University offers firefighter scholarship
WAYNESBURG – Waynesburg University announced the establishment of the Charleroi Area Firefighters Annual Scholarship for students at Waynesburg University.
Through the scholarship, recipients can receive up to $10,000 over the course of four years at Waynesburg. One $2,500 Charleroi Area Firefighters Scholarship will be awarded annually, providing an applicant meets all requirements.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be serving in good standing as a junior firefighter or firefighter in one of the following three volunteer fire departments: Charleroi Station 33, Fallowfield Township Station 47 or Lock 4 Station 22.
The successful candidate must also have a history of demonstrated exemplary service to the community, a good academic record in his/her high school studies and strength of character in his/her personal life.
In addition, the recipient must maintain a 3.0 grade-point average and meet Waynesburg University financial aid criteria.
In certain special circumstances, such as physical disability, an individual may not be able to handle the rigors of being a junior firefighter or firefighter, but nonetheless may have made outstanding contributions to the fire department through administrative, logistical or other service. In such a case, the applicant and department must thoroughly document his or her fire department contributions.
University trustee John D. Woodward Jr. established the scholarship in honor of his parents, Olga O. Woodward and the late John D. Woodward, both lifelong residents of the Charleroi area and dedicated public servants.
In explaining the motivation behind the scholarship, Mrs. Woodward, a former Fallowfield Township supervisor and Washington County recorder of deeds, said, “Our volunteer firefighters give so much to the community, oftentimes in dangerous and demanding circumstances. With this scholarship, we want to show our appreciation for their efforts. We selected Waynesburg University because of its deep emphasis on learning, service and faith.”