The Jefferson Alumni Association of Blue Creek has announced that applications are now open for its 2025 scholarship awards. A total of $1,000 scholarships will be granted to eligible students, with awards including the Heinz Phipps Memorial Scholarship, the May Family Scholarship, the Don & Flo Armstrong Memorial Scholarships, two Ron & Ruth Lykins Scholarships, Jefferson Alumni Scholarships, one Dr. James & Suzanne Branham Scholarship, and two David Brown Memorial Scholarships. This year also marks the debut of the James V. Hazelbaker Memorial Scholarship.
To qualify, applicants must be direct descendants of a Jefferson High School graduate. One application submission will allow candidates to be considered for all available scholarships.
A Legacy of Giving:
The various scholarships reflect the generosity of alumni, family members, and friends. The Don & Flo Armstrong Memorial Scholarships, Ron & Ruth Lykins Scholarships, and Dr. James & Suzanne Branham Scholarship were established by Ron Lykins and his late wife, Ruth. These awards are funded by Lykins and members of the Armstrong family.
The Jefferson Alumni Scholarships are supported by contributions from alumni members and their families. The David Brown Memorial Scholarships were created by David’s brothers, Phil and Tom. The Heinz Phipps Memorial Scholarship, funded by his brother, Corbett, and Carol Phipps, continues to honor Heinz’s legacy.
The May Family Scholarship, established by Jeff May, honors the memory of his parents and siblings. The James V. Hazelbaker Memorial Scholarship, newly introduced this year, is funded by his daughters, Angela, Jaime, and Rachael. Hazelbaker, a 1967 Jefferson graduate, used his skills in technology and photography to preserve many alumni records and photos.
How to Apply:
Applications must be received by mail, email, or scheduled hand-delivery no later than Friday, April 25, 2025. To apply, students must submit the following materials:
A 1-2 page personal narrative outlining their future plans, the college or technical/trade school they plan to attend, school activities, achievements, community service, and why they need the scholarship. Applicants are asked to keep their narratives concise and limit them to two pages.
A headshot photo suitable for publication. An official high school transcript, including grades from 9th grade through the present. A high school attendance record and ACT or SAT scores (if not included on the transcript) should also be included along with contact information for both the applicant and their parents. The name and, if known, the graduation year of the Jefferson High School graduate to whom they are directly related.
Completed applications should be mailed or emailed to:
Linda Stepp
13370 State Route 136
Winchester, Ohio 45697
lindajstepp@gmail.com
Selection and Award Presentation
Applications will be reviewed by members of the Armstrong family and Jefferson Alumni officers, who may contact applicants for an interview. Scholarship recipients will be announced and honored at the Jefferson Alumni meeting on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
While not all applicants may receive a scholarship, the selection process will focus on academic achievement, financial need, and eligibility as a descendant of a Jefferson High School graduate.
For questions or additional information, contact Linda Stepp at lindajstepp@gmail.com.
