MORGANTOWN – Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia Inc. just went back to school.
The organization awarded $266,750 in scholarships for high school students and college students across its region for this coming academic year, said Patty Showers Ryan, YCF president.
“Our scholarship program reflects the power of philanthropy and community partnership,” she said.
“We are grateful for the donors who created these lasting funds and to our volunteers who dedicate their time selecting recipients.”
It’s a process that couldn’t be more challenging, she said. YCF manages close to 50 scholarship funds, with a number of them earmarked to multiple recipients.
Amy Pugh, left, and Rachel Showalter from Bikers, Bros & Bo award the PFC Andrew Martin “Bo” Harper Memorial Scholarship to Jocelyn Nolan, center, at University High School
This year’s roster of recipients take in students from Morgantown area high schools to West Virginia Wesleyan College and all academic stops in-between, she continued.
YCF’s program is also growing, the president said, with the addition of two new programs this year.
Alyssa Tingler, right, receives her YCF John and Mildred Peluso scholarship from Grayson Martucci, the Pelusos’ granddaughter.
Alyssa Tingler, who recently graduated from Morgantown High School, was bestowed with the inaugural John and Mildred Peluso Italian-American Scholarship.
Addison Veigel, a member of the Class of 2026 of Bridgeport High School, is the inaugural recipient of the Michael F. Viglianco Scholarship.
Meanwhile, if your organization practices the arts across the region, you still have time to apply for dollars from YCF’s Monongalia County Organizational Arts Grant Program, Ryan said.
Applications are being accepted through midnight June 15, she said.
“It really is a good, collaborative program,” Ryan said. “It’s beneficial for the community. It’s a chance to shine the spotlight.”
“Collaboration,” is the watchword, she said. Since 2004, the arts awards have been bolstered by the City of Morgantown.
The Monongalia Commission signed on in 2018.
From that first year through 2025, YCF, with the help of the city and county, has been able to distribute $1.5 million in monies for the advancement of the arts here, Ryan said.
“We’re proud of that.”
