Scholarship Applications
Scholarship Applications are accepted each year from January 1 through March 15th. To apply for one of the scholarships managed by the Hinton Area Foundation, click the link below to be redirected to our Scholarship Application portal, powered by akoyaGO. Beginning in 2027, ALL scholarship applications and materials will ONLY be accepted via this online portal. For support, please reach out to us.
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Animal Control and Welfare Project (ACWP) will create a one-time $1,000 scholarship to be awarded annually (if candidates are available) to a student whose plans include the care of animals. ACWP stipulates at least one member of their Board be part of the review and selection process of all applicants for the ACWP Animal Care Scholarship.
The Bill Van Sant Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Bill Van Sant by his family. Bill was a retired teacher of social studies and American history who believed in the power of education. He took a very strong interest in the Summers County School System.
This fund was the concept of Burkey Lilly. The inspiration was to honor Art Lough, a former Summers County Extension agent, and the dedicated teachers at Hinton High School. It started as a pass-through fund to pay the premiums of a generous life insurance policy of which, upon the death of the donors, the proceeds would become an endowed fund. It provides a scholarship for a student to study an exact science at Concord University or West Virginia University.
Campaign 2000 is the general scholarship fund for the Hinton Area Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in post-secondary education who are graduates of Summers County Public Schools, or who are residents of Summers County and have maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average for the four years of high school.
The Gwinn Family Scholarship was created by Campbell Gwinn of Green Sulphur Springs. The Gwinn Family was one of the very first families in Summers County with one branch settling in the Lowell area and another in Green Sulphur Springs. This scholarship is for a student attending Concord University and Concord has also contributed significant assets to this fund to make this scholarship possible.
The purpose of the Clark Family Scholarship Fund is to give back to the Summers County Community by encouraging Summers County High School students to attend Marshall University or Concord University, preferably seeking a degree in education or business, then return to Summers County to work, volunteer, and encourage philanthropic giving – therefore making the community a better place to live. Those eligible for this scholarship fund are Summers County High School graduating seniors, undergraduate students, or college graduates seeking an advanced degree in education or business at Marshall University or Concord University.
This fund was set up in memory of Claude Johnson Jr. by his widow, Vera. Vera had dropped out of school at the age of 16 but then returned to high school to graduate with her eldest son. She continued on at Concord and eventually got a Master’s degree in education from West Virginia University.
Coach Julian “Buzzy” Richmond touched many lives during his tenure as a teacher and coach in the Summers County School System. The purpose of this fund is to keep alive the dreams for our students and athletes that Coach Richmond was so proud to support in his lifetime.
The purpose of this scholarship fund is to provide scholarships to Summers County High School graduates.
The Marsh Scholarship was established to provide awards to graduating high school seniors in Summers County who will attend Concord University. Recipients should demonstrate academic and leadership promise as well as financial need. Well known in our area and a nationally recognized educator, Dr. Marsh was the 13th president of Concord College where he served for 14 years. Earlier in his life at only 19 years old, he was a gunnery officer on the destroyer USS Hale in the Pacific during World War II. Later, he served in the Executive Office of President Harry Truman. Dr. Marsh was Rotary District Governor, Chairman of the State College System of West Virginia, and Vice Chairman of the West Virginia Parkways Authority.
He was a co-founder of the National Youth Science Camp, the only remaining legacy of our State’s centennial celebration in 1963.
The Stokes Scholarship fund, donor-advised by the Hinton Rotary Club, is the oldest scholarship fund in the county, having given out scholarships annually since 1963. Dr. Stokes was the archetypal country doctor serving Summers County from about 1930 until his death in 1977. He was much beloved, and delivered so many babies that many county residents have “Stokes” as a middle name. He was very active in the community, serving for many years as the President of the Summers County Board of Education. A stalwart of the Hinton Rotary Club, he is the only member to have ever served as District Governor of the Southern District of West Virginia Rotary International.
Matthew Ellison was a student at Hinton High School who continued his education to become a medical doctor. His family and his friends, both in Hinton and in Oak Ridge, have made donations to create this scholarship fund in his memory. Preference will be given to students entering the medical field.
In memory of Dr. Shammaa, a beloved pediatrician in Hinton, West Virginia, Brenda M. Shammaa and family have established this fund to provide scholarships to students who wish to pursue studies in the medical field. Graduating seniors from Summers County who have a 3.5 GPA and are committed to medical studies at a four-year accredited university may apply.
Local Nationwide insurance agent, Ann Gore, a member of the original Hinton Area Foundation Board of Directors, created this fund with proceeds from her Corporate Community Service Award, an award from Nationwide in recognition of her community involvement.
This scholarship fund was set up by the directors of the First National Bank of Hinton (now Summit Bank).
This scholarship was established by the church in memory of Eleanor Meadows, a life-long resident of Summers County and graduate of Hinton High School. A lifelong learner, who spent summers studying at WVU and Marshall College, her entire career was spent as an English teacher at Hinton High School. Eligible recipients must be graduating high school students or others pursuing post-secondary education programs who demonstrate academic & leadership promise and financial need; must have maintained a 2.5 GPA all 4 years of high school. Preference given to those who have been involved with or with family involvement in Hinton United Methodist Church.
Gene Fife, a native of Hinton, a graduate of Virginia Tech, and retired executive of Goldman Sachs, contributed to the education of 62 students from Hinton High School and Summers County High School over a span of 20 years. Many of these students have established successful careers for themselves.
They now desire to honor Gene Fife and give back to the community by contributing to a scholarship fund named in his honor.
Created by Hildred Smith Allard, to whom music is an important part of life, this fund enables graduates of Summers County High School to attend college to further enhance their music education and training. The people eligible for this are graduates of Summers County High School.
This scholarship fund, formerly known as the First Presbyterian Fund, was formally changed to honor Howard Creed. He was actively involved in the church, the toy fund, and many other community projects, including support for the Hinton Area Foundation.
This fund was established by friends and family in memory of Jean Dressler Beasley. This fund will provide annual scholarships to residents of Summers County attending Concord University.
Established by the children of John E. and Marjorie E. Burdette, this fund provides grants to organizations working toward a common goal and scholarships for Summers County students pursuing higher education. Marjorie Burdette taught school for 39 years in many one and two room schools. She taught during the school term and attended college through the summer, all while being a full time homemaker, wife and mother. John Burdette was a railroader and community spirited individual. He was instrumental in starting Little League baseball in Hinton and worked tirelessly to help establish the Little League Baseball Complex in Bellepoint.
The fund was created by John Henry Historical Society to assist students with their educational costs of attending an institution in the state of West Virginia. Students eligible for this scholarship will be graduates of Summers County High School with a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
Established by Hildred Smith Allard to assist graduates of Summers County High Schools to further their education in either college or technical training. The fund was made in honor of Mrs. Allard’s grandparents, Thomas A. & Lula Jones and William & Eliza Willey.
Local business woman, Joyce Jarrell, created this fund for graduates of Summers County public schools in her will. She and husband, Mac, operated an Exxon Station in Hinton many years. Undergraduate Study: Funding may be continued for a total of four years of undergraduate work. Concord University will provide a matching grant for students who elect to attend Concord University. Graduate Study: One annual $2,000 stipend may be awarded to a college graduate to pursue post graduate study or professional school.
This scholarship is awarded on the basis of need for any worthy scholastic purpose, including, but not limited to, a college education. The fund is administered with the advice of the Hinton Rotary Club. Melvin Plumley created this scholarship in memory of his son, Joseph M. Plumley, who died in 2002 at the age of 35. This fund will benefit a student from Summers County and adjoining areas of Raleigh, Monroe, Greenbrier, and Fayette counties.
This fund was established by the Estate of Kimberly Ann Abbott and Katherine “Katie” Holt to honor her niece Kim’s memory. The scholarship will be awarded to a student from the Hinton area including Summers and Raleigh counties.
Scholarships made possible by the Kiwanis Club are awarded to students who are graduates of Summers County Public Schools, or residents of Summers County, for undergraduate study at colleges and universities. The award is not limited to those students who have superior academic records.
This fund supports undergraduate study for students who are graduates of Summers County Public Schools or residents of Summers County whose parents, grandparents or great-grandparents attended Lincoln School.
Created by Mitch & Lori Bowling, this fund will provide an annual scholarship to a graduating senior at Summers County High School in the amount of $1000 per year for up to four years of full-time enrollment. Eligible applicants are Summers County High School graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and at least two years of athletics, including senior year of high school, who are committed to attending a four-year accredited university.
Margaret Ann Rossi, known to all as Peggy grew up in New York City, but dedicated her adult life to social service in Summers County. After attaining a Masters in Social Work Degree at West Virginia University, she became co-director of the Summers County Council on Aging; later, she founded and directed REACHH-Family Resource Center. The memorial scholarship was established by Peggy’s family in hopes that her memory, spirit and compassion will continue to aid citizens of Summers County. Graduating seniors with career plans in social work, education, or nursing are prioritized. Students continuing their studies, as well as graduates of the L.A.M.P. program, may also be considered.
This fund, opened in 2024, was established to support a graduating female student from Summers County High School to assist in furthering her education through an accredited university, college, vocational, or technical institute. Eligible individuals must be female and considered low-income by being withing 150% of the poverty guidelines established by the US Dept. of Health and Humane Services. The applicant must be of high moral character, and have demonstrated interest in the local community and school by actively participating in extra curricular activities.
This fund was established in honor of Nannie Kay Kirk, to provide funding for a Summers County High School student aspiring to pursue a career in nursing. Nannie was a 1959 graduate of Hinton High School, and in 1962, graduated from the Chesapeake & Ohio Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse, practicing for several years at Hinton Hospital. In 1968, she became Hinton’s first Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Instructor, teaching and graduating hundreds of students, who she was always proud to say had all passed their boards on their first try. She left the LPN program in 1974 and began teaching the Certified Nursing Assistant program at the Summers County Career Center and later Summers County High School when the two merged, until her retirement.
The directors of the National Bank of Summers (now City National Bank) created this fund to assist students who are graduates of Summers County Public Schools, or residents of Summers County, for undergraduate study at colleges and universities. Recipients shall not be limited to those students who have superior academic records.
Paul Hess, a member of the original planning group of the Hinton Area Foundation, came to Hinton to serve as President of the National Bank of Summers. This fund was established by donations from his family and his friends.
Ralph Jones, a lifelong Summers County resident, was instrumental in its development in the last half of the 20th Century. He attended Talcott High School, served in the U.S. Army, and was employed by the C&O Railroad. Later he became active in business as a builder and developer of the Pine Hill sub-division and the first cable television system in the Hilldale and Talcott areas. An accomplished musician, Ralph was well known for his guitar, fiddle playing, and singing. He loved fishing, restoring antique cars, and woodworking. A generous Good Samaritan, he attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Talcott. His family and many friends created this memorial
scholarship to encourage young people to pursue vocational education after high school.
This scholarship is for a Summers County graduate attending Marshall University or Mountwest Community and Technical College in Huntington, WV. It was created by Paul’s family and friends to honor his memory.
Paul was a 2000 graduate of Summers County High School and a 2003 graduate of Marshall University. He worked as the service manager for Advanced Technical Solutions. He lived with his wife Andrea and their “rescued” dog, Ellie, in Huntington, and loved outdoor activities. His kindheartedness was known by all with whom he came into contact.
Opened in 2024 by local State Farm Insurance Agent Regina Gwinn Eckle, this fund provides financial aid to students who wish to pursue education or training in vocational fields of interest. Students must be part of organized educational programs offering a sequence of courses related to preparation of individuals for employment. Areas of study include cosmetology, HVAC, construction, plumbing, electrical, culinary arts, automotive, welding, and apprenticeships.
Bob & Faye Gwinn Scholarship Fund will assist Summers County Students to attend college or technical school. Preference will be given to students entering the nursing or medical field, but this is not a requirement.
Established by Hildred Smith Allard to assist graduates of Summers County High Schools to further their education in either college or technical school. The fund was made in honor of Mrs. Allard’s brother, Arthur Smith, Jr. and her uncle, Alvin W. Willey.
Created by the Summers County Historical Society to preserve and promote the history of Summers County, this fund provides a scholarship to a Summers County student interested in history.
This scholarship was made possible by the success of the drama programs in the Summers County Schools, led by Patricia Jeffries and Thomas Hutchison. It is awarded to a graduate of Summers County High School who participated in some aspect of the Summers County Kids in Dramatic Studies and/or the Summers County Drama Department who will pursue a degree in fine arts or a program that would have a positive impact on fine arts education. This fund occasionally funds a grant to a non-profit organization instead of a higher education scholarship.
This Pass-through fund houses scholarship funds from the Summers County School of Practical Nursing Memorial Scholarship to provide an annual scholarship to a student or students of the Summers County School of Practical Nursing who have successfully completed the first phase of the program and enters Phase II of the program. Recipient(s) must be enrolled and in good standing with the SCSPN based on recommendations from the Coordinator and Nursing Instructor. Half of the scholarship is payable at the beginning of Phase II and remaining half will be payable at the beginning of Phase III of the SCSPN school calendar.
Talcott High School Scholarships are awarded to graduates of Summers County High School who would have graduated from Talcott High School had consolidations not occurred. These graduates must live in the communities of Talcott, Lowell, Pence Springs, Clayton, Judson, Hilldale, Powleys Creek, Forest Hill, Indian Mills, Marie, Ballengee, and Barger Springs, served by Talcott High School at the time of its closing in 1980.
This fund was established in memory of Lester and Marjorie Bowles by their children with the intent to give back to their community. It will provide a scholarship for undergraduate study or vocational training for residents of Summers County or graduates of Summers County schools.
Ellsworth and Beulah’s children created this scholarship to honor their parents, who enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Ellsworth’s 44-year career was typical of many of our distinguished teachers. He graduated from Talcott High School in 1935, and attended Concord for two years. In 1937, he began teaching in many local one-room schools, as well at Hinton High School. Many of his students became “Golden Horseshoe” winners. Beulah (neé Garten), raised in Tempa, married Ellsworth in 1939, becoming his greatest supporter. A fulltime housewife, she took special joy in both her immediate and extended family.
The James and Julia (Bransford) Cox Fund was established by their children to honor the memory of their parents, who encouraged a life-long interest in learning, compassion for others, and service in their local communities. James (“Jimmie”) and Julia were Hinton natives who attended Hinton area public schools before marrying and before James’ employment led them to Virginia. Scholarships made possible by this Fund are awarded to students who are graduates of Summers County Public Schools (or who are residents of Summers County) for study at colleges, universities, or technical schools. Each scholarship recipient is chosen on the basis of an evaluation of his or her application information and who demonstrates financial need. It is not limited to those students who have superior academic records.
Billy was a 1975 graduate of Hinton High School. He owned and operated Turner Lane Farms. He will be remembered for his hard work ethic both as a railroader and farmer. The characteristics that will never be forgotten by Billy’s family and friends were his generosity and willingness to help others.
Created by his wife, Linda K. Turner, and his parents, Earl and Jane Turner, the fund is to benefit those interested in farming or related trades or pursuits. It can also be used to assist the Future Farmers of America (FFA). The people or organizations eligible for grants from this fund are individuals preparing for farming or related fields. If there are not qualified applicants in these fields, then consideration may be given to individuals considering health-related fields.
Bill Garten was a teacher and coach in the Summers County school system for many years, winning a state football championship in 1968. The football field at Summers County High School was named “Garten Field” in 1999 to honor Coach Garten.
Coach and his family and friends established this scholarship fund to help local students.
Created by the children of William and Joyce – Ann M. Wells and J. William “Bill” Meador, this fund is to help provide encouragement, inspiration, and support to individuals or groups who seek to engage in lifelong learning for personal and/or professional reasons and whose ultimate goal is to serve others through their learning.
With roots that run deep through Summers County, Will and Joyce Meador became grounded in the value of the golden rule, fairness, and hard work. Children of the Great Depression, their parents were respected citizens and entrepreneurs; their ancestors were railroaders, farmers, educators, civic leaders, local church founders, and some of the earliest European settlers in what is today Summers County. As a very young boy, Will worked with his widowed mother at the William Meador Grocery Store in Hinton. Joyce’s first teaching job as a graduate of WVU was at the two room Meadow Creek School and after family responsibilities she returned to teaching in adult and remedial education. The Meador family values—faith in God, family, community, equality, and opportunity and the significance of reputation, resilience, and resourcefulness—were the impetus for this fund.