Scholarship intro and information:

Each year, the Alumni Association award graduating Seniors with Scholarship to be used in the first year of education post graduation.

The online application is now available to graduating seniors to apply for the annual RHS Alumni Scholarships. Please share this information with those who may qualify.

Deadline for applications for the 2025 graduating class will be published in January 2025.

The following is a list of scholarships that have been awarded over the years.

RHSAA is proud to award four (4), $1,000.00 scholarships to the following 2021 RHS graduates:
  • Sophia Myers – Sophia is the daughter of Charles and Deborah Myers of Beallesville, OH. She plans to attend Miami University where she wishes to study a Pre-Law tract with majors in Political Science and Strategic Communications with a minor in Human Capital Management and Leadership.
  • Kathryn Lively – Kathryn is the daughter of Daniel and Cindy Lively of New Matamoras, OH. She plans to attend Marietta Collage and major in Biology and Geology.
  • Lindsey Huffman – Lindsey is the daughter of Neil and Ginger Huffman of Hannibal, OH. She plans to attend Ohio University to pursue a Doctorate in Psychology.
  • Emily Smith – Emily is the daughter of David and Holly Smith of Sardis, OH. She plans to attend Akron University to pursue a degree in Psychology.
2020 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS - RHSAA awarded four $1,000.00 scholarships to these 2020 graduates:
  • Haven Blough is the daughter of Alan and Renee Blough from Sardis. She plans to attend Marietta College and pursue a degree in Music Therapy.
  • Lacey Cordery is the daughter of John Cordery and Nicki Couch, of Powhatan Point. Lacey plans to attend Ohio University Eastern Campus and pursue a degree in Exercise Physiology.
  • Mikenzie Cieszeski is the daughter of Shane Cieszeski and Michelle Ferguson of Powhatan Point. Mikenzie plans to attend Ohio University and pursue a degree in Biology.
  • Cooper VanCamp is the son of David and Angelica VanCamp of Sardis. Cooper plans to attend Purdue University and pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering/Astrophysics.
RHSAA awarded scholarships of $1,000.00 each to these 2017 graduates:
  • Kara Dotterer, daughter of Bob and Laura (Brake) Dotterer (1993) of Sardis, will be attending The University of Akron and majoring in Accounting.
  • Collin Huffman, son of Neil (1990) and Ginger (Schuster) Huffman (1989) of Hannibal, plans to attend Ohio University and major in Civil Engineering.
  • Alexandria Karpacs-Brown, daughter of Darrin Brown (1988) and Andrea Karpacs-Brown (1984) of Hannibal, plans to enroll at The Ohio State University and major in Biochemistry.
  • Jacob Shreve, son of John Shreve (1986) and Amy Shreve, both of Hannibal, will attend The University of Akron and major in Marketing Management.
  • Nerissa Smith, daughter of David (1983) and Holly Smith of Hannibal, has chosen to attend Muskingum University and pursue a degree in Animal Studies.
Monette (Nichols) Schupbach (1969) has donated two scholarships of $1,000.00 each to:
  • Isaac Curtis, son of Charles (1985) and Judi Curtis, will be attending Alderson-Broadus University to study Accounting.
  • Jordan Doty, son of Rhonda Gust (1988) and Russ Doty (1978) both of Powhatan, will be attending Alderson-Broadus University and majoring in Business/Accounting.
RHSAA awarded scholarships of $500.00 each to these 2016 graduates:
  • Benjamin Riley, son of Molla & Kevin Riley of Powhatan Point. Benjamin will attend Ohio State University and major in Financial Analyst & Accounting.
  • Zachary Dennis, son of David & Jill Dennis of Clarington, plans to enroll at Ohio University Eastern & major in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Blaze Amos, son of Chad & Holly Amos of New Matamoras, will be attending Marietta College to pursue a degree in Petroleum Engineering.
  • Jerrett Armann, son of Angel Armann & the late Jerry Armann of Hannibal, has chosen to attend Ohio University at Eastern & study Agriculture Science.
  • Aurora Romick, daughter of Matthew & Mary Jane Romick of New Matamoras, is planning to attend Salem International University and major in Education, specializing in History.
The River High School Alumni Class of 1969 scholarships, given by Monette Nichols Schupbach, also $500 each
  • Brielle Williams, daughter of Brian & Michelle Williams of Clarington, is going to attend Muskingum University and get a degree in Biology and Physical Therapy.
  • Shayla Kuzma, daughter of Robert & Gail Rush of Powhatan Point. Shayla will attend Ohio University Eastern & then Walsh University to get a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Two scholarships in honor of Robert Nichols’ 50-year reunion, given by Monette Nichols Schupbach, also $500 each:
  • Erika Logston, daughter of Christy Thomas & Mike Logston of Clarington, is planning to attend West Liberty University where she intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Art Education.
  • Brandon Smith, son of Michael & Shannon Smith plans to attend Glenville State College, majoring in Business & Marketing.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2015 GRADUATES

RHSAA awarded scholarships of $500.00 each to these 2015 graduates:
  • Zoe Rush, daughter of Kiz & Dan Rush of Powhatan Point. Zoe will attend Muskingum University majoring in Nursing.
  • Aaron Yost, son of Greg & Bobbi Yost in Hannibal, plans to enroll in Harding University in Education.
  • Haylee Bowers, daughter of Scott & Pam Bowers of Hannibal plans to become a Physical Therapist assistant.
  • Dane Butler, son of Brian & Dagny Butler of Hannibal. Dane attended Swiss Hills & will be going to DeVry University to major in Cyber Security.
  • Mikayla Newman, daughter of Diane Corrigan and Rob Newman. Mikayla will be attending Alderson-Broadus to pursue a Biology degree & get a Master’s in Speech Pathology.
  • Mackenzie Marshall, daughter of Mark & Jennifer Marshall of Sardis. Mackenzie plans to attend Marietta College and major in Business.
  • Monica Curtis, daughter of Chuck & Judi Curtis of New Matamoras. Monica will attend Marietta College & plans to get a degree in Early Childhood Education.
  • Amanda Bennett, daughter of Ronald & Pamela Bennett. Amanda has chosen West Virginia University to study Biomedical Engineering & Pediatrics.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2014 GRADUATES

RHSAA awarded scholarships of $500.00 each to these 2014 graduates:
  • Eric Dierkes, son of Kelly & Tabi Dierkes of Woodsfield. Eric will attend Ohio Northern University in pharmacy. He would like to work in the Wetzel County Hospital pharmacy and coach basketball at River High School.
  • Darci Winkler, daughter of Kevin & Jo Winkler of Sardis. Darci will attend Hocking College and pursue a degree in social service, corrections, and criminal justice.
  • Kate Baters, daughter of Michael & Jayne Baters of Clarington. Kate plans to attend Belmont College to pursue a degree in Science. She plans to become an occupational therapy assistant.
  • Gabrielle Goudy, daughter of Garren & Hollee Goudy of Powhatan Point. Gabby plans to attend Bethany College, where she will major in Pre-Optometry. She plans to become an optometrist.
  • Rebecca Stewart, daughter of Henry & Lori Stewart of Powhatan Point.
    Rebecca plans to attend Ohio University Eastern, where she will major in exercise physiology. She plans to become a physical therapist.
  • Makenna Collins, daughter of David & Tonya Collins of Sardis. Makenna plans to attend Cedarville University, where she will major in English education. She plans to become a high school English teacher.
The River High School Alumni Class of 1969 scholarships, given by Monette Nichols Schupbach, also $500 each:
  • Jason Miller, son of Bradley & Jodi Miller of Sardis. Jason plans to major in chemistry at Marietta College and go on to medical school and return to the Ohio Valley to practice medicine.
  • Brady Ellis, son of Jerry & Allison Ellis of Sardis. Brady will attend college and major in English and physical science. He plans to work as a journalist while eventually getting a Ph.D. in English literature to become an English professor.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2013 GRADUATES

RHSAA awarded scholarships of $500.00 each to these 2013 graduates:
  • Evan Eggleston is the son of Joe and Amy Eggleston of Hannibal, OH. Evan will attend Marietta College where he will pursue a degree in Psychology/Pre-Law.
  • Josie Postle, the daughter of Brad and Amy Postle of New Matamoras, plans to attend Belmont College to become a Registered Nurse.
  • Mikayla Roberts is from Hannibal and is the daughter of Brian and Dagny Butler. Mikayla will be attending WVNCC-West Liberty University to major in Criminal Justice.
  • Myla Smith from Sardis is the daughter of Bob and Faye Smith and plans to attend Zanesville State College and get a degree as an Occupational Therapist Assistant.
  • George Thomas Tharp from Sardis is the son of George and LeVonne Tharp. George will attend Hocking College to pursue a degree in Music Management/Sound Engineering.
  • Annelise Turner of Clarington is the daughter of Jim and Julia Turner. Annelise is going to Ohio University and major in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2012 GRADUATES

RHSAA awarded scholarships of $500.00 each to these 2012 graduates:
Landon Baker is the son of Lance & Lisa Baker of Powhatan Point. Landon plans to major in Accounting.

Leeanne Karpacs, daughter of Kevin & Cecilia Karpacs of Sardis plans to attend the University of Cincinnati & complete a master’s degree in Accounting.

Stephanie Murdock, daughter of Michael & Karen Murdock from Clarington is hoping to have her own business for Horse training & riding.
Mark Petho from Powhatan Point is the son of Steve & Pauletta Petho. Mark plans to attend WVNCC.

Courtney Porter of Sardis, daughter of Phillip Porter & Teresa Boggs plans to enter the Nursing program at Hocking College.

Jadon Rush is the son of Charles & Shereen Rush of Sardis. Jadon will attend The Art Institute of Pittsburgh for a four-year degree in Culinary Arts.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2010 and 2011 GRADUATES

RHSAA awarded scholarships of $500.00 each to these 2012 graduates:
RHSAA awarded scholarships of $350.00 each to five 2010 graduates. The winners were: Zachary Haines, Ashlee Henry, Desiree Hinkle, Stephen Price, and Kyrstin Ritchie.

In May 2011, RHSAA awarded six scholarships of $500.00 each to these 2011 Seniors: Kylie Brown, Ryan Doty, Alexa Isaly, Samantha Knowlton, Nadia Potts, & Jordan Ramsay. In addition to the RHSAA-sponsored scholarships, several former River graduates and staff have generously contributed toward scholarship funds: the Woda Family Scholarship provided by Russell & Jeff Woda to Jordan Ramsay, the Dierkes Family Scholarship provided by Joe & Jan Dierkes & family to Chelsey Smith, Jordan Ramsay, & Kylie Brown, the Tim Rush Memorial “Mr. River” Scholarship provided by the Rush family to Zachary Wichterman, and the Tim Haught Family Award of Excellence to Erica Duvall. Tim Haught is a former English teacher & Assistant Principal at River High.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2009 GRADUATES

RHSAA awarded five scholarships of $350.00 each to 2009 graduating seniors. The winners were:
Kelsey Krempasky, Chelsea Lowe, Kelsey McGuire, Dalton McIntire, & Epic Wayts

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2008 GRADUATES

Six RHSAA $350.00 scholarships were awarded to 2008 graduates. The winners were:
Phillip Colvin, son of Ron Colvin & Terri Cross; Cari McKelvey, daughter of Tim & Kathie McKelvey of Sardis; Tracy Richter, daughter of Larry & Connie Richter of Sardis; Laighnell Roberts, daughter of Rodney & Tanya Roberts of Hannibal; Brittany Stalder, daughter of Doug & Rhonda Stalder; and Troy Starr, son of Clyde & Gwen Starr of Powhatan Point.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2007 GRADUATES

Six $350.00 scholarships were awarded to 2007 RHS graduates. The winners were:
Amanda Adams, daughter of Steven & Christine Adams of New Matamoras; Mindi Clegg, daughter of Roy & Jane Clegg of Sardis; Connor Goddard, son of Jamie & Denise Barnes of Clarington; Brittany Hannan, daughter of Rick & Pam Hannan of Jacobsburg; Heather Palmer, daughter of Dale & Debbie Palmer of Clarington; and Makayla Smith, daughter of Kenneth Smith & Judith Paden of Sardis.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2006 GRADUATES

The Third Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament made over $2,400. for the Scholarship Fund. So, six $350.00 scholarships were awarded to 2006 RHS graduates. The winners were:
Casey Arman, son of Brian and Barbara Arman of Clarington; Tiffany Arman, daughter of Jerry and Angel Arman of Hannibal; Allison Blake, daughter of Regina Blake, Clarington; Chelsea Clipner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Clipner of Clarington; Kelsie Tisher, daughter of Tim and and Cathy Tisher of Hannibal; and Kayla VanDyne, daughter of Lori VanDyne, Powhatan Point.

Casey Arman is attending Ohio State University and majoring in Physical Therapy. Tiffany Arman attends West Liberty State College and will major in Dental Hygiene. Allison Blake is enrolled at WV Northern in the Nursing Program. Chelsea Clipner attends OU at Eastern and her major is Early Childhood Education. Kelsie Tisher is at West Liberty State College majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. Lori VanDyne is at Alderson & Broaddus in Phillippi, WV.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2005 GRADUATES

The Second Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament raised over $2,000. for the scholarship fund. Therefore, RHSAA was able to increase the scholarship amount to $350.00 each and the number of students from four to six. The winners were:
Courtney Antill, daughter of Chuck and Linda Antill of Powhatan Point; Kimberly Gibson, daughter of John and Tammy Gibson of Woodsfield; Eric Krieg, son of Bruce and Vicki Krieg, New Matamoras; Carissa Rose, daughter of Jimmy and Anita, Powhatan Point; Shauna Smith, daughter of Ron and Delores Smith, Sardis; and Ashley Thatcher, from Swiss Hills, daughter of William and Rose Ann Thatcher, Powhatan Point. Jim Miller and Alvin Thompson presented certificates to the winners. After notification from each college that the students had completed their first semester or quarter of college, they each received a $350.00 check.

Kimberly Gibson is attending WV Northern and majoring in Nursing. Carissa Rose and Shauna Smith are both enrolled at OUE and have chosen Early Childhood Education. Ashley Thatcher who attended Swiss Hills chose Belmont Tech and Nursing for her course work. Eric Kreig is at Kent State majoring in Broadcast Journalism. Courtney Antill is at West Liberty State College majoring in Math Education.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2004 GRADUATES

The 2004 scholarship honorees were
Courtney Antill, daughter of Chuck and Linda Antill of Powhatan Point; Kimberly Gibson, daughter of John and Tammy Gibson of Woodsfield; Eric Krieg, son of Bruce and Vicki Krieg, New Matamoras; Carissa Rose, daughter of Jimmy and Anita, Powhatan Point; Shauna Smith, daughter of Ron and Delores Smith, Sardis; and Ashley Thatcher, from Swiss Hills, daughter of William and Rose Ann Thatcher, Powhatan Point. Jim Miller and Alvin Thompson presented certificates to the winners. After notification from each college that the students had completed their first semester or quarter of college, they each received a $350.00 check.

Kimberly Gibson is attending WV Northern and majoring in Nursing. Carissa Rose and Shauna Smith are both enrolled at OUE and have chosen Early Childhood Education. Ashley Thatcher who attended Swiss Hills chose Belmont Tech and Nursing for her course work. Eric Kreig is at Kent State majoring in Broadcast Journalism. Courtney Antill is at West Liberty State College majoring in Math Education.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2003 GRADUATES

The 2003 scholarship honorees were
Douglas Brake, son of Miriam and William Brake, and Trista Tustin, daughter of Deborah and Philip Tustin. Jim Miller, Chair of the RHSAA Scholarship Committee, gave certificates to the winners.

Trista is attending Wright State University in Dayton, OH, and Douglas is enrolled in Akron University, Akron, OH. Trista earned a 4.0 grade point average for the fall quarter and has been admitted to the College of Education and Human Services as an Integrated Business Education major. In recognition of academic excellence, Douglas was named to the Dean’s List in the College of Engineering for the fall semester. Following notification from each college that they had completed their first semester or quarter of college, Trista and Douglas each received a check for $250.00. We encourage them to maintain academic excellence.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2002 GRADUATES

The 2002 scholarship winners were
Tim Byers, son of Paul and Paula Byers, and Sara Swan, daughter of Mike and Teresa Swan. The recipients accepted their award certificates from Mary Sebring and Sandy Brookover, members of the scholarship committee.

Sara is attending Waynesburg College in Waynesburg, PA and Tim is enrolled in Marietta College, Marietta, OH. Faculty members from both colleges have been impressed with the motivation and academic achievements of both students. After notification from the colleges that they had completed their first semester or quarter of college, Sara and Tim each received a check for $250.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2001 GRADUATES

Recipients of the first two RHSAA scholarships for 2001 are
Amber Tustin and Neil Thompson.

Amber and Neil are members of the 2001 RHS senior class. Amber is the daughter of Deborah and Philip Tustin of Sardis. Amber plans to attend Ohio University Eastern and major in Early Childhood Education. Neil is the son of Connie and Alvin Thompson of Sardis. Neil will be attending Marietta College where he plans to major in English. After completion of the first semester or quarter of college, Neil and Amber will each receive a $100.00 check.