Arthur Votaw '47 was a well-respected firefighter in the Salem Fire Department for 32 years. He was a proud Army veteran who served in a MASH unit during the Korean War. Gladys Wright Votaw '50 was a well-known beautician who worked at Bonfert’s Beauty Shoppe for many years.

This scholarship provides past Salem High School graduates funds to assist in education and/or initial certification as a first responders.

First responders who are among the first to arrive and to help at the scene of an emergency have diverse careers requiring specialized education, training, and examinations that lead to a certificate, a license, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or an advanced degree.

First responders include fire service members such as firefighters; law enforcement officers such as police officers; emergency medical services members such as EMTs and paramedics; search and rescue members; technical/heavy rescue members; and public works employees such as heavy equipment operators and tree department personnel.

Applications are accepted year-round with specialty education funding providing up to $1000 per applicant and initial certification examination funding providing up to $500 per applicant, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note, applications for Salem High School graduating and current college-enrolled postsecondary students are provided through the annual scholarship process of the SHSAA (see scholarship menu above).

Click HERE First Responder Scholarship Application (.PDF)

Applications Open Year-Round