Academic Merit Scholarships are provided through the generosity of more than a century of donations made to the association by alumni and friends. These scholarships are awarded to eligible graduating Salem High School students who have a GPA of 3.75 or better.

The Class of 1966 is committed to helping talented students who show exceptional academic excellence and outstanding promise. A graduating senior is selected annually based on demonstrated financial need and on academic ability and potential. This scholarship is distributed during the second year of college.

J. Robert Sebo '54, a noted businessman and philanthropist, provided the funding for this scholarship. At Salem High School, Sebo was an outstanding athlete who lettered three years in both football and track. He was also a four-year participant in the SHS Concert Band and an active member of Student Council. The criteria for this award reflect his belief that a student's extracurricular activities help lay the foundation for a successful life.

Max M. Fisher was an internationally known businessman, philanthropist, and political advisor. A member of the SHS Class of 1926, he attended The Ohio State University on a football scholarship. He graduated with a degree in business administration and soon became successful in the oil refining business. The 1972 Honored Alumnus, Mr. Fisher established in 1973 the first named SHSAA scholarship.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Deming Lowry was a 2005 graduate of Salem High School and a 2009 graduate of Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism. A kind and compassionate young woman, she believed that selflessly helping others was an integral part of a meaningful life. She passed away in October 2020 at the age of 34. Funded by the W. Robert Lowry family, the Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lowry Memorial Compassion Scholarship recognizes the quality of compassion in a graduating student. One or two graduating high school students may be selected annually for their good works in helping others. Applicants will need to have demonstrated acts of compassion during their high school experiences or in special activities either inside or outside the traditional high school environment.

Businessman Joel E. Greenisen '54 established this scholarship in loving memory of his father, mother, and paternal aunt, whose leadership characteristics inspired him. A graduating senior will be selected annually for his or her leadership character traits based on the demonstrated ability to facilitate a group of individuals working together to accomplish a goal.

John P. Sharp Jr. Scholarship of Promise may be presented to a Salem High School graduating senior who has demonstrated commitment to his or her future career plans by persevering when faced with a difficult situation.

Janet Schuster Cummings ’65 endowed this scholarship in memory of her father, Rudy Martin Schuster ’36. Rudy was a long-time machinist at Mullins Manufacturing and Sekely Industries in Salem. He was known in Salem for his passion for golfing, having won numerous trophies for his abilities. At a young age, Janet remembers her father telling her he was saving for her college. With his strong encouragement and guidance, Janet was the first in her family to attend college. Her father paid the full tuition for her studies at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and at the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia. Janet will be forever indebted to her father’s foresight and generosity, which provided her with the means to earn degrees in Spanish and secondary education. This scholarship is a need-based scholarship for graduating students enrolled in a college/university program leading to a bachelor's degree.

The Class of 1966 is committed to helping talented students who show exceptional academic excellence and outstanding promise. A graduating senior is selected annually based on demonstrated financial need and on academic ability and potential. This scholarship is distributed during the second year of college.

Thomas Kornbau '70 endowed this scholarship in honor of his parents Ernie Kornbau '45 and Lois Hill '49 Kornbau. As a youth, Tom enjoyed working in Kornbau’s Garage, an auto repair shop in Salem, which was begun by his grandfather Joseph Isaiah Kornbau. There, he became interested in mechanics and electricity. Following his Salem High School graduation, Tom attended the General Motors Institute earning an electrical engineering degree and later The Ohio State University earning a Ph.D. in electromagnetics. He worked most of his career at the Mission Research Corporation in Dayton. In 2015 Tom and his colleagues started the research and development firm Resonant Sciences in Dayton. This scholarship is for students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics which share an emphasis on problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation. This scholarship considers financial need and academic strength.

Howard 'Doc' Pardee was a longtime Salem High School band director. As a beloved instrumental music teacher, he was an inspiration and mentor to many SHS students. Former students, friends, and family established the Howard (Doc) Pardee Music Scholarship to benefit future generations of instrumental musicians from the Salem City Schools.

A Bowling Green State University graduate, J.Robert Sebo '54 is a noted businessman and philanthropist. He has maintained close ties to his college alma mater by serving on its board of trustees and by providing funds for an athletic center, a football scholarship, jazz studies scholarships, and other activities. Mr. Sebo funded this SHSAA scholarship, which is designated for a student who will be attending Bowling Green State University.

The John Michael Pozniko Engineering Scholarship Fund was established by Dorothy Pozniko Beam '52 and her husband, C. Richard Beam, in memory of her brother, John Michael Pozniko. Pozniko was a 1945 graduate of Salem High School, navy veteran, and lifelong Salem resident. During employment at several area firms, he attended Youngstown State University and earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

The Lois A. Peters Memorial Business Scholarship is designed for students who will be seeking a bachelor's degree in a business-related field such as but not limited to accounting, finance, marketing, business analytics, management, etc. A 1977 SHS graduate, Lois was a successful businesswoman and the Chief Financial Officer for Hickey Metal Fabrication Inc. After her death in 2013, this scholarship was established by the Hickey family to honor her memory.

Created by the Robert Hickey family, the Nancy Hickey Memorial Healthcare Scholarship honors Nancy Howell Hickey '53. In the four years prior to her death in 2011, the Hickeys discovered the immense value of caregivers and decided that the creation of a scholarship for students entering healthcare fields, whether they are seeking a degree, a certificate, or a license, would be a way of 'paying forward' the kindnesses they had encountered from healthcare employees.

This award provided by the Class of 1968 may be presented to a Salem High School graduate enrolling in an accredited four-year college or university with a major in education leading to a bachelor's degree and licensure. Examples of programs include, but are not limited to, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescent/young adult, physical, and special education. This award is open to both graduating seniors and past graduates.

Virginia E. “Jinny” Snyder taught physical education at the Salem Junior High School for more than two decades. However, her first teaching job was as an English teacher, and she designated in her will that the scholarship be awarded to a student enrolled in an English or English-related program. Applicants must have a minimum 3.00 high school GPA. Financial need is not a requirement but will be considered.

Emma Bauman Holmes '43, was a professor of education and child development. Although a strong advocate of higher education, Prof. Bauman Holmes pointed out that satisfying careers which contribute to society do not necessarily require university study and a bachelor's degree. The Emma Bauman Holmes Vocational Scholarship assists graduating Salem High School students who want to enroll in an accredited certification or vocational program designed to teach skills in a recognized field of employment.

SHSAA's original vocational scholarship, the Floyd and Cora May Reich Stone Vocational Scholarship was first awarded in 1987. Over the course of many years, Dr. Floyd W. Stone and his wife Cora May Reich Stone '35 gifted the Salem High School Alumni Association $393,873 through a combination of cash, stocks, and bequests.

The Hickey Vocational Scholarship was created in 2006 by Bob Hickey '50, his wife Nancy Howell Hickey '53, their son Leo Hickey '74, their daughter Lois Hickey Peters '77, and Lois's husband Nick Peters '73. A love for their hometown and its schools and the recognition of the need for vocational training spurred the Hickey family to fund this scholarship, which was first awarded in 2007.

Marion Ackerman ’56 graduated from Ohio University before realizing that he had a passion for a career in construction. He spent his early years in the Peace Corps building schools and houses for teachers in Africa. For many years Mr. Ackerman ran a successful construction company for commercial buildings and historic restorations. He has chosen to support students interested in a vocational career with two $2,500 scholarships for either a graduating high school student or a previous graduate with the first award given in 2024.

Created by the Robert Hickey family, the Nancy Hickey Memorial Healthcare Scholarship honors Nancy Howell Hickey '53. In the four years prior to her death in 2011, the Hickeys discovered the immense value of caregivers and decided that the creation of a scholarship for students entering healthcare fields, whether they are seeking a degree, a certificate, or a license, would be a way of 'paying forward' the kindnesses they had encountered from healthcare employees.

A long-time junior high teacher for Salem City Schools, Doris Tetlow, Class of 1922, bequeathed the association $222,000. There is no separate application for this award. Instead, recipients are chosen from the total pool of named scholarship applications. The award is based on the merit and/or need of a student and on availability of funds.

Florence C. Schafer, SHS Class of 1923, was a lifelong Salem resident who bequeathed the alumni association $231,000. There is no separate application for this award. Instead, recipients are chosen from the total pool of named scholarship applications. The award is based on the merit and/or need of a student and on availability of funds.

Hired by the First National Bank in Salem in 1928, Leon H. Colley rose through the ranks from cashier to vice president and by 1938 was named bank president, a position he held until 1967. Mr. Colley passed away in 1977 and bequeathed $601,000 to the Salem High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. There is no separate application for this award. Instead, recipients are chosen from the total pool of named scholarship applications. The award is based on the merit and/or need of a student and on availability of funds.

First given in 2012, the Memorial Society Award is presented in memory of deceased individuals or families who have donated or bequeathed funds, or for whom memorial donations have been made, totaling at least $10,000 but less than $100,000. There is no separate application for this award. Instead, recipients are chosen from the total pool of named scholarship applications. The award is based on the merit and/or need of a student and on availability of funds.

Emma Bauman Holmes '43, was a professor of education and child development. Although a strong advocate of higher education, Prof. Bauman Holmes pointed out that satisfying careers which contribute to society do not necessarily require university study and a bachelor's degree. The Emma Bauman Holmes Vocational Scholarship--Renewal is available to the previous year's recipient of the high school scholarship if he or she has continued in the same program and has maintained a 3.0 GPA.

The Hickey Vocational Scholarship was created in 2006 by Bob Hickey '50, his wife Nancy Howell Hickey '53, their son Leo Hickey '74, their daughter Lois Hickey Peters '77, and Lois's husband Nick Peters '73. A love for their hometown and its schools and the recognition of the need for vocational training spurred the Hickey family to fund this scholarship, which was first awarded in 2007.

Marion Ackerman ’56 graduated from Ohio University before realizing that he had a passion for a career in construction. He spent his early years in the Peace Corps building schools and houses for teachers in Africa. For many years Mr. Ackerman ran a successful construction company for commercial buildings and historic restorations. He has chosen to support students interested in a vocational career with two $2,500 scholarships for either a graduating high school student or a previous graduate with the first award to be given in 2024.

Created by the Robert Hickey family, the Nancy Hickey Memorial Healthcare Scholarship honors Nancy Howell Hickey '53. In the four years prior to her death in 2011, the Hickeys discovered the immense value of caregivers and decided that the creation of a scholarship for students entering healthcare fields, whether they are seeking a degree, a certificate, or a license, would be a way of 'paying forward' the kindnesses they had encountered from healthcare employees.

The Hickey Vocational Scholarship was created in 2006 by Bob Hickey '50, his wife Nancy Howell Hickey '53, their son Leo Hickey '74, their daughter Lois Hickey Peters '77, and Lois's husband Nick Peters '73. A love for their hometown and its schools and the recognition of the need for vocational training spurred the Hickey family to fund this scholarship, which was first awarded in 2007.

Marion Ackerman ’56 graduated from Ohio University before realizing that he had a passion for a career in construction. He spent his early years in the Peace Corps building schools and houses for teachers in Africa. For many years Mr. Ackerman ran a successful construction company for commercial buildings and historic restorations. He has chosen to support students interested in a vocational career with two $2,500 scholarships for either a graduating high school student or a previous graduate with the first award to be given in 2024.

Created by the Robert Hickey family, the Nancy Hickey Memorial Healthcare Scholarship honors Nancy Howell Hickey '53. In the four years prior to her death in 2011, the Hickeys discovered the immense value of caregivers and decided that the creation of a scholarship for students entering healthcare fields, whether they are seeking a degree, a certificate, or a license, would be a way of 'paying forward' the kindnesses they had encountered from healthcare employees.

Matthew Yerkey ’82, DDS, and his wife Wanda have funded the E. Blair Yerkey Memorial Ohio State University Scholarship in memory of their son Ethan Blair, who passed away in 2005 from a seizure disorder at the age of 21 months. The scholarship is designated for a Salem High School graduate who currently attends The Ohio State University and who lives with or has overcome a life challenge. The first scholarship was awarded in 2022, the year that Blair would have graduated.

Recognizing the importance of leadership, brothers Joel '54 and Philip '61 Greenisen and Philip's wife Marjory provided for this scholarship to honor the memory of Greenisen family members and to encourage leadership development in qualified candidates. A Salem High School graduate attending college will be selected annually for his or her leadership character traits based on the demonstrated ability to facilitate a group of individuals working together to accomplish a goal.

Howard 'Doc' Pardee was a longtime Salem High School band director. As a beloved instrumental music teacher, he was an inspiration and mentor to many SHS students. Former students, friends, and family established the Howard (Doc) Pardee Music Scholarship to benefit future generations of instrumental musicians from the Salem City Schools.

J. Robert Sebo '54, a noted businessman and philanthropist, has maintained close ties to both his college and high school alma maters and has funded scholarships and educational programs at both. The J.Robert Sebo College Scholarship was the first SHSAA scholarship for students already attending college and the first to emphasize need.

John Frederick Cone '44 was an educator and an author. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Rutgers University and his Ph.D. in English from New York University. The John F. Cone Humanities Scholarship, funded from a $112,606.84 annuity for which SHSAA was named the beneficiary, was given for the first time in 2011. The criteria for the scholarship reflect Cone's interests in literature, music, art, and foreign languages.

The John P. Sharp Jr. Engineering Scholarship may be presented to a Salem High School graduate who is pursuing an engineering degree leading to a bachelor’s degree or beyond and has completed or will be completing at least two postsecondary educational years.

The John P. Sharp Jr. Entrepreneurship Scholarship may be presented to a Salem High School graduate who is enrolled in an entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial studies (major, minor, certificate, or master’s) program and who has completed or will be completing at least two postsecondary educational years.

The John P. Sharp Jr. Outstanding Performance Scholarship may be presented to a Salem High School graduate who demonstrates a versatile college experience. The applicant must show a diversity of interest within multiple areas such as his or her academic program, co-curricular activities, and/or work experience.

The Lois A. Peters Memorial Business Scholarship is designed for students who will be seeking a bachelor's degree in a business-related field such as but not limited to accounting, finance, marketing, business analytics, management, etc. A 1977 SHS graduate, Lois was a successful businesswoman and the Chief Financial Officer for Hickey Metal Fabrication Inc. After her death in 2013, this scholarship was established by the Hickey family to honor her memory.

Created by the Robert Hickey family, the Nancy Hickey Memorial Healthcare Scholarship honors Nancy Howell Hickey '53. In the four years prior to her death in 2011, the Hickeys discovered the immense value of caregivers and decided that the creation of a scholarship for students entering healthcare fields, whether they are seeking a degree, a certificate, or a license, would be a way of 'paying forward' the kindnesses they had encountered from healthcare employees.

John Frederick Cone '44 was an educator and an author. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Rutgers University and his Ph.D. in English from New York University. Opera history was his avocation, and from his research, he wrote three books and numerous articles for scholarly journals and reference works. When Dr. Cone passed away in May 2009, he bequeathed the alumni association the residual of his estate, desiring that a music scholarship be established in memory of his parents. The Nina J. Cone and Stephen F. Cone Music Scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2012.

This award provided by the Class of 1968 may be presented to a Salem High School alumnus enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university with a major in education leading to a bachelor's degree and licensure. Examples of programs include, but are not limited to: early childhood, middle childhood, adolescent/young adult, physical and special education. This award is open to both graduating seniors and former graduates.

As a youth, Thomas Kornbau ’70 enjoyed working in Kornbau’s Garage, an auto repair shop in Salem, which was begun by his grandfather Joseph Isaiah Kornbau. There, Tom became interested in mechanics and electricity. Following his Salem High School graduation, Tom attended the General Motors Institute earning an electrical engineering degree and later The Ohio State University earning a Ph.D. in electromagnetics. He worked most of his career at the Mission Research Corporation in Dayton. In 2015 Tom and his colleagues started the research and development firm Resonant Sciences in Dayton. This scholarship is named after Tom and his wife Mildred. This scholarship considers financial need and academic strength.

The Virginia E. Snyder Scholarship may be presented to a Salem High School graduating senior or a Salem High School graduate enrolled in an English or English-related program at an accredited four-year college or university.

Although he grew up in Lisbon, Charles Fox spent his adult life living and working in Salem. His will designated that a portion of the income from his estate be used to support the scholarship fund of the Salem High School Alumni Association. This scholarship is designed for students who have completed their bachelor's degree or its equivalent and are completing or have already completed at least one year of their postgraduate coursework in pursuit of a degree in a healthcare field.

Matthew Yerkey ’82, DDS, and his wife Wanda have funded the E. Blair Yerkey Memorial Ohio State University Scholarship in memory of their son Ethan Blair, who passed away in 2005 from a seizure disorder at the age of 21 months. The scholarship is designated for a Salem High School graduate who currently attends The Ohio State University and who lives with or has overcome a life challenge. The first scholarship was awarded in 2022, the year that Blair would have graduated.

Fred Gaunt, Class of 1946, was a long-time pharmacist and the owner/operator of Gromoll Drug Inc. in Sebring, Ohio. The first Fred and Dana Gaunt Pharmacy Scholarship was awarded in 2021.

John Frederick Cone '44 was an educator and an author. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Rutgers University and his Ph.D. in English from New York University. The John F. Cone Humanities Scholarship, funded from a $112,606.84 annuity for which SHSAA was named the beneficiary, was given for the first time in 2011. The criteria for the scholarship reflect Cone's interests in literature, music, art, and foreign languages.

The John P. Sharp Jr. Entrepreneurship Scholarship may be presented to a Salem High School graduate who is enrolled in an entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial studies (major, minor, certificate, or master’s) program and who has completed or will be completing at least two postsecondary educational years.

John Stratton '64, M.D., and his wife Carolyn Webster-Stratton, Ph.D., provided the funding for this scholarship designed to lessen the debt load of SHS graduates who are pursuing Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees. Stratton earned his bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1968 and his M.D. from Yale University School of Medicine in 1973. He was a professor of Medicine/Cardiology at the University of Washington (U.W.) in Seattle until 2020 and is now professor emeritus. He was also chief of cardiology at the Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System from 2003 to 2011. Webster-Stratton earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto in 1970, a master's degree as a pediatric nurse practitioner and a master's in public health from Yale University, and a doctorate in educational psychology from University of Washington. She was a professor at the School of Nursing for 30 years and currently is a licensed child psychologist, an emeritus U.W. professor, and developer of the evidence-based Incredible Years video-based interventions for teachers, parents and children designed to prevent and reduce behavior problems in young children. Stratton and Webster-Stratton combined patient care with research, teaching, and administration during their academic careers. Because they recognize that very large student debts might steer young doctors into choosing more lucrative specialties to pay off their medical school loans, the Strattons hope that their scholarship will allow the recipients full choice in their career paths. Their donations, totaling $200,000, provide a $10,000 scholarship. The first John R. Stratton and Carolyn Webster-Stratton Medical Student Scholarship was presented in 2019.

John Frederick Cone '44 was an educator and an author. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Rutgers University and his Ph.D. in English from New York University. Opera history was his avocation, and from his research, he wrote three books and numerous articles for scholarly journals and reference works. When Dr. Cone passed away in May 2009, he bequeathed the alumni association the residual of his estate, desiring that a music scholarship be established in memory of his parents. The Nina J. Cone and Stephen F. Cone Music Scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2012.

As a youth, Thomas Kornbau ’70 enjoyed working in Kornbau’s Garage, an auto repair shop in Salem, which was begun by his grandfather Joseph Isaiah Kornbau. There, Tom became interested in mechanics and electricity. Following his Salem High School graduation, Tom attended the General Motors Institute earning an electrical engineering degree and later The Ohio State University earning a Ph.D. in electromagnetics. He worked most of his career at the Mission Research Corporation in Dayton. In 2015 Tom and his colleagues started the research and development firm Resonant Sciences in Dayton. This scholarship is named after Tom and his wife Mildred. This scholarship considers financial need and academic strength.

Matthew Yerkey ’82, DDS, and his wife Wanda have funded the E. Blair Yerkey Memorial Ohio State University Scholarship in memory of their son Ethan Blair, who passed away in 2005 from a seizure disorder at the age of 21 months. The scholarship is designated for a Salem High School graduate who currently attends The Ohio State University and who lives with or has overcome a life challenge. The first scholarship was awarded in 2022, the year that Blair would have graduated.

Recognizing the importance of leadership, brothers Joel '54 and Philip '61 Greenisen and Philip's wife Marjory provided for this scholarship to honor the memory of Greenisen family members and to encourage leadership development in qualified candidates. A Salem High School graduate attending college will be selected annually for his or her leadership character traits based on the demonstrated ability to facilitate a group of individuals working together to accomplish a goal.

J. Robert Sebo '54, a noted businessman and philanthropist, has maintained close ties to both his college and high school alma maters and has funded scholarships and educational programs at both. The J.Robert Sebo College Scholarship was the first SHSAA scholarship for students already attending college and the first to emphasize need.

The John P. Sharp Jr. Outstanding Performance Scholarship may be presented to a Salem High School graduate who demonstrates a versatile college experience. The applicant must show a diversity of interest within multiple areas such as his or her academic program, co-curricular activities, and/or work experience.

A long-time junior high teacher for Salem City Schools, Doris Tetlow, Class of 1922, bequeathed the association $222,000. There is no separate application for this award. Instead, recipients are chosen from the total pool of named scholarship applications. The award is based on the merit and/or need of a student and on availability of funds.

Florence C. Schafer, SHS Class of 1923, was a lifelong Salem resident who bequeathed the alumni association $231,000. There is no separate application for this award. Instead, recipients are chosen from the total pool of named scholarship applications. The award is based on the merit and/or need of a student and on availability of funds.

Hired by the First National Bank in Salem in 1928, Leon H. Colley rose through the ranks from cashier to vice president and by 1938 was named bank president, a position he held until 1967. Mr. Colley passed away in 1977 and bequeathed $601,000 to the Salem High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. There is no separate application for this award. Instead, recipients are chosen from the total pool of named scholarship applications. The award is based on the merit and/or need of a student and on availability of funds.

First given in 2012, the Memorial Society Award is presented in memory of deceased individuals or families who have donated or bequeathed funds, or for whom memorial donations have been made, totaling at least $10,000 but less than $100,000. There is no separate application for this award. Instead, recipients are chosen from the total pool of named scholarship applications. The award is based on the merit and/or need of a student and on availability of funds.