The Scioto Foundation has announced the creation of two new endowment funds set up by Valerie and Craig Johnson, one for the benefit of the Fourteenth Street Community Center and the other a scholarship to benefit Notre Dame High School seniors. The couple have established the Albert and Betty Varhola Memorial Endowment Fund and the Albert and Betty Varhola Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of Valerie’s parents who were Portsmouth residents. Her mom died in 1979 and dad in 2024. Valerie’s mom lived her entire life in Scioto County and her dad, most of his life here. The couple had seven children.
The Varhola Scholarship Fund gives priority to Notre Dame High School students since a Catholic education was important to Valerie’s dad. To be eligible for the Varhola Scholarship Fund, a student must be a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School in Portsmouth, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need. A record of community service would be beneficial. Preference will be given to students who attend Ohio University
Valerie (Varhola) Johnson grew up in Portsmouth. Both she and her husband Craig are retired accountants who live in Cincinnati.  After her dad died last year, she said, they began discussing options for remembering her dad by establishing a memorial in his name. At her dad’s funeral, someone reminded her of the impact that both her parents had on the youth in Portsmouth during the 1960’s when the Catholic Adults for Youth (CAY) was established and held dances with the idea that it would provide a place for teenagers to gather on Friday and Saturday nights. She said they also learned of the Scioto Foundation that same day. Valerie then decided she wanted to honor both her parents and began researching options with the Scioto Foundation. She said, her mom, was involved with diversity efforts in the community and later worked for the Head Start program in Scioto County serving children. After researching, she decided on the 14th Street Community Center which works with youth and a diverse population. Valerie’s father joined the Merchant Marines when he finished high school and served in World War II. When he came home, he went to Ohio University and earned a degree in industrial engineering. While both of her parents believed post-secondary education was important, Valerie said, the scholarship fund was particularly fitting in honor of her dad.
The Volunteer Committee of the Scioto Foundation will make annual selections for the scholarship fund, on behalf of the Board of Governors.
Additional information regarding the Varhola Memorial Fund and the Varhola Scholarship Fund may be obtained by contacting Patty Tennant, Program Officer – Donor Services at the Scioto Foundation, (740) 354-4612.