Academic Scholarships

The Darke County Scholarship

The Light Foundation presents up to four scholarships to Darke County students. Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship to help them further their education.

Applications are reviewed by a committee that considers the many different aspects of each student’s high school achievements. Some of the scholarship areas that are considered are academic achievement, community service, job responsibility, and the content of their answers on the application.

Eligible students must fill out the scholarship application below and return it by May 1, 2024.

2023 Winners: 

Austin Obringer graduated from Ansonia High School and will be attending Miami University where he will be pursuing a degree in Computer Science.

Zachary Ahrens graduated from Versailles High School and will be attending The Ohio State University where he will be pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences to begin his pre-med journey.

Carrie Rhoades graduated from Ansonia High School and has been attending Oklahoma State University where she will continue pursuing a degree in Agricultural Education. She is also a past participant in our Leadership Academy!

Rachael Brandenburg graduated from Tri-Village High School and has been attending Edison State Community College where she will continue pursuing a degree in Nursing.

The Dan Pires Scholarship

Each year, The Light Foundation awards two high school seniors from the Greater New Bedford area with the Dan Pires Memorial Scholarship. Danny was a beat reporter for the Standard Times and a close personal friend of Matt’s who passed away unexpectedly in 2008.

The goal of the $1,000 scholarship is to help deserving students further their academic careers in memory of Danny, and each one is presented at the annual Steak and Burger Dinner benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford. The winners, along with three runner-ups, have the opportunity to attend a Patriots game on behalf of the foundation. Matt Light honors the late Danny Pires for all his work and The Pires family carries on his legacy by giving back to kids who need it.

The 2019 Winners present: 

In December 2020, Matt Light joined the 2020 Dan Pires Scholarship Award finalist at the annual Steak & Burger Dinner where he presented the deserving winner with a $1,000 scholarship from The Light Foundation. Congratulations to Isabella Mercer on her achievement! 

2019 Winners of the Darke County Academic Scholarship

“I couldn’t have accomplished my goals without the help from the Light Foundation. Thank you for changing my life for the better!”

– Ashley H., Boston, MA

Get In Touch

440 Greenville Nashville Road
Greenville, OH 45331
(937) 316-6352

1 Merchant St. #4
Sharon, MA 02067

For media requests, please email margrette@mattlight72.com