Scholarship offerings
The Piqua Community Foundation offers several scholarships for graduating high school seniors and for students already in higher education who are renewing a previously awarded scholarship. Details about our programs are outlined below.
Those renewing scholarships should contact The Foundation at info@piquacommunityfoundation.org or 937.615.9080.
The Clifton Alexander Memorial Scholarship
The Clifton Alexander Memorial Scholarship awards one scholarship annually to a Piqua resident graduating from Piqua High School, Lehman Catholic High School or Upper Valley Career Center’s high school program who is planning to attend an institution of higher learning.
The Forever Code Strong AP Art Scholarship
About the fund: This fund was opened to memorialize the life of Cody Coffman, a 2011 Piqua High School graduate who passed away after several bouts of cancer in 2016. In his four years at PHS, Cody developed a creative style of art that was uniquely his own and he used art as an outlet and to express the emotions he felt during his fight with the disease. Cody is remembered for his heart of gold, selfless demeanor and perseverance. This fund offers scholarships to other artists who embody the qualities for which Cody is remembered.
Qualifications: This scholarship will be awarded to a senior AP art student from Piqua High School who exemplifies the same characteristics as Cody. The scholarship will be given to someone who has demonstrated a passion for the arts and submits a high-quality AP portfolio, while showing kindness, selflessness and perseverance through difficult situations.
Award value: At least one non-renewable scholarship of $1,000
Deadline: The scholarship application period has closed. Please visit us again in early 2027 for future opportunities and updates.
The G. William Hartzell Charitable Fund Scholarship
The G. William Hartzell Charitable Fund awards renewable scholarships to graduating high school seniors planning to enroll in a four-year program. Students planning to attend community or junior colleges are not eligible.
The Jim Hardman Scholarship
The Jim Hardman Scholarship awards one scholarship annually to a Piqua High School baseball player who plans to attend an institution of higher learning.
The Little Kinger Fund Athletic Scholarship
The Little Kinger Fund awards one scholarship annually to a young woman graduating from a Miami Valley high school who plans to participate in an intercollegiate sports program in college.
The Legacy of Learning Scholarship
The Legacy of Learning Scholarship awards one scholarship annually to a Piqua High School senior who plans to attend an institution of higher learning.
The Mark Droesch & Ruth Mueller Scholarship
About the fund: This fund was established to honor the lives of Mark Droesch and Ruth Mueller, siblings known for their legacy of caring for others and nurturing the potential in those around them. Through this scholarship, their legacy of compassion and support will continue to inspire future generations.
Qualifications: This scholarship will be awarded to a senior student from Troy Christian High School who exemplifies the same characteristics as Mark and Ruth. The scholarship will be awarded to an individual who demonstrates qualities such as compassion, support, and a dedication to helping others.
Award value: At least one non-renewable scholarship of $1,000
Deadline: The scholarship application period has closed. Please visit us again in early 2027 for future opportunities and updates.
The Murray E. Elsass Scholarship
The Murray E. Elsass Scholarship awards one scholarship annually to a Sidney High School senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plans to attend an institution of higher learning.
The Patricia L. Recker Memorial Fund Scholarship
The Patricia L. Recker Memorial Fund provides renewable scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors planning to pursue higher education.
The Piqua Rotary Scholarship
The Piqua Rotary Scholarship awards multiple scholarships each year to Piqua residents graduating from Piqua High School or Lehman Catholic High School who plan to attend an institution of higher learning.
The Robert and Miriam Hartzell Scholarship Fund
About the fund: The Robert & Miriam Hartzell Scholarships were established at The Foundation through a grant from the Hartzell Norris Charitable Trust, Fifth Third Bank, trustee. The scholarships are made each year to a graduate from each of the following high schools: Lehman Catholic, Miami East, Piqua and Troy.
Qualifications: Applicants must attend a four-year college or university and be studying for a four-year degree or a degree designed for more than four years. Applicants must also be a student of one of the following high schools: Lehman Catholic, Miami East, Piqua and Troy. Winners will be determined based on leadership achievement and potential, scholastic achievement and potential, financial need and character assessment.
Award value: One scholarship of up to $2,500 at each eligible school, renewable up to four years with continued full-time enrollment at a four-year college or university and a 3.0 grade point average.
Deadline: The scholarship application period has closed. Please visit us again in early 2027 for future opportunities and updates.
The Larry Quigley Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship
About the fund: This fund was established by Larry’s children, John and Karen Quigley, to honor their father’s lifelong commitment to serving the Piqua community. Through this scholarship, Larry’s legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to helping others will continue to inspire future generations. Reflecting his lifelong involvement with Kiwanis, members of the Kiwanis Club will participate in the scholarship selection process, and preference will be given to applicants who have participated in Key Club.
Qualifications: Must be planning to attend an accredited postsecondary institution to pursue a technical certification, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Eligible applicants must be pursuing a trade or STEM-related field of study, with preference given to those pursuing engineering. Applicants must also be a student of either Piqua High School or Upper Valley Career Center.
Award value: One non-renewable scholarship of up to $1,500 per student.
Deadline: The scholarship application period is currently closed. Please visit us again in early 2027 for future opportunities and updates.
Scholarship programs managed by Piqua Education Foundation (PEF)
Applications for the following scholarships are available through the Piqua Education Foundation (PEF) or Piqua High School counselors.
The Don J. Massa and Lois V. Massa Scholarship
About the fund: Don Massa formed the fund in 2020 in memory of his late wife, Lois, who passed away in 2018. Don passed away later in 2020.
The Massas were well known as generous and involved residents of the Piqua community for many years. Don originally came to Piqua to fill a management position at Jackson Tube Service in Piqua where he spent many productive years. The Massas loved to travel and were active volunteers in local organizations such as the United Way, the Scouts, and the parent-teacher association. Their family includes three grown children and numerous grandchildren.
Qualifications: Applicants must be a senior at Piqua High School who will be majoring in a STEM – science, technology, engineering or mathematics – field at a college or university after high school graduation.
Award value: One non-renewable scholarship of $1,000
The Richard Donnelly Scholarship
About the fund: Richard Donnelly was one of the Piqua city employees who won the $207-million jackpot in the Mega Millions Lottery in December 2008. Richard opened funds at The Piqua Community Foundation to help Piqua and its residents.
Richard is a great supporter of local schools and youth programming. A military veteran, he has a special interest in projects that serve veterans and their organizations. He is known for being a hands-on donor who will show up to help execute and maintain the projects he supports.
Qualifications: Applicants must be a senior at Piqua High School who will be attending The Ohio State University after high school graduation.
Award value: Two non-renewable scholarships. Value determined each year based on current fund value.