 50th year after their graduation, this generous couple established a scholarship fund for Ansonia students as a way of saying "thank you" to the Ansonia community.
Pauline Winbigler Bales Scholarship
Pauline graduated from Ansonia High School in 1915 then attended the Univ. of Cincinnati. She married L.L. Bales and lived in Ansonia the rest of her life, supporting the town, schools and Ansonia United Methodist Church. During her 27-year tenure at Ansonia schools, Pauline taught music and other subjects and also served as high school principal. Through her will, Pauline established a scholarship for Ansonia graduates. Her sister-in-law, Louise McKinney Winbigler, also of Ansonia, doubled the size of the fund with another donation in memory of this beloved alumna.
Tim Best/Ronnie Kreitzer Scholarship
Tim Best lost his life in an accident while attending Wright State Univ. Tim’s parents established this fund in 1991 for students who have participated in baseball, cross country, wresting, or dirt bike racing. Ronnie Kreitzer, a close friend of Tim’s, was instrumental in helping to start the Tim Best Scholarship, and upon Kreitzer’s death, the memorial was renamed the Tim Best/Ronnie Kreitzer Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Robert and Iris Bolen Scholarship
Robert and Iris Bolen grew up in the Union City area and wanted to reward Mississinawa Valley students attending college. Robert Bolen operated insurance and real estate agencies in Union City and Ansonia, while Iris was the Assistant V.P. of the Union City Body Co. Upon establishing the fund in 2004, the couple commented, “Having no children and good jobs, and realizing what a good education means, we wanted to help someone else.”
Harold and Betty Brewer Scholarship
In 2014, Betty made a generous donation to the Darke County Foundation in memory of her husband, who died in 1975. Betty left another large gift through her will when she died in 2016. The Greenville couple operated Brewer's Motor Mart for 26 years and invested in local farms and residential properties. The fund supports up to 20 Darke County students every year with renewable awards.
William and Rosalyn Brinley Family Scholarship
Bill and Rosy Brinley of Hollansburg established this scholarship for Tri-Village High School graduates in 2021. They have been proud supporters of Tri-Village schools since their children began attending in the 1970s. "This is our school," said Rosy. "We know the students. We know the community. It's like our own family." The award supports students attending 4-year or 2-year colleges, or shorter vocational programs.
Joyce Bruns Memorial Scholarship
Joyce Bruns was a dedicated nurse in Darke County who died in April 1998. She was a Hospice board member for 13 years and Wayne HealthCare nurse for 18 years before serving as director of nursing at the Versailles Healthcare Center. She became ill with brain cancer in 1997, having just completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her dedication to the nursing profession will live on through this scholarship for nurses who are continuing their education.
DAR-Ft. GreeneVille Chapter Scholarship
Honoring its pledge to support historic preservation, patriotism and education, the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter started a fund to reward a female student who exemplifies the characteristics of DAR: “Daughters are vibrant, active women who are passionate about community service, preserving history, educating children, and honoring those who serve our nation.”
Darke County Engineering & Sciences Scholarship
Realizing the need for more scientists and engineers in today’s workforce, Denny and Shirla Neff of Greenville started a scholarship fund in 2007 to encourage Darke County students in these professions. Denny was the president of Neff Co. and Shirla was a teacher in the Greenville school district. The Neffs hope other donors in Darke County will add to this scholarship fund so it can assist more students in these fields of study.
Darke County Foundation Scholarship Fund
Over the years, several individuals and organizations made significant donations to the Darke County Foundation for local scholarships. Their combined generosity enabled the Foundation to form a general scholarship endowment fund to provide awards every year in perpetuity. This permanent fund establishes a lasting legacy for these donors, which include Ansonia Area Jaycees, Beth Warner in memory of her mother Irene Bolen, Galen and Blanche Fourman of Greenville, the Four Shra Nish Fund, and Ira Troutwine of Arcanum.
Brian and Regina K. Delk Scholarship
Upon the death of Regina in 2003, Brian established this scholarship in memory of his wife, who inspired others by her life and faith in Christ. Regina worked as a teacher’s assistant at Anthony Wayne, was involved with the Arcanum Band Boosters, and also mentored youth at the Castine Church of the Brethren. Then in 2012, Brian was tragically killed in a car accident. He was the pastor of student ministries at Castine Church of the Brethren. This scholarship is for a Darke County student attending a Christian college.
Wayne K. Detling Scholarship
Wayne Detling graduated from Ansonia High School in 1957 and was a member of the Ansonia school board. Wayne was respected in the community as a successful farmer and business owner, and he was a generous supporter of school projects and student need, providing scholarships to Ansonia graduates for many years. Wayne's family established this scholarship to honor Wayne after he died in 2021.
Millie Kiger Dunaway Scholarship
A Greenville resident, Millie was a talented artist and enthusiastic supporter of emerging art students. She was a fashion illustrator for Rike’s Department Stores and also operated ‘Millie’s Paint Pot’ in Greenville, selling art supplies, ceramics, and macramé. Millie’s family started this scholarship in 2016 for a student pursuing a career in art.
Nils and Collette Eikenberry Scholarship
Established by their three daughters, Gretchen, Elizabeth and Jenny, this fund is a tribute to extraordinary parents who were devoted to their family and community. Both Greenville natives, Nils managed Eikenberry’s Foodliners for 45 years and Collette was a generous and passionate community supporter. This scholarship is for a Greenville H.S. graduate who has completed 3 years of college and is studying nursing or business.
Mr. & Mrs. Howard (Eva) Fisher Scholarship
Howard & Eva Fisher lived west of Ft. Jefferson, where they farmed and raised hogs, chickens, and dairy cattle. Not having children of their own, but having a great interest in them, the Fishers realized that by giving to the Foundation, they could help not one or two, but many young people, in pursuing their life’s work.
Kenneth and Virginia Marie Flory Scholarship
The Florys donated their entire estate to charity, designating 40% for scholarships to Arcanum graduates. They lived for many years in Chicago then retired in 1980 to Arcanum, where Kenneth was raised. The Florys were active, well-loved residents of the Arcanum community and faithful church members.
Kathleen Floyd Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship supports students who attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Greenville, where Mrs. Floyd taught from 1973 to 1995. She was also an adjunct professor at Edison State Community College and served on its board of directors. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and teacher, Mrs. Floyd wrote a column, "All Around the House," for the Greenville Daily Advocate from 1960-73 and "Back Around the House" from 1995-2020. Mrs. Floyd was a dedicated board member for many Darke County non-profit organizations.
John S. and Mary L. Fourman Scholarship
After John died in 2010, and Mary in 2012, the charitable remainder trust they had established resulted in a meaningful gift that keeps giving to aspiring college students for years to come. John graduated from Greenville H.S. in 1937, Mary grew up in Franklin Twp., and both attended Miami Univ. The Fourmans were respected business owners and active community members, owning R.E. Wenger Co. and the Hallmark Card Shop in Greenville.
Alice and Wilbur (Bud) Frantom Scholarship
Alice McKibben Frantom grew up in Ansonia and taught at Franklin-Monroe schools for 25 years, where her husband, Wilbur (Bud) Frantom, also taught agriculture and served as principal. The couple dedicated themselves to their community, providing financial assistance to those in need. During retirement, Alice volunteered 10,000 hours at a Florida hospital. Bud died in 1996, and Alice in 2018, leaving over $1 million to the Darke County Foundation for scholarships to Darke County students.
Kenneth J. Gibboney Scholarship
Mr. Gibboney was a Bradford resident, Navy veteran, welder at Meteor Motors in Piqua, and owner and operator of a small sawmill. Mr. Gibboney enjoyed life and wanted to assist Bradford students in their college education.
Richard Graeff Family Scholarship
Dick Graeff was a teacher and asst. principal at Arcanum H.S. for 28 years, where he also had great success coaching basketball and track. As Arcanum mayor, Darke County Commissioner, Sunday school teacher and member of many service organizations, Dick was a model for community involvement. After his death in 2012, Dick’s family established this scholarship for Arcanum graduates who had participated in basketball, track or cross country.
Greenville National Bank Scholarship
In 1987 and again in 2008, Greenville National Bank made donations to establish scholarships for students majoring in business, accounting, finance or banking. Steve Burns, then president of Greenville National Bank, noted, “We understand the importance of helping in the area of education and hope this will encourage students to pursue higher education and then relocate back to Darke County upon their graduation.”
Jeanie and Jeff Hawley Scholarship
Established by the Hawley and Pequignot families, this scholarship fund is a loving tribute to two individuals who lived their lives to the fullest. As a teacher at Greenville H.S. for 20 years, Jeanie loved her students and wanted to make a difference in their lives. Jeff, a Greenville graduate, was an avid sportsman, devoted husband and father, and a role model for healthy living. Awards from this fund are designated for Greenville graduates who exemplify outstanding character, motivation and zest for life.
Eleanor J. Hughes Scholarship
Eleanor was born in 1917 in Pennsylvania and lived there most of her life. She had a career with Bell Telephone and was also an accomplished seamstress and artist. During retirement in Florida, Eleanor attended college and earned an associates degree, something she could not afford after high school during the Great Depression. After 52 years of marriage, Eleanor’s husband died, and she moved to Greenville to be near her sister, Ruth Osborne. Eleanor’s strong belief in education inspired her to donate a significant amount of her estate to the Foundation to assist college students in Darke County.
John R. and Miriam H. Knick Scholarship
Given as a bequest through her estate in 2017, Miriam Knick started this endowment fund to support scholarships for Darke County students pursuing a degree or certification in education, nursing or ministry. Miriam graduated from Gettysburg High School and worked for the Darke County Health Dept. for 36 years.
Bob and Jan Lantz Miami Univ. Teacher Education Scholarship
Bob and Jan Lantz dedicated their professional lives to educating Darke County students, then decided to support local graduates studying education, preferably at Miami University, where Bob and Jan went to college. From 1972 to 1997, Bob worked for Darke County Schools as school psychologist, director of pupil services and personnel, Franklin-Monroe superintendent, and Darke County Schools superintendent. Jan taught at Franklin-Monroe Elementary, Tri-Village Elementary, and was principal at Mississinawa Valley Elementary.
Ami McClurkin Scholarship
Gini and Verd Stuckey of Greenville, devoted parents of Ami, established a scholarship in honor of their daughter who suffered a tragic car accident in 1985 and currently resides at Brethren Retirement Community. The Stuckeys wanted to recognize their daughter’s past musical accomplishments and scholarships while helping other students go to college. This renewable scholarship is for a graduate of Greenville H.S. who has been involved in the music program.
Joseph R. Mills Scholarship
The Mills family from Arcanum created this scholarship in memory of their son and brother who died in 2014. Joe lived his entire life in a wheelchair but inspired everyone by obtaining a college degree and working as a software engineer. Joe's character, perseverance, compassion and witty sense of humor endeared him to everyone. The scholarship is awarded to an Arcanum graduate, with preference given to a student with a disability or a student attending Ohio State or Wright State.
Fred Miltenberger Scholarship
The Miltenbergers lived on a farm in Montgomery County until 1937 then moved to a home on Main St. in Arcanum until Fred died in 1988 and Ruby in 1990. Fred worked at General Motors in Dayton for 45 years; Ruby worked there for 40 years. In her husband’s honor, Ruby donated part of her estate to this scholarship for Arcanum students.
Susan North Art Scholarship
Susan North of Greenville made a lasting impression on Darke County through her engaging artwork and endearing personality. Susan died in 2012, but her legacy lives on through annual scholarships to students who are pursuing an art-related profession such as graphic art, art therapy, fine art or interior design.
Norton Family 4-H Scholarship
Miriam M. Norton, a former Bradford school teacher, established the Norton Family 4-H Scholarship in 2002. Being especially appreciative of the values and leadership opportunities provided by the 4-H clubs of Darke County, Miriam wanted to promote the continuation of these ideals by rewarding a scholarship to a 4-H member.
Oliver Scholarship for Versailles H.S./Wittenberg University
David Oliver, 1958 graduate of Versailles High School, established a scholarship for VHS graduates bound for Wittenberg University. Living in Miami, Florida, since 1962, Oliver said, “Two of the many blessings I experienced in my life were 1) to grow up in the terrific Versailles environment with a remarkable family, and 2) to experience four enjoyable and rewarding years at Wittenberg University in Springfield.” While in high school, Oliver excelled in football, basketball, baseball and track. He joined the wrestling team at Wittenberg, becoming captain, and went on to enjoy a long career at the Miami Herald newspaper.
Gregory Olwine Arcanum Alumni Scholarship
As a 1965 graduate of Arcanum High School, the opportunity arose for Greg to give back to the community that helped him in his formative years. The scholarship fund for Arcanum graduates with financial need was based on the premise that an education is a lifelong, everlasting and valuable endeavor that is most worthy of one's pursuit.
James B. Phelan Scholarship Fund
A dedicated and respected leader in the community, Jim Phelan started his career at Phelan Insurance Co. in Versailles in 1962 and was active there until his death in 2015. This fund was established to encourage students to pursue a local career in the insurance industry. Applicants must be majoring in business, finance, marketing or accounting and be graduates of a high school in Darke or adjacent counties.
Pohl Transportation Scholarship
Established by the trucking company in Versailles, OH, this award encourages and rewards students pursuing degrees or certification in logistics, supply chain management or diesel technology. Programs can be 4 years of study or less. The award is open to high school seniors and college students who attended high school in Auglaize, Darke, Mercer, Miami or Shelby counties.
Road Less Traveled Scholarship
Inspired by the life and spirit of Jacob Heck, 2001 Franklin-Monroe graduate who died in July 2001, the F-M Student Council started a scholarship in Jacob’s memory. The award honors F-M students who live enthusiastically, give without expectation, love peers unconditionally, and strive to make a difference, as Jacob did. As class president, varsity athlete, church youth leader and community giver, Jacob took the road less traveled to make life better for others.
J.C. & Alice Schafer Scholarship
J.C. Schafer joined Second National Bank in 1943. He served as Vice President and Loan Officer and remained on the Board of Directors until 1978. J.C. was a member of the Rotary Club in Greenville for nearly 50 years, and Alice was an elementary school teacher. The couple lived on a small farm just north of Greenville. They spent their final years at Brethren Retirement Community and bequeathed part of their estate to the Foundation to establish this scholarship fund.
Schipfer Family Scholarship
Marty and Dan Schipfer of Greenville wanted to assist students in vocational studies rather than 4-year universities. Marty retired after many years as school counselor at Versailles Elementary and Middle Schools, and Dan works as an attorney. Scholarships are for Versailles or Greenville graduates. Students must be seeking a technical certification or associates degree that requires no more than 2 years of education.
Lois E. Snyder Scholarship
For 47 years, Greenville resident Lois Snyder babysat and lovingly cared for over 300 children in her home. Her devotion to children and interest in their education led her to establish a scholarship for Darke County students to pursue their college education.
Neil E. Stemley Scholarship
This scholarship for Ansonia students honors a man who lived his entire life near Ansonia, serving and strengthening his community through his generous spirit. A 1956 graduate of Ansonia High School, Neil served on the school board and the Western Ohio Education Foundation. His lifelong leadership at Stemley Canning Co. inspired others through his work ethic, mentorship, and genuine care for his employees.
John E. and Ella M. Stevenson Scholarship
This Arcanum couple created a scholarship through their will that assists upperclass college students or graduate students who are studying law, education, theology or healthcare. The fund is named in memory of John, who died in 2011, and Ella, who died in 2009.
Edwin, Mac and Marguerite Stoltz Scholarship
Edwin Stoltz was a teacher and coach at Greenville H.S. in the 1930s-1950s. At one time Edwin coached football, basketball, baseball and track. He taught math, English, French and history. His brother, Mac, whose interest was engineering, served as a substitute teacher. Mac’s wife, Marquerite Bigler Stoltz, taught on Indian reservations from 1928 to 1937. She then taught English in Darke County schools and was a lifelong student, attending over 50 Elderhostels before her death in 1994.
Steven Stucke Scholarship
As a teen during the 1970s, Steven worked diligently on the family farm near Versailles, operating equipment in the fields, working in the shop, and raising livestock for 4-H and FFA projects. Sadly, Steven was killed in a farming accident at age 18. His parents, Melvin and Mary Ann, wished to honor their son’s memory with a scholarship for a Versailles High School graduate majoring in an agriculture-related field. “The farming environment today is highly competitive and a huge investment,” said Melvin. “Education is important when it comes to managing farms and finances.”
James and Alice Kruckeberg Swinger First International Travel Fund
A 1947 graduate of Versailles H.S. and former professor at Wright State Univ., Dr. Swinger established this fund to provide an annual award to a Versailles H.S. student and parent to travel to London, England. “International travel helps students enlarge, deepen and strengthen their vision of the world and its people,” said Dr. Swinger. “It also helps students enlarge their vision of themselves and their hopes for the future by broadening their view of the planet and the different cultures in it.”
Jan and James Thomas Scholarship
1953 Greenville H.S. graduate Jim Thomas and his wife started this fund in 2015 to provide renewable scholarships to GHS students pursuing degrees in engineering, education, healthcare and computer science. Jim moved away from Greenville after graduating from the General Motors Institute in 1958, but he maintained a spirit of gratitude and loyalty to his alma mater and its students.
J. Howard Trump Art Scholarship
Howard Trump graduated from Greenville H.S. in 1934 and began his career as a printer’s apprentice in Columbus, Ohio. In 1961, after 14 years as superintendent of a printing company, he became a free-lance commercial artist, specializing in illustration and design. Howard retired from commercial art in 1980 and devoted the rest of his life to watercolor painting (numbering approximately 1,000) and golf. He was married to Pauline for over 50 years when he passed away in 1986.
Versailles Masonic Lodge Scholarship
With a presence in Versailles for over 100 years, the Masons wanted to carry on their tradition by offering 2 scholarships each year to graduating seniors from Versailles High School. One award is for students with a grade point average of 3.25-4.0, and one award is for students with a grade point average of 2.75-3.24.
Paul C. & Helen D. Warner Scholarship
Helen lived her entire life in Darke County and taught school for 35 years, except the year she was an exchange teacher in Tasmania, Australia. Helen married Paul in 1957 when he was principal of Greenville H.S. They enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe and started a scholarship fund for Greenville graduates.
Sarah Whittaker Scholarship
Following the unexpected death of his teenage daughter, Allen Whittaker embarked on a mission to make something positive out of a horrible tragedy. His mission was to teach students to keep life’s challenges in proper perspective and to realize all problems can be resolved. Sarah’s scholarship fund assists Darke County students who have been active in 4-H or FFA, as Sarah was.
Lori Michelle Williams Scholarship
The family of Lori Williams established this fund in 1998 to perpetuate Lori’s loving memory. A graduate of Greenville H.S., Lori was very involved in her school and community. About to embark on a career in nursing, the college senior was tragically killed in an auto accident. Endowing this scholarship, the Williams family wanted to help others achieve their goals in the healthcare profession.
Matthew Wuebker Scholarship
This fund is in memory of a 1988 Versailles H.S. graduate and Ohio State student who died in 1989. The son of Dick and Cindy Wuebker, Matthew had a tremendous dedication to the high school basketball team that earned him the “Mr. Team” award his senior year. Every year since 1990, the Matthew Wuebker Scholarship is awarded to a VHS basketball player who exemplifies team spirit.
Ryan Wulber Scholarship
Ryan Luke Wulber was a devoted husband and doting father; he was an avid farmer, and a compassionate and caring teacher. Ryan was an ardent supporter of the FFA program, belonging to the Versailles FFA Alumni and leading the FFA program at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center. In keeping with the passion in Ryan’s heart for helping students and loving farm life, this scholarship is designated for students in FFA or graduating from MVCTC who are intending to pursue a career in agriculture.