Scholarship Application

The W. Richard & Phyllis S. Walton Memorial Foundation has been established to provide annual scholarships to students of Lawrence County who plan to further their education beyond high school in the areas of legal studies or STEM programs. 

We could think of no better way to honor the memory of Dick and Phyllis than to create a Foundation that would award annual scholarships to local high school graduates in the areas of their expertise and life's work. Phyllis, who worked at Abbott labs after graduation from OSU and later taught at OU-Southern, was an staunch supporter of her OU-Southern students and loved nothing more than to make sure they were prepared for those difficult labs and hard exams. Dick, a two-time OSU alum (undergrad & law school) had a 25-year career on the bench as a Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge, was a prosecutor prior to serving on the bench and was overall lifelong advocate of justice and order. 

For 2026, the W. Richard & Phyllis S. Walton Memorial Foundation will grant two (2) $1,000 scholarships. 

Scholarship awardees will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Graduating senior from a high school located in Lawrence County, Ohio 

• Acceptance to a 4-year college, community college or trade school

• Demonstrated academic performance with a grade point average of at least a 3.0.

• Demonstrated interest in studying in the areas of legal studies or STEM programs.

• A maximum one-page personal statement (typed, 12-pt. font, double-spaced) stating a goal, objective, or purpose for pursuing higher education, what you intend to do in future endeavors related to your chosen area of study. It would be helpful if you can also include details about the activities/clubs you have been involved with in high school.

•  One letter of recommendation from non-family members (preferably teacher, coach or employer).

Instructions for submitting your application documents:

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• Please submit a completed scholarship application form, a one-page personal statement and letter of recommendation as a PDF attachment(s) to: waltonmemorialfoundation@gmail.com with the subject line of Scholarship Application and your first and last name.

• Applications MUST be submitted between April 6 - April 30, 2026. 

• Awardees will be notified by phone or email in May. Payment will be coordinated with the awardee’s school of attendance for the 2026-2027 academic year. Follow up documentation with school of attendance will be required to effectuate payment directly to the school. 

Scholarship Application is below in PDF format. Click on top right to open form. 

All records are available for public inspection at its offices, and will provide copies upon request of any tax documents that are requested. To request operating or tax documents, please reach out to waltonmemorialfoundation@gmail.com. Someone will respond to your inquiry within 30 days and will provide relevant documentation as required by the IRS.