Scholarship endowed by Ellen Binkley Hill

Carlton and Carolyn Binkley spent their lives devoted to their family and to the schools of Blanchester and Clinton County. In the Blanchester Schools, Mr. Binkley served as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal and then at the Clinton County Educational Service Center as Secondary Supervisor and Clinton County Superintendent. In 1967 a new high school was built, and Principal Binkley spent many hours at school during the day and for evening sports and other activities. Mr. Binkley was dedicated to building a school culture that was inclusive and welcoming with high expectations for his teachers and students. In all he spent over 40 years serving the students of Blanchester and Clinton County. Carolyn assisted him in his job by staying home and raising their four children. When the children were all in school, Carolyn took a position as a secretary in the Clinton County Education Office and worked there until they both retired in 1990.

This scholarship will be awarded to a Senior of Blanchester High School who will be attending an accredited college of teacher education. The $500.00 scholarship will be awarded to a student in good standing who has been identified by a school counselor at Blanchester High School as a student with a desire to become an educator and who may also have financial need. Payment will be made to the student and may be sued for any need the student may have as he/she prepares for college.

Restrictions: Blanchester graduate who will be majoring in Education
Amount: Up to $500.

How to Apply: Applications and Instructions are available through the Guidance Counselor at Blanchester High School. 937.783.2461

Iva Jean (Irvin) Carnahan and Raymond Norman Carnahan devoted their lives to the love of children and the importance of education. To this end, they wisely saved and invested their earnings in order to leave as their legacy and annual award of $10,000 per year for four years to a Blanchester High School Student to attend Wilmington College.

Both Iva Jean and Norman were raised in Blanchester, Ohio. Both were born in 1913, attended schools in the area, and graduated from Blanchester High School. Iva Jean attended Wilmington College where she received her teaching degree. She taught primary school for 39 years in Goshen, Wilmington, and Dayton. Norman worked as a meat cutter in the Dayton area most of his life. He served in Europe during World War II. He and Iva Jean were married after his return from the war, and they lived and worked in the Dayton area.

Although they had no children, their concern for the education of children and providing help to those desiring a college education who could use some assistance, motivated them over the years to live frugally in order to help as many students as possible attain their degree from Wilmington College.

Restrictions: Student must be registered as a full-time student at Wilmington College

Award: Up to $10,000/year, renewable for an additional three years

How to Apply: Applications and Instructions are available through the Guidance Counselor at Blanchester High School. 937.783.2461

The Ledford Scholarship was created in 2021 by Ernest and Claire (Vallandingham) Ledford, Dr. Alan and Emily Ledford, and Eric and Benicia Ledford. All family members except Benicia are graduates of Blanchester Local Schools.

After graduating from Blanchester High School in 1953, Ernie was drafted for military service. In the early 1960s, when female athletics was just getting started, Claire was involved in several sports. She was most remembered for her time as a softball player. Claire served as a member of the Blanchester Local Schools Board for more than 25 years. Ernie and Claire have two sons, Eric and Alan. Both Eric, a 1996 graduate, and Alan, a 1998 graduate, played several sports at Blanchester High School. Emily Ledford is also a 1998 graduate from Blanchester High School and was also very involved in high school athletics. Emily is currently the Assistant Director of Special Education for Blanchester Local Schools. She is a graduate of Wilmington College and has earned a master’s degree from Wright State. Eric is a graduate of Wright State University and now lives with his family in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Alan Ledford is a 2002 graduate of Wilmington College, holds a master degree from East Tennessee State and obtained a doctoral degree from United States Sports Academy in 2016. The Ledford family valued the educational and social experiences they received at Blanchester Local Schools and within the Blanchester community. The Ledford family wants to share their support with Blanchester High School graduating seniors.

This scholarship will be awarded to a Senior of Blanchester High School who will be furthering their education at a two or four year college, enrolling in military service, or any vocational training program. The $500.00 will be awarded to an outstanding student who has been identified by a committee based on financial need and likelihood of future success. Payment will be made to the college or trade school. If the awardee is going to the military, the student will receive the payment directly.

Restrictions: Blanchester high school graduate attending 2-year college, 4-year college, trade school, or military.

Award: Up to $500.00

How to Apply: Applications and Instructions are available through the Guidance Counselor at Blanchester High School. 937.783.2461

To describe Jennifer as special is inadequate. She was special in so many different ways. Words that best describe Jennifer’s character include intelligent, strong, capable, forthright, and generous to a fault, caring, loving, and a leader in every aspect of her life. We, her family, saw this early on. Her direct approach to people and situations, even as a child went far beyond her years. By the age of ten she was invaluable to her single, working mother, helping to care for three younger siblings and doing household chores. It was one of her passions to be helpful and she did it with such confidence and ease. Her mother is sure she could not have made it without Jennifer’s help.

Jennifer excelled in her schoolwork and extracurricular activities with her boundless energy, and with her caring nature it was no surprise to anyone when she decided to pursue a career in nursing. When she graduated from high school in 1990, she was awarded an academic scholarship as well as a nursing scholarship and was on her way.

Jennifer truly loved nursing and put all her skill and compassion into her work. She loved babies and children and was equally at home with the elderly. While working in a nursing home she spent much of her own time, after her shift ended, caring for those patients she thought might not make it through the night. She often attended the funerals of her patients, especially those who had no family.

Jennifer married Joe Carter on September 3, 1993. Joe had three daughters, Alisha, Heather, and Jennifer (Little Jenn). Little Jenn lived with Jennifer and her dad, while Alisha and Heather stayed with their mother. Jennifer considered all the girls her family, and developed a special bond with Little Jenn, who had just turned four when they were married. Jennifer and Joe had a daughter, Kennedi, on February 28, 1999. Jennifer managed her household with her usual untiring efficiency, taking everything in stride and never letting small problems develop into large ones, and much of this while handling two jobs and teaching a nursing class. Even during her busiest times, she seldom missed a day checking on her grandmother, either stopping in or phoning to see that she was all right and asking whether she needed anything.

When her father, a cancer patient, became terminally ill she, along with her sister Stacey, and her brothers Jim and Quentin cared for him in his home, providing around-the-clock care for several weeks until he passed away. Jennifer was truly an inspiration, not only to her students, but to family members as well. Some of her students tell us they were ready to drop out of the program, but with Jennifer’s help and encouragement, went on to graduate. Family members inspired by her work are her sister, Stacey Herdman, R.N., her aunt, Holly Benton, R.N., and her cousin, Amanda Garrett, R.N.

We are so proud of each one. This is part of Jennifer’s legacy and we hope other family members will continue to inspire future generations. Jennifer touched more lives in her short time on earth than many of us who live to an advanced age.

Jennifer was 33 when she was taken from us suddenly in an automobile accident, leaving family and friends in total shock and grief. She was giving, even in death…. Jennifer was a registered organ donor and no less than eight people continue to benefit from her generosity.

We celebrate her life and all she stood for. We, her family and all who were close to her, will carry a part of Jennifer’s spirit forever in our hearts and will never, ever forget.

Restrictions: Blanchester graduate accepted into accredited school of nursing

Award: Up to $1000.00

How to Apply: Applications and Instructions are available through the Guidance Counselor at Blanchester High School. 937.783.2461

Scholarship endowed by Dustin Goldie, Tracy Goldie, Ryan Goldie and Susan Goldie

Dustin and Ryan Goldie both graduated from Blanchester High School. Agriculture has been a part of their lives since they were very young. Dustin and his wife Tracy are owners and operators of Goldie Beef. They produce freezer beef on their farm in Clarksville, Ohio. Ryan and his wife are owners and operators of freezer beef and Club Lambs in Stanford, Kentucky.

Dustin and Tracy are both educators at the Kings Local School District. They understand the importance of obtaining a college degree and the importance of agriculture on our economy and environment. Ryan Goldie and Susan Goldie obtained Agricultural Business Degrees from Wilmington College. Ryan is currently the Vice President of Operations at the Alltech Corporation. His company produces animal feed and other agricultural products. His wife Susan is a full time farmer on their family farm in Kentucky.

This scholarship will be awarded to a Senior of Blanchester High School who will be attending an accredited college and majoring in Agricultural Business or the field of Agriculture. The $1000.00 scholarship will be awarded to a student in good standing who applies and is picked by the Goldie family. Payment will be made to the student and may be used for any need the student may have as he/she prepares for college.

Restrictions: Blanchester graduate attending an accredited college and majoring in Agricultural Business or the field of Agriculture

Award: Up to $1000.00

How to Apply: Applications and Instructions are available through the Guidance Counselor at Blanchester High School. 937.783.2461

Scholarship funded annually by Blanchester Alumni celebrating their 50th Class Reunion.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a senior in good standing of Blanchester High School. Scholarship recipients are chosen through the Blanchester High School Alumni Committee.

Award: Varies, based upon annual donations.

How to Apply: Applications and Instructions are available through the Guidance Counselor at Blanchester High School. 937.783.2461