The Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) celebrated a major milestone in education and philanthropy on Monday, April 28, hosting its first-ever Scholar Dinner at the Winchester Church of Christ in Christian Union. The event honored 42 students from across the county who received scholarships to support their pursuit of college or trade school education.
Surrounded by family, friends, and community leaders, the scholarship recipients were recognized for their academic achievements and future aspirations in fields such as nursing, business, education, engineering, music, and the skilled trades. The dinner marked the beginning of a new tradition for ACCF, which aims to spotlight the impact of local giving on educational success.
“This year, 42 students will move forward in their education journeys because of the support of our donors,” said ACCF President Linda Stepp. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous individuals and families who have made these scholarships possible.”
Over the past five years, the Foundation has awarded a total of 133 scholarships. This year’s awards were made possible through five endowed scholarship funds:
C.E. Smith Family Scholarship Fund (20 recipients): Cody Hesler, Ava Kingsley, Lydia Maddox, Alanna Mays, Aulbrea Meade, Brooklyn Miller, Mitchell Ohnewehr, Ryan Reed, Riley Richey, Caleb Rothwell, Kylie Schumacher, Brandt Seaman, Colt Seaman, Abigail Smalley, Gracelyn Spires, Makinlee Stevenson, Jaeley Turner, MaRhea Unger, Codie Vogler, Mary Grace Wickerham.
Charles Hugh McGovney Scholarship Fund (2 recipients): Chase Armstrong, Myla Erwin.
Earl & Helen Johnson Scholarship Fund (4 recipients): Malaki Bayless, Angel Gray, Amanda Kimberly, Tyler Reed.
First State Bank Dan Ferguson Scholarship Fund (2 recipients): Ryken Copas, Nicholas Seas.
Adams County Scholarship Fund (14 recipients): Chesnee Ayres, Katelynn Boerger, Jacey Farley, Ainsley Grooms, Hunter Grooms, Tatum Grooms, Chase Hicks, Tabitha Johnson, Caden Luck, Darby Mills, Brianna Mullen-Hayes, Britney Scrivner, Skylar Stapleton.
The Foundation hopes the Scholar Dinner will become an annual tradition, reinforcing the vital role of community support in helping students reach their educational goals.
For more information about ACCF or to support future scholarships, visit www.accfo.org, email info@accfo.org, or call 937-544-8659.
