Bell-Herron Scholarship Foundation launches annual fund drive

The annual Bell-Herron Scholarship Foundation fund drive will be conducted from March 30 through April 30.

Contributions are being sought through April 30 in an effort to meet the 2026 drive goal of $20,000. Contributions of $5 or more, which are tax-deductible, entitle the donor to voting membership in the scholarship foundation.

Since its establishment in 1963, the foundation has invested $1,820,350 in providing post-high school training for local and area students within the Carrollton Exempted Village School District. There have been 1,505 recipients over the past 61 years.

Last year, 58 scholarships totaling $108,000 were awarded by the Bell-Herron Scholarship Foundation. Due to the generosity of the late Dr. Glenn C. Dowell Sr., five scholarships to Ohio State University were provided, totaling $10,000. Nine scholarships also were awarded in memory of Mrs. Bert (Jane) Lytle, totaling $9,000.

Leadership scholarships created by Steve and Suzanne Harter awarded $5,000 each to two students to attend the University of Mount Union. Also last year, 11 senior Bell-Herron scholarships totaling $22,000 were awarded.

In addition, eight recipients received the Bell-Herron Earl and Marie Carlton Scholarships, totaling $16,000. The Bell-Herron Anderson Memorial Scholarship awarded four recipients a total of $8,000.

Also last year, scholarships in memory of Mary Kean White, Phyllis Newell, Robert E. Buck and Denise Bowsher totaled $10,000.

Fourteen Bell-Herron John H. and Evelyn L. Ashton Scholarships were awarded, totaling $28,000.

The foundation was established in honor and memory of W.R. Bell and J. Wendell Herron, both former superintendents at Carrollton Schools.

Current foundation officers are Carl Fry, president; David Davis, vice president; Kelli Pridemore, treasurer; and DiAnne Buck, secretary.

All scholarships are awarded to graduates of Carrollton High School. While no one student receives a large amount, the financial and moral support provided by a scholarship often is the extra boost needed to begin a program of higher education.

The Bell-Herron Scholarship Foundation is part of the Carroll County Foundation, which is affiliated with the Stark Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization that provides staff, administrative support and fiduciary management.

Contributions may be made at any time of the year. Memorials, class gifts or donations also may be considered. Donations may be mailed to Bell-Herron Foundation Treasurer Kelli Pridemore, P.O. Box 123, Carrollton, OH 44615.

For more information, contact David Davis, vice president, at Carrollton High School at 330-627-2181.