William & Marjorie Dowdney Memorial Scholarship

This $1000 scholarship was established after the death of William B. Dowdney in 2004 and will be awarded annually to a student entering college to obtain a business degree and who is financially in need of the funds. His wife of 57 years, Marjorie, died in 2007. Both were local residents. William B Dowdney was born and grew up in the village of Batavia, Marjorie in Williamsburg. He graduated in 1940. Bill was the second of three generations to graduate from BHS. His mother graduated in 1913, and his two children in 1968 and 1971. Bill spent most of his career as a sales manager in the transportation industry. Bill and Marjorie were also very active in local politics, the library, various clubs and organizations.

The John & Eleanor Dial/Faith United Methodist Church Scholarship

Background: In honor of the memory of John and Eleanor Dial, a scholarship fund in the amount of $10,000.00 is established by the Faith United Methodist Church. John Dial was an alumnus of Batavia High School (Class of 1946). He and his wife, Eleanor, were both long-time university educators in the fields of Spanish language and Spanish literature.

Awarding the Scholarship: One scholarship is to be awarded annually in the amount of $1000.00 to a qualifying student, and is to be administered by the Batavia Alumni Association. At the end of ten years (A.D. 2022), when the fund is depleted, the Faith United Methodist Church will determine whether or not to continue the scholarship.

Qualifications: A qualifying student must be:

1. A graduate of Batavia High School, Batavia, Ohio, and a member of the most recent graduating class.

2. A first year college or university student majoring in Spanish language studies.

3. In the event that there is no student majoring in Spanish, the scholarship may be awarded to a student intending to major in Education

Ruby Hamilton Memorial Scholarship

Her son James Hamilton began this scholarship in 1990. Jim's original contribution of $8,000 has grown to $25,000 and he has continued to add to this fund. The Alumni awards an annual $500 scholarship in Mrs. Hamilton's name. She was a resident of Luka, West Virginia, and attended Salem College. She came to Batavia as a first and second grade teacher. Ruby influenced the lives of many over the 26 years she taught here. Her greatest joy came in teaching children how to read. Her children, James and Sue, are 1960 and 1965 graduates. Jim obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio State. He has gone on to obtain many banking and investment certifications, has served on the YMCA Board of Directors for 25 years and is a Senior Vice President for Federated Investors. He and his wife Mary live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have a son Michael and a daughter Becky. Jim wanted to honor his mother who has given so much to the school system and the community. The scholarship is to go to a student interested in elementary teaching, as this was so important to both his parents.

M. Susan Hamilton Scholarship

Jim donated additional funds in 1998 to create a $500 annual scholarship to honor his sister Susan. This scholarship will also be awarded to someone interested in education. Susan, born in Batavia, attended Batavia Schools and graduated in 1965. She attended Miami University, receiving a Home Economics degree from Ohio State University and a Masters degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Susan wrote the book, "Divorce, How to Feel it, Live it and Let go" in 1996 while living in England. She is actively involved in church and other community activities. Susan and her son Joshua now reside in Concord, Massachusetts. Jim set up these scholarships to honor three important people in his life and in the lives of the many Batavians whom they touched.

Woodrow W. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was started in 1996 by Jim Hamilton to honor his father. A $500 scholarship is awarded each year to an agriculture or education student. Woody came to Batavia in 1945, from West Virginia as the Clermont County Extension Agent for 29 years. He attended both Salem College and West Virginia University. He enjoyed farming and gardening. His greatest joy came in working with the people of Clermont County. We were sorry to hear that Mr. Hamilton passed away last year in Amarillo, Texas. 

Holman Motors Inc. Scholarship

Glen Holman was a crew chief in the Army Air Corps, he served in England, North Africa, Sicily, & Italy.

Shortly after returning home from World War II he and his wife Mary established Holman Motors on Main Street in Batavia.  The year was 1945, they settled in, became active in the community and went to work.  The business prospered and as time went on they raised a family.  All 4 sons, Eric, Bari, Mark and Greg are graduates of Batavia High School.

The Holman Motors Scholarship of $5,000 is to be paid out over 2 years, at $2,500 per year, and will go to a deserving student determined to make the most of this scholarship.  This scholarship is available to students pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Trade School education 

P. Thomas & Sharon Kent Memorial Scholarship

Sharon Friend Kent, a 1969 Batavia graduate, and Tom's employer, Senco Products, along with many friends and business associates, set up this ongoing scholarship upon his death in December, 2000 following a long battle with cancer. The $7,000 fund donations were placed in the Anstaett Fund where Carroll Anstaett agreed once again to match them. Sadly Sharon also lost a battle to cancer in 2001. Her friends and family have added $1550 to this fund in her name. This money was also added to the Anstaett Fund and also was matched by Mr. Anstaett. The Kent's daughter, Beth is a 1998 BHS graduate; and son Chris, a 2000 graduate. Tom worked tirelessly as President of the Batavia Boosters and both he and Sharon could be seen at every event helping out in some capacity even during their illnesses. He was a Senior Buyer for Senco Products. Sharon was a Batavia Elementary teacher until two weeks before her death. They were avid supporters of Batavia Schools and are greatly missed. Sharon was actively involved in the scholarship selections and believed strongly in this program. This scholarship goes to a student who excels in both academics and sports. 
 

Dr. O. Wesley McBride Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was begun in 1994 as a result of donations collected by Mr. McBride's classmates upon his death. Mrs. Christine McBride, his mother then donated $10,000 to honor her son. Wes's classmates donated an additional $1,200 to this fund in 2000. This annual award goes to a male science major. Wesley graduated from Batavia in 1950. He then attended Muskingum College on a full scholarship. He continued on to obtain his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University and to do his residency. He then began a lifelong pursuit studying human genetics. Wesley's many contributions to gene mapping are a lasting testament to scientific vision and persistence. He was an inspiring teacher and mentor. He began his work at University Hospital, Cleveland and finished his life works as the Chief, Cellular Regulation Section, Lab of Biochemistry, National Cancer Institute, in Baltimore. He has almost 140 published works in the field of genetics. Wes also had time for his wife Mary Anne, a teacher, their two children; Dr. Mark McBride of Atlanta, Georgia, and Anne McBride, an attorney in Washington, D. C. He has two grandchildren Ryan and Colin. His daughter Anne says, "He truly was a self starter; he would have been very proud to have his name associated with a scholarship. He valued education above all else." Mrs. McBride's generous donation will see that his work is carried on.

Sherry Wells Memorial Scholarship

Sherry (Anstaett) Wells was a member of the Class of 1969 and served for many years as a trustee and financial advisor to the Alumni Association.  After a courageous fight with cancer, Sherry was called home.  Her love for her family, friends and community was acknowledge through numerous monetary gifts for awarding a yearly scholarship in her memory to a member of the graduating class of Batavia High School.

Stipulation(s)

To be awarded annually in the amount of $500 through the Batavia Alumni Association. The recipient must have gone to Batavia High School all 4-years and have been accepted to a college or university. 

Betty Moyer Miller Memorial Scholarship

Betty Moyer Miller was born in 1918 and lived all her life in and around Batavia. She was in the graduating class of 1935 and the third of four sisters who also graduated from BHS. The Batavia Alumni Association was very important to Betty, and she was an active member up to the time of a stroke in June, 2001, which resulted in her death on September 25, 2001. Betty was a very kind, thoughtful, caring and loving person who is greatly missed by many. The initial scholarship for $500 is a result of donations to the Alumni Association from Betty's many friends and acquaintances. To keep her memory alive, Betty's family is continuing this annual $500 scholarship. It will be awarded to a student pursuing nursing, music, or business. 
 

Charles & Ann Nau Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship was established by the Nau's in 2006 with a $6,000 donation ($5,000 was invested in the Anstaett Fund and matched by Carroll Anstaett). Charles is a former superintendent of Batavia Schools, and Ann is a former primary teacher for Batavia Elementary. Charles attended Ohio State University and served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He then received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Cincinnati. Charles served for many years as a school administrator for Madeira and Clermont County Schools. He is a musician and co-founder of the Land of Grant Honor Band. Ann attended the College of Music at Cincinnati and is a graduate of the University of North Texas. daughter Lori is a 1973 graduate of BHS and graduated from Texas Christian University. She lives in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Their son Jon is a Vanderbilt University graduate with a Masters from Xavier University. He is a middle school history teacher and a coach for Batavia Local Schools. Their son Jed is a graduate of Yale University and Vanderbilt Law School and is an attorney in Dallas. 

Nichols Family Memorial Scholarship

This memorial scholarship has been renamed the “Nichols Family Memorial Scholarship,” in honor of Marci & JIm Nichols and Hugh & Penny Nichols. All four of these individuals are intertwined with Batavia Local Schools.

Marci taught at Batavia Schools for 27 years and was highly regarded and dearly loved by her students.  Even though she went on to obtain her Doctorate degree from Miami University and served as an Associate Professor there, her first love was for her Batavia students.  Marci was very involved in church and community events.

Jim was a graduate of the Class of 1957 and was a local attorney.  He served numerous years on the Batavia Local School District Board of Education and was active in several civic groups and professional organizations.

Hugh was a former School Board Member with Batavia Local Schools and was a Judge and prominent attorney while Penny devoted her years to education being a school teacher at Batavia. She also taught at-risk children through the Clermont County Education Service Center. Both Hugh and Penny were active in their church and community.

Clarence & Edell Slade Memorial Scholarship

Robert K. Slade, a lifelong Batavian, graduated in 1942. He was an author, lecturer, collector and music lyricist. Following a career in education he retired as the Clermont County Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Bob was a loyal supporter of Batavia Schools and the Alumni, serving as an officer. He was responsible for preserving a great deal of Clermont County's history. This scholarship was established upon his death in 1995 from his estate to honor his father and mother and is chosen by the Alumni. He left $8,000 to the Alumni Association, which was invested in the Anstaett Fund and was matched by Carroll Anstaett where it will generate an annual award. 

Swan Scholarship

The Swan scholarship was started by Mrs. Barbara Bradley while she was superintendent at Batavia Local Schools. Upon Mrs. Bradley's retirement, she provided monies to the Batavia Alumni Association to continue the Swan scholarship program continuing her devotion to the students of our community. This scholarship will be awarded as two $500 scholarships to members of the senior class who pursue a career in either education or ministry. Under Mrs. Bradley's leadership, Batavia Local Schools was designated "Excellent" by the Ohio Department of Education. Mrs. Bradley has retired to Tennessee but continues her passion for education by providing this scholarship. 
 

Bob & Rosy Winemiller Memorial Scholarship

The Alumni received a pleasant surprise when Bob sent $10,000 from his home in Tampa, Florida, to establish this ongoing scholarship. Bob and his wife Rosabelle (Rosy) M. Winemiller were 1942 graduates of Batavia. After Bob served in World War II, he came home and married Rosy at the Faith Methodist Church in 1945 (they had been sweethearts since 1938). Bob then graduated from the University of Dayton in 1950 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He and Rosy had three sons, Glen, Chris and Jeff. Rosy started college part time in 1956. She graduated from the University of Dayton in 1968 with an education degree and received her master's degree in 1971. She later received a Paralegal Assistant award in 1993. Bob, who was a civil engineer for the City of Dayton, retired in 1985, and they moved to Florida. He lost Rosy to ovarian cancer in 1994. Bob visited Batavia for his 55th class reunion. He said he and Rosy considered their education at Batavia the stepping-stone to their higher education. He was thankful for all his wonderful teachers. This scholarship goes to an engineering or education major. We lost Bob in 2008 and he will be missed. 
 

Wolf Family Memorial

Louis Wolf was born in Batavia and lived there all but a few years serving in the Navy during WWII.  Lou was a 1929 Batavia High School Graduate and his mother had completed her schooling there before him.  He became a pharmacist and operated Nash Pharmacy on Main Street for over 30 years.  Lou was on the Batavia School Board and was President when the ‘new’ high (current Middle School) was planned and built.  Lou did in 1986 at age 75.

Imelda White Wolf was born in Cincinnati and moved to Batavia upon marriage to Lou.  She also worked in the pharmacy and made many friends in Batavia.  Mel was active in the civic and school organizations.  She died in 2009 just prior to her 90th birthday.

Lou and Mel had 4 children; Ann, Mike, Jane and Bob, all of whom graduated from BHS in the 1960’s.  Lou and Mel believed in education and the family believes that a scholarship in their name will help perpetuate their belief in Education.

Jane Wolf Sparkman graduated in 1967 from Batavia High School an obtained a Pharmacy degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1972.  Moving to London Kentucky, both her and her husband Bob started their careers in pharmacy and raised their son Brian.  Jane maintained her interest in exploring the outdoors by hiking, canoeing and rafting while also being involved with her local school district.

Class of 1958 Scholarship and Challenge

The Class of 1958 in recognition of their 50th anniversary of their graduation gave a $5800 scholarship to a member of the Class of 2008. The Class of 1958 further challenges each succeeding fifty-year class to award a scholarship to a deserving senior upon their graduation to continue the tradition of excellence in education. Below is the preamble of the award criteria: "Members of the class of 1958, many of whom were the first in their families to enter college, are grateful for the many benefits they received from parents and from the faculty of Batavia High School. In appreciation, on the fiftieth anniversary of our graduation, the Class of 1958 gives this scholarship to a 2008 graduate."

Martha Sue Garner-Holman Scholarship

Martha was Senior Class President of the BHS Class of 1967 as well as President of the Pep Club. She always became well known in whatever community she was in due to her gregarious personality, strength of character, and compassion for others.  She was a strong woman who refused to let her physical handicap determine her life. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker practicing psychotherapy, her great skill, compassion, and rapport with her clients enabled them to resolve issues and find healing. She was no stranger to adversity as she was a victim of the 1952 Polio epidemic and at the age of 14 suffered the loss of her mother.

The Scholarship Selection Committee should evaluate applicants based on these criteria:

1.     Demonstrated Leadership at BHS

2.     Compassion for Others

3.     Potential to serve his/her community wherever they find themselves

4.     Perhaps challenged by personal adversity. 

a.     The selection committee should understand “adversity” in a broad sense.  While it may be a disability, it could also be a death in the family, or other significant trauma or hardship.  The committee should understand it as an optional criterion that may not apply every year.

5.     Minimum 3.0 GPA (“B” average)

6.     Pursue a 4-year degree program

This is a 4-year scholarship, $2000 per year, $8000 maximum per student. Starting with the Class of 2021.

Bill & Eula Dawson Scholarship

This scholarship is being established in the name of Bill & Eula Dawson.  The scholarship recipient must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be involved in at least one extra-curricular activity (sports, band, Honor Society, etc.), and have an interest in either practicing law or being involved in politics.

Class of 1960 Scholarship

In celebration of their 50-year anniversary of graduating from Batavia High School, the Class of 1960 undertook a project to create a cookbook called “Bulldog Bites” that would generate funds for the creation of the Class of 1960 Scholarship. Their first scholarship was given in 2011 and with the funds that the cookbook has generated, the Class of 1960 will be able to provide more scholarships for years to come. Cookbooks are still available and cost $10 plus mailing. Please send your inquiries to Jo Ann Dalton Martino at joann.martino@cbws.com This $500 scholarship will be given annually to a member of the current graduating class of Batavia High School.

Mike Hatfield Memorial Scholarship

Mike Hatfield was a teacher and coach for over 20-years at Batavia Local Schools.  He was a mentor and friend to the many students, colleagues and parents with whom he came into contact.   Whether it was in the classroom or through sports or if you just encountered him in your daily life, Mike always inspired others to believe in themselves and their abilities.

Though his passing has saddened our community, we all can take solace in that Mike was a kind and gentle spirit who always looked for the goodness in others, which truly is a legacy that we all need to emulate.

In his honor, a scholarship has been established for the benefit of a student to further their education.  This is an on-going one-year scholarship for an individual student who has been accepted into an accredited post-secondary institution for the upcoming school year and will be given to a member of the graduating class who meet the following criteria:

Student has participated in an athletic activity for four consecutive years.

Student has exhibited academic success to their best ability throughout their high school career.

Student is of outstanding character and demonstrates respect for staff, teachers, coaches and peers.

Fred C. & Jennie Himes Memorial

Fred and Jennie Himes moved to a small farm just outside of Batavia in the spring of 1928.  Their three children; Charles, Cecil and Charlotte attended and graduated from Batavia High School in 1930, 1933 and 1941 respectively.

During World War II Fred and Jennie moved to Cincinnati where Fred worked in a war industry.  After the war, they remained in Cincinnati.  Fred passed away in 1965 and Jennie in 1985, just short of her 98th birthday.

The Fred C. and Jennie Himes Memorial Scholarship were established by Co. Cecil Himes in 1985 as a living legacy to his parents.  Col. Himes graduated from West Point and retire from the Army in the spring of 1967.  Originally this as a four-year $4000 scholarship awarded every four years to a Batavia High School graduate in the top five or 20% of the class, who also participated in extra curricular activities.  

Col. Himes and his wife attended many banquets and personally met with the recipients of their scholarship whenever possible.

Col. Himes passed away in 2010, and placed monies with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation to fund this scholarship as long as there is a Batavia High School.