MCCF hands out a different kind of scholarship

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Local students received scholarships Friday afternoon that differed from the norm.

Muskingum County Community Foundation traditionally awards scholarships to students graduating high school but these two scholarships were targeted at a different group of recipients.

The Charles and Mary Lou Heck Scholarship and Forest M. and Meryl C. Cale Scholarship’s were awarded to students who were already pursuing post-secondary education.

Brian Wagner, CEO of Muskingum County Community Foundation, said this made for a special opportunity for these college students.

“[These] are special scholarships for us here at the community foundation because they are actually for upperclassman that are already in college,” said Wagner.

There were a total of 15 checks handed out to the students.

“It’s a great opportunity to allow the community to have some support financially as they continue to seek higher education,” said Wagner.

The Heck Scholarship gave out two $1,000 checks and two $700 checks. The Cale Scholarship gave out three $2,000 checks and eight $1,000 checks.

One student was among the few that received a check from both foundations.

Jacelyn Fisher, Sophomore at Ohio University, said the awards will help her immensely.

“Honestly, I had no idea how I was going to pay for my books this semester so it helps out a lot,” said Fisher.

Fisher said she’s very thankful she received the two awards.

To be considered for these scholarships students had to have graduated from a Muskingum County high school, have declared majors with career paths and need financial assistance.