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PARKERSBURG - Eight students from Wood and Washington counties are 2026 scholarship recipients from The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Scholarships go to students who dedicated themselves to careers serving individuals with cognitive or intellectual disabilities. By pursuing specialized degrees, these local students are preparing to enter the disability services workforce and make a lasting impact in their community, Michelle Curtis, executive director of The Arc, said.
"The scholarship program aims to empower the next generation of local leaders, giving students the tools to expand community support networks and advocate for individuals with diverse abilities," Curtis said.
The eight students received scholarships totalling more than $5,000. They were:
Maybree Rinard, a returning applicant who graduated from Williamstown High School in 2022 and is pursuing a master's in occupational therapy at Shawnee State University at Portsmouth, Ohio.
McKenna Greer, a 2025 graduate of Parkersburg High School, will continue her studies at West Virginia University for a degree in human nutrition in foods and possibly a doctorate to become a registered dietitian.
Callie Powell, a 2025 graduate of St. Mary’s High School, a Marietta College student working on a bachelor’s in elementary education and special education.
Christian Rutherford, a 2025 graduate of Parkersburg High School, a psychology student at West Liberty State University in West Virginia.
Katherine Rutherford, a 2025 graduate of Parkersburg High School attending West Liberty focusing on speech-language pathology.
Christina Ferguson, a 2001 Alliance High School graduate, studying at Washington County Career Center to become a licensed practical nurse.
Rebecca Williams, who graduated in 2022 from Warren High School, will continue studies at West Virginia University at Parkersburg and double major in special education and pre-K education.
Lauren Young, a 2024 graduate of Parkersburg High School, who is pursuing a bachelor's in speech-language pathology at Ohio University.
The Arc scholarship program is from an endowment created by its board to support full-time students at accredited programs studying for a degree related to working with individuals with cognitive or intellectual disabilities.
Eligible applicants must reside in Wood, Wirt, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie and Washington counties.