Graduates of South Point High School are eligible to apply for the Coach Halcombe Memorial Scholarship Fund recently established at the Scioto Foundation. Set up by his family, the fund honors the life of Robert “Bob” Charles Halcombe, a well-loved and respected teacher and coach at South Point High School.
Coach Halcombe was described as a person “who pours into and encourages others.” South Point High School graduates who apply for the scholarship, should possess that same quality to be considered for the award.
Bob Halcombe’s 57 years were filled with love and adventure. He was a devout Christian, one of five sons, a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and valued colleague to many. He graduated from South Point High School, then earned his education degree from Berea College. After a brief stint as a professional wrestler, he began his teaching and coaching career at Chincoteague High School, Chincoteague Island, Virginia. He later earned a Master’s Degree from Bowie University in Maryland. While living on the Atlantic coast, Bob, his wife Karen, and their four sons loved spending time on the water boating, fishing, and crabbing.
Following several years of living in Maryland, the family moved back to Ohio to help care for Bob’s mother. He also returned to his alma mater to teach English and make a positive impact on his students. As a devoted educator, Bob’s teaching and guiding went beyond the classroom. His brother Rich Halcombe said, “Bob spent every lunch period with students. He invested a lot of time outside of the classroom to encourage, help and guide…believing in the dignity and worth of every individual and making his mission to help others see it and feel it.”
On the school’s social media, Superintendent Chris Mathes commented, “Mr. Halcombe was deeply respected and genuinely loved by colleagues, students, and families alike, and his impact on our schools will be felt for years to come.”
Bob’s relationship with Christianity was the basis for how he lived his life. His obituary described him as, “someone who reflected Christ through kindness, generosity, and grace.” Rich Halcombe said of his brother, “Bob was an incredible asset everywhere he went. May we have more like him.”
For more information about the Coach Halcombe Memorial Scholarship Fund or other scholarship funds invested at the Scioto Foundation, please contact Patty Tennant or Ginnie Moore at 740.354.4612.