Gay Larsen was a longtime resident of Wheeling and a strong believer in the power of a good education. She hoped that, by establishing a scholarship fund for graduates of all high schools in the northern panhandle of WV (Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall Counties), she could help plant the seeds of future success for young women and men of talent and determination from this area. The Larsen Scholarship Fund has distributed funds to high school seniors since 1997.

The funds are managed by WesBanco Trust and Investment Services of Wheeling, as the endowment trustee. The selection committee consists of four persons, all of whom have extensive experience as educators in the local area. As indicated by the attached Application, the selection committee considers a variety of factors, including college aptitude test scores, overall grade point average (GPA), rank in class, extracurricular activities and involvement in school and civic or community affairs, indication of leadership ability, and a short written essay. The need for financial aid is not a factor.

Scholarship application

Scholarships

Deadline: Friday, March 15, 2024

Scholarships are awarded once a year, in the fall, for a period of four years. For the past few years the scholarships have averaged $2,000 per year and will cover only a small portion of the overall cost of attending college. The trustee will make payment directly to the school after receipt of proof of enrollment and a tuition invoice. Once awarded, a scholarship will continue, providing that the award winner provides proof every spring of the satisfactory completion of his or her courses and of proof of enrollment for the next fall term. In certain circumstances, if a student takes a temporary leave of absence, obtains an internship, or studies abroad, the scholarship will be renewed once he or she returns to full-time school enrollment.

Applications

The application deadline is March 15, 2024. Students awarded a scholarship will be notified by May 1 via e-mail. For questions you may contact the trust administrator, Mr. Kim McCluskey, at 304-234-9429 or via e-mail at mccluskey@wesbanco.com.