MCCF, J.W. & M.H Straker Charitable Foundation award Make Muskingum Home Scholarships

ZANESVILLE, OH – Two local organizations came together today to award scholarships through its Make Muskingum Home program. 

The Muskingum County Community Foundation and the J.W. & M.H Straker Charitable Foundation awarded Zackhery Forker with a Make Muskingum Home Scholarship.

He was awarded $41,631 to help out with his student loans.

This is the second year the organizations have partnered together for this and Forker says this moment meant the world to him.

“I can actually spend time coaching and doing things I couldn’t previously.” Forker said. “I plan on paying off my student loans as quickly as possible so I can stop taking odd jobs and devote my time to things like coaching.”

Brian Wagner, the CEO of the Muskingum County Community Foundation, said this project was a huge undertaking.

“We couldn’t do this without the Straker Foundation,” Wagner said. “And the administrative work we do can help support the Straker Foundation. This was just a great opportunity for our two organizations to work together because both organizations are dedicated to making improvements here in Muskingum County. Whether that be big or small.”

Susan Holdren, Executive Director of the Straker Foundation, said she’s thrilled to be able to offer something like this to Muskingum County Residents.

“We’re really excited to be able to offer this opportunity to people.” Holdren said. “We wanted to encourage young talent to live and work in our County. We really believe in the strength of our county and we want to do everything we possibly can to support it.”

Several more scholarships will be handed out during the month of January. For more information about the Make Muskingum Home Scholarship, you can head to makemuskingumhome.org