Jefferson Alumni Scholarships Open, Deadline Set for April 24

The Jefferson Alumni of Blue Creek is accepting applications for a slate of $1,000 scholarships, with all materials due to contact Linda Stepp no later than Friday, April 24, 2026. Recipients will be recognized in person at the Alumni meeting on the afternoon of Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Eligibility hinges on a single requirement: applicants must be a direct descendant of a Jefferson High School graduate, defined as a person in the straight bloodline, such as a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild. The scholarships are open to graduating seniors in Adams County and to qualifying graduating seniors nationwide who meet that standard.

Nine named scholarships are currently listed for the 2026 cycle. Ron Lykins is the most active individual donor, funding the two Ron and Ruth Lykins Scholarships, the Don and Flo Armstrong Memorial Scholarships alongside the Armstrong family, and the Dr. James and Suzanne Branham Scholarship. The three David Brown Memorial Scholarships are funded by Brown's brothers Phil and Tom. The James V. Hazelbaker Memorial Scholarship is supported by his daughters Angela, Jaime, and Rachael. The Heinz Phipps Memorial Scholarship is funded by his brother Corbett and family, the May Family Scholarship by Jeff in honor and memory of his parents and siblings, and the Charles Copas Family Scholarship by Charles and Linda Copas. General Jefferson Alumni Scholarships are funded through donations from JHS Alumni members.

Applications must be received by April 24 via mail, email, or scheduled hand-delivery. The mailing address is Linda Stepp, 13370 State Route 136, Winchester, Ohio 45697. An email option is also available; contact Linda Stepp directly for that address. Hand-delivery must be arranged in advance to ensure receipt before the deadline. One submission is all that is necessary to be considered for the scholarships.

Applications must include the name and year of graduation, if known, of the Jefferson High School graduate to whom the applicant is directly related. Members of the Armstrong family and Alumni Officers will review submissions and may request a phone or personal interview before selecting recipients, who will be notified ahead of the May 23 ceremony.

Donations to the Jefferson Alumni Scholarship fund may also be sent to Stepp at the same Winchester address and can be designated in honor or in memory of a family member or classmate.