Franks Farm Educational Trust Scholarship
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Established 2024
Merle Franks was born in his home on the family farm in Van Buren and was one of seven children. He graduated from Van Buren High School in 1938 and continued to support his alma mater, attending many basketball and football games. Merle had four children and seven stepchildren and was the proud grandfather to many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. His first love was always family; he enjoyed going to family gatherings and reunions the most.
Merle was a third-generation farmer whose farm is still run by the family today. He cherished his cattle and all animals and farmed wheat, corn and soybeans. His career followed him from National Automobile Fibers to Garwood Industries until he finally retired from Ford Motor Co. in Fostoria. He was a lifetime member of F.O.E. and The Knights of Pythias, Bloomdale #278. He was also a member of the Church of The Good Shepherd United Methodist in North Baltimore.
This scholarship, established in Merle’s memory by his grandchildren Angela Middleton and Dustin Drerup, will support a student studying agriculture or a related field.
Standards for Determining Eligibility
- Applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America.
- The applicant must be a graduating senior of a High School in Ohio.
- Preference for a graduating senior of Van Buren High School.
- The applicant must plan to be a full-time student enrolled at an accredited technical, two-year, or four-year institution.
- The applicant must intend to study agriculture or an agriculture-related field.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 or above while in high school/the most recent grading period.
- Demonstrate participation in community/volunteer service.
- Any student who receives a full scholarship that includes all the fees normally payable by policy of The Community Foundation will not qualify for this Scholarship.