It’s easy to ignore those requests to round up your purchases for donations at big national chains. After all, we don’t see the results of all that accumulated small change. But here in Washington County, one establishment is a little different, as those who round up their purchases at Par Mar Stores are primarily responsible for the nearly $300,000 that was awarded to 167 local students this year.

During an event honoring the top eight Par Mar Scholarship winners, recipient Austin Williams found out his entire college career will be covered.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to go to college to begin with because of my disability,” Williams said. “With the scholarship, it’s a huge relief with stress and the physical challenges and I can never thank you all enough for all of the support everyone has brought here today.”

His is only one story, as other recipients received $5,000 or $10,000 scholarships from Par Mar, in partnership with the Ritton Family Foundation and other partners.

Ritton Family Foundation Executive Director Nichole Evans said as long as those students maintain their grades and file their renewal applications, they should be able to continue receiving fund as they go through college.

Yes, there are a lot of numbers thrown around when we talk about scholarship money, but it is impossible to put a price on what that kind of support means to young people in our region who now have a better chance of being able to complete their planned college educations.

That support comes not just from a company or a foundation — though the community is certainly grateful for what they are doing. It comes from everyone who made the choice round up their purchases at local Par Mar stores.

And so, while we are eager to see what this bunch of outstanding young students will achieve with such support, we are grateful to everyone who gave it.