OVB names 2016 4-H scholars

GALLIPOLIS, Ohio – Ohio Valley Bank has recognized this year’s scholarship recipients.

Kassidy Barrett, Eric Blevins, Erin Brewster, Ashley Buchanan, Katherine Deem, and Chiauna Spaulding were named the recipients of the 2016 Ohio Valley Bank 4-H Scholarship. The bank hosted a recognition banquet for scholars and alumni on Thursday, May 5, at the Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande, Ohio.

To date, the bank has helped 212 4-H members pay for college through the program.

Katherine Deem of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, was named the Mason County Scholar. She is the daughter of Deron and Melissa Deem. She is a member of Kountry Kritters 4-H Club and a graduate of Point Pleasant High School. She plans to attend West Virginia University to study secondary education with an emphasis on Spanish.

Kassidy Barrett of Jackson, Ohio, was named the Jackson County Scholar. She is the daughter of Mary Jo and Gerald Barrett Jr. She is a member of Hayseeds 4-H Club and a graduate of Jackson High School. She plans to attend Ohio University to study music education and french horn performance.

Erin Brewster of Latham, Ohio, was named the Pike County Scholar. She is the daughter of Bob and Angie Brewster. She is a member of Boots, Barns, and Britches 4-H Club and a graduate of Western High School. She plans to attend Wright State University to study middle childhood science and social studies as well as earth and environmental sciences.

Ashley Buchanan of Racine, Ohio, was named the Meigs County Scholar. She is the daughter of Richard and Susan Buchanan. She is a member of Backyard Critters 4-H Club and a graduate of Ohio Connections Academy. She plans to attend Ohio University with hopes to pursue a career as a Neonatologist.

Eric Blevins of Bidwell, Ohio, was named the Gallia County Scholar. He is the son of David and Paula Blevins. He is a member of For His Glory 4-H Club and a graduate of Ohio Valley Christian School. He plans to attend Cedarville University.

Chiauna Spaulding of Huntington, West Virginia, was named the Cabell County Scholar. She is the daughter of Katina Newman. She is a member of Teen Leaders 4-H Club and a graduate of Huntington High School. She plans to attend Marshall University, where she will major in art and media.

Created in 1986, for 30 years the Ohio Valley Bank 4-H Scholarship Program has recognized outstanding high school seniors for their accomplishments in 4-H. The program began with four scholarships presented each year, but has grown to six awards annually. Recipients receive $3,000 over 4 years which is presented to them during the county fair.

Winners are determined by 4-H advisors and volunteers. 4-H involvement accounts for 50 percent of the decision. The other half considers the individual’s experiences in other groups and activities, academic accomplishments and potential for success.

Ohio Valley Bank, established in 1872 and based in Gallipolis, operates 14 offices throughout southern Ohio and western West Virginia, in each of the counties in which 4-H scholars are named. The company is a subsidiary of Ohio Valley Banc Corp. whose stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol OVBC. The company’s website is www.ovbc.com.