Scholarship set up in memory of Benson
The Community Foundation of Greene County announced the family of Jesse Benson established a scholarship fund in his memory.
The Jesse Benson Finnegan Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships for students completing studies at Greene County Career and Technology Center. Any GCCTC graduating senior is eligible to apply for the scholarship, but first preference will be given to a student completing the electrical occupations program.
The scholarship will provide tuition assistance for post-high school studies at an accredited technical school, business school or a two- or four-year college or university.
Benson, who was raised in Wind Ridge, died Dec. 2 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. He was a senior at West Greene High School, where he was a member of the vocational-agriculture department. He applied his extensive math skills learning the electrician trade. As a member of the 4-H market steer club, Benson looked forward to the Jacktown Fair each year. He loved the outdoors and working on the family farm.
In establishing the scholarship, George “Bob” Finnegan, Jesse’s stepfather and the only father he ever knew, said it was something he and Jesse recently talked about as a way to give back to the community.
“It was Jesse’s nature to give and help others,” said Finnegan. “The scholarship is a way to help students learn and find success after high school, something Jesse would want. It will also help to remember Jesse each year.”
Jesse is survived by his mother, Denise Ann Benson Finnegan; his stepfather, Bob Finnegan; fiancée, Taylor Hice; brother, Chaz Benson; sister, Olivia Benson; his maternal grandparents; and a nephew Conner James Benson.
Memorial contributions to the Jesse Benson Finnegan Scholarship Fund can be made by check to “Community Foundation of Greene County” with a note Jesse Benson Finnegan Fund in the memo line.
Contributions can also be made through a secure on-line process on the CFGC website, www.cfgcpa.org. Click on the “Donate Now” button on the website and follow the instructions. Online donors may also designate the Jesse Benson Finnegan Scholarship Fund during the process. Contributions to the Fund are tax-deductible.
For more information about the Jesse Benson Finnegan Scholarship or the community foundation, contact the CFGC office by phone at 724-627-2010 or email cfgcpa@gmail.com. The CFGC office is located at 108 E. High St., Waynesburg.
CFGC, a private, nonprofit 501c3 organization founded in 2000, is the central philanthropic vehicle in Greene County for donations of various types and sizes. CFGC currently manages approximately $4 million in assets through nearly 65 different funds. For more information about the foundation, contact Bettie Stammerjohn by phone at 724-627-2010, email cfgc@gmail.com, or visit www.cfgcpa.org.