Adams County Community Foundation Celebrates Scholarship Recipients at Annual Banquet

The Adams County Community Foundation hosted an evening of celebration on Monday, April 20, at the W3CU auditorium in Winchester, honoring 67 scholarship recipients during its second annual scholarship banquet.

More than 100 guests attended the event, including 41 scholarship recipients, their families, and several generous donors who have established endowment funds with the Foundation. These funds not only support scholarships but also provide grants that strengthen the Adams County community.

In his opening remarks, First State Bank President and Foundation board member Mike Pell welcomed attendees and highlighted a major milestone. “This year, we are proud to present our 201st scholarship award,” Pell said. “A few years ago, in 2021, we awarded scholarships to five students. Today, 67 outstanding students are being recognized thanks to the generosity of our donors. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support.”

Foundation President Linda Stepp followed by recognizing each scholarship recipient individually, sharing brief highlights of their achievements and presenting certificates. “Reviewing the applications from this remarkable group of students was truly inspiring,” Stepp said. “We are especially proud to support not only traditional college-bound students but also individuals pursuing technical, medical, and workforce certifications that are vital to our community.”

Stepp also expressed sincere appreciation to First State Bank team members Michelle Daniels and Lukas Gardner for their invaluable support in making the banquet a success.

Closing remarks were delivered by Foundation Vice President Paul Worley, who acknowledged several donors in attendance and recognized five scholarship funds that have collectively provided all 201 scholarships to date: the C.E. Smith Scholarship Fund, the Adams County Scholarship Fund, the Charles Hugh McGovney Scholarship Fund, the Earl & Helen Johnson Scholarship Fund, and the First State Bank Dan Ferguson Scholarship Fund.

Worley also expressed appreciation to First State Bank for sponsoring the banquet, the W3CU Church, and the Scioto Foundation for administering the scholarships.

“It is only through the generosity of our donors that the Foundation exists and that 201 scholarships have been made possible,” Worley said. “We are deeply thankful for their commitment to the future of our community.”