Scholarship Recipients L to R: Ralph Wojtowicz, Case Cartwright, Jordan Gray, Carlina Sardo, Taylor Treadway, Evie Groves, Jocelyn Hartman (recipients Vanessa Hicks and Milleny Cotto-Santos were unable to attend).
The Hampshire County Community Foundation celebrated donors and this year’s grant and scholarship recipients at a reception on May 14th at the South Branch Inn.
Grants and scholarships totaled just over $35,000, and were made possible through distributions from fourteen individually named endowment funds and other gifts from generous corporate and individual donors.
“We appreciate the trust you have placed in the community foundation and the privilege you have given us to serve as a steward for your charitable gifts and intentions”, said Michael Cheshire, a HCCF board member when thanking the foundation’s donors. “Whether contributing to an existing fund, creating your own fund, or making provisions for charitable giving, we are honored to be a conduit for your philanthropy.”
He went on to announce grants awarded earlier this year, noting the foundation’s unique opportunity to learn about the many different organizations throughout the county doing extraordinary work. He said, “Our county is blessed to have so many diverse organizations with dedicated staff and volunteers working to make our lives and the lives of our neighbors better or more enriched.”
A few of the foundation’s grantees were showcased at the event. Misty Stambler, the director for Hampshire County Pathways spoke about their Music and Sound Therapy program and a new partnership with The Cat and the Fiddle in Capon Bridge, which will help broaden the original scope of the program. Anna Poland, the Hampshire County Public Library director, spoke about the many different programs offered by the library, including a food and hygiene pantry. Kristie Long, Health Sciences Education teacher at Hampshire High School spoke about her vision for high quality health care in our community and how the Health Sciences program and HOSA can help inspire and prepare Hampshire County youth to be a part of that vision. The Hampshire County Youth Football Cheer Squad coach, Amy Delaplain described the explosive growth of this new youth football league and the recent addition of cheer squads, which are expected to grow just as fast.
After hearing about grants, HCCF board member Emily Milleson and Susan Caperton, the new executive director for the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (HCCF’s lead foundation), presented scholarship awards describing them as “expression of hope and encouragement for each recipient.”
Scholarship awards went to Ralph Wojtowicz (Deborah, Leslie, and Christopher Bright Scholarship), Milleny Cotto-Santos (David A. “Hawk” Hawkens Scholarship), Jordan Gray (R.L. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship), Evie Groves (Lost River Pride Scholarship), Vanessa Hicks (Rae Ellen Scanlon McKee Scholarship), Jocelyn Hartman (Wanda McCulley Scholarship), Carlina Sardo (Wilda Michael Memorial Scholarship), Case Cartwright and Taylor Treadway (Joy Tutwiler Snyder Memorial Scholarship), Jocelyn Hartman and Taylor Treadway (Rissler Sisters Scholarship).
The program ended with a raffle led by Susan Caperton and Paula Tingler which gave guests the opportunity to be a grant maker and award a bonus $500 grant to a 2024 grantee. Winner Kiersten King selected Hampshire High School HOSA (pictured with HHS Health Science Education teacher Kristie Long), Ralph Wojtowicz, Sr. selected Hampshire County Committee on Aging, and Jordan Gray selected Children’s Home Society.
HCCF Director, Amy Pancake wrapped up with an additional thanks to the foundation’s corporate sponsors and to the Hampshire High School Pro-Start program for the excellent catering services provided by Kiersten King, Carlina Sardo, and Alyssa Combs (pictured) under the direction of HHS Pro Start teacher, Ann Nesbit.
Special thanks to Tina and Sarah Ladd for the pictures!