Every year, the need for scholarships is greater than the available resources. As tuition continues to rise, support of scholarships becomes even more invaluable.  
The Russell County Area Community Foundation administers 10 different scholarship funds. These scholarships were established by donors who believe in the youth of our area and beyond, and want to support their pursuit of higher education. This year the Foundation announces more than $54,000 in scholarships awarded through the Foundation to area students.
The Adolph Boehler Student Aid Fund is for students graduating from Russell High School. The recipients of the $900 scholarship are Jessie Reilly and Jordan Swanson.
The David Ochs Memorial Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School. The recipient of the $1,000 scholarship is Bailey Dollison.
The Doran and Bina Dole Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School. The recipients of the $2,500 scholarship are Carolyn Patrick (renewable scholarship) and Kierra Mitchell.
The Ervin and Denzell Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School who intend to obtain a degree in education or agriculture. The recipient of the $550 scholarship is Shannon Ney.
The Joshua Scholarship is for students up to age 30 who are graduates from a high school in Russell County. This scholarship is a permanent endowment of several million dollars created by Dr. Starr F. Schlobohm, who desired to share his success in the oil and gas business with the Russell County area. Annual gifts from his education trust will help the scholarship fund grow to significant levels, including Dr. Schlobohm’s most recent gift of $1.3 million. A percentage of the fund is allocated annually to scholarships and 12 students were selected to receive $3,000 scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year. The recipients are Eric Rourke, Taylor Ochs, Keirra Mitchell, Katilynn Walker, Brandon Bachar, Kelli Rourke, Jordan Moubry, Clayton Moubry, Carolyn Patrick, Angeleah Stierlen, Shannon Ney and McKaleigh Short.
The Kenneth V. Dumler Memorial Aid Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School. The recipient of a $500 scholarship is Wyatt Boomhower.
The Murphy Memorial Scholarship is for high school seniors living in areas served by the following school districts: USD 299, 392, 399, 407 and 432. The recipient of a $595 scholarship is Heather Glenn, Natoma High School.
The Paul E. Ruggels Memorial Scholarship is for college students who have graduated from Russell High School or Natoma High School, with preference to students pursuing a degree in a health care related field. The recipients of a $700 scholarship are Kaitlynn Walker and Kelli Rourke.
The Pohlman Family Scholarship is for students graduating from USD 407 or USD 399. The recipient of the $850 scholarship is Callie Dunlap, Natoma High School.
The Sean Paul Banks Memorial Scholarship is for students graduating from Russell High School who are involved in sports their senior year and maintain high academic standards. The recipients of the $400 scholarship are Angeleah Stierlan and Jordan Swanson.