Appalachian Impact, a local nonprofit committed to building hope for students through mentoring and leadership development, is thrilled to announce three scholarship opportunities for Buckhannon-Upshur High School seniors graduating in May of 2025.
The returning Russ and Debbie Bush Hope Scholarship is offered to two outstanding B-UHS seniors graduating in 2025. This scholarship will offer two $2,500 scholarships to one graduating male and one female who clearly exhibit hope and resilience in overcoming adversity. Students are required to be graduating this year and planning to attend a 4-year or 2-year college or trade school.
Russ and Debbie Bush were longtime residents of Buckhannon. Russ taught in West Virginia for 37 years and coached many young athletes. His wife, Debbie, who now resides in Pennsylvania, is also a longtime educator and helped shape the Education department of West Virginia Wesleyan College. Russ was Appalachian Impact’s first active mentor when they launched their one-to-one mentoring program in 2013. As Russ faced a severe battle with cancer over the last several years of his life, both he and Debbie deeply demonstrated a posture of hope as a form of resistance in the midst of great adversity. Their consistent joy, love for others and willingness to serve embodies the heart of who Appalachian Impact strives to be.
With a goal in mind of building hope for even more students in need, Appalachian Impact has added two new scholarships for 2025 graduating seniors: The Dorse Gillum Man of Kindness Scholarship and The Steve & Kathy Foster Woman of Strength Scholarship.
The Dorse Gillum Man of Kindness Scholarship honors the legacy of Dorse Eugene Gillum, Jr, a man of deep faith and compassion. He was a devoted father, husband and grandfather known for his steadfast commitment to his community. This scholarship is intended to celebrate a graduating senior who demonstrates Dorse’s strong character and dedication to making a positive difference. $1000 will be awarded to a male student graduating this year and planning to attend a college or technical school.
The Steve & Kathy Foster Woman of Strength Scholarship honors the enduring legacy of Steve and Kathy Foster, a couple known for their unwavering dedication to making their community a better place to live for everyone. The Foster’s values of service, resilience and determination to build a brighter future are the driving force behind this scholarship. $1000 will be awarded to a female student graduating this year and planning to attend a college or a technical school.
“On behalf of Appalachian Impact, I am so excited to see that we are able to offer $7,000 in scholarships this year,” Justin Bowers, Director of Appalachian Impact, said. “The lives of each of these individuals for whom the scholarships are named have impacted hundreds if not thousands, and we’re hopeful these funds this year and in coming years can do the same by pouring into the lives of deserving graduates. We have always tried to be an organization that builds hope for students who need it, and this is one more way we think this vision can be accomplished.”
Applications for the Scholarships will be accepted immediately at https://linktr.ee/justin.bowers. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 4, 2025. Scholarship recipients will be determined in early May and the awards will be given at the Senior Awards ceremony later that month. Anyone wishing to support the scholarships or the work of Appalachian Impact, or with questions about the scholarships can be directed to Appalachian Impact Program Coordinator Julie McCourt at julie@appalachianimpact.org.
