Call: (304) 684-3082
Scholarships for Others
Scholarship Selection Criteria
- Unless otherwise noted, the applicant must be a resident of Pleasants County, WV. Preference will be given to graduates of St. Marys High School who have attended the high school for at least their full senior year.
- The applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
- A rating scale which will consider academic achievement and financial need as well as good citizenship, service to school/community and leadership will be utilized to objectively award the scholarships.
Scholarship Application Process
The Pleasants Community Foundation Scholarship Application Form must be completed and submitted by the first day of April. This application is available at the Foundation Office at 309 Second Street, St. Marys; at the SMHS guidance office; or here. In addition to the application, the following documentation must be provided:
- A transcript of your high school grades through the end of the first semester of your senior year (request that your school counselor provide the transcript directly to us). In the case of college students applying for a scholarship, a transcript from your college or university.
- The page from your financial aid (FAFSA) application which contains the “estimated family contribution” (please do not send the entire application).
- An essay which includes the following information: Background, extra curricular activities, community service, educational goals, career aspirations, and how the scholarship would further these objectives. For SMHS graduating seniors, if your family has a history of military service, please state that in your essay.
Other County Scholarships
Doddridge County: Frances Hinter Krenn Scholarship
Mrs. Krenn taught for two years in Doddridge County before marriage forced her to end her career, in keeping with the tradition of the time. Her niece, Jean Ruckman, established the scholarship in her aunt’s memory in 2005.
Doddridge County: Spencer Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship fund, established in 2021 in honor and memory of Dr. Frederick A. Spencer Jr., Mary Jo Spencer, Frederick A. Spencer III, Dixie Lee Spencer and Patience Josette Spencer, will provide an annual award to a Doddridge County High School graduate who wishes to pursue a college degree. Selection will be based on the applicant's character, involvement in co- and extracurricular activities, community involvement and financial need. Candidates must have at least a 3.0 GPA, complete the scholarship application and write a letter describing their background, educational goals, career aspirations and how this scholarship will further their objectives.
Tyler County: Courtney Evans Memorial Scholarship
Courtney grew up in Sistersville and loved golfing. After his death in an automobile accident in 2007, the memorial scholarship was established by three of his close friends. Each year the Courtney Evans Memorial Scholarship Golf Scramble is held at the Sistersville Country Club and the proceeds are used for the scholarship.
Foreign Language Scholarships
Robert Stanley Foreign Language Scholarship
This existing scholarship came to the foundation in 2011 and is awarded to either a graduating high school senior or a college student studying a foreign language.
For College Students
Bernard and Louise Wherry Memorial Scholarship
Established by Mrs. Wherry in 2007 to honor her late husband, the scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing a career in forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture, agriculture, family consumer science, or a student interested in becoming a WVU Extension Agent.
David C. Mankins 4-H Scholarship
This scholarship was founded in 2004 as a thank you by Beth and Chuck Mankins of St. Marys to the Pleasants County 4-H community for the outstanding inclusion of their son, David, a special-needs child, in the Pleasants County 4-H program. David had a remarkable experience as a member of the Arvilla Wide Awakes 4-H Club, participating in club meetings, completing projects, attending county 4-H camp and working on fund raisers and community service projects with his club. The leadership of older 4-H members and participation by younger members gave David an opportunity to grow above his challenges and enjoy his peers. It was with these opportunities in mind, that the fund was created to honor excellence in leadership within the 4-H community.
M. L. “Skeet” Simonton Scholarship
Mr. Simonton was a graduate of St. Marys High School and a pharmacist. After his death, his widow established the scholarship for students who wish to pursue a career at the School of Pharmacy at West Virginia University. Originally established for Pleasants County students of SMHS, applications are now also accepted from graduates of any high school in Wood County.
Powell Law Office Scholarship
Father and son attorneys, James M. and J. C. Powell started the scholarship to honor their father and grandfather, John Powell, a noted lawyer in St. Marys in the early Twentieth Century. The scholarship is available to graduates of SMHS pursuing a law degree in the state of West Virginia.