DISTRICT INFORMATION


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Ridgewood
Local School District

301 South Oak Street
West Lafayette, OH 43845
Telephone: 740-545-6354
Fax: 740-545-6336

      

  Ridgewood Graduation 2025

Important information for graduating seniors and parents: 

Dates, Times, Required Attendance, and Attire

Cap and Gown distribution: Tuesday, May 13, at 2:20, H.S. Room 104 and May 14 at CCCC. *To pick up the gown, a senior must have met academic requirements and have all fees and responsibilities fulfilled by Friday, May 9.

Practice and Participation in the Awards Assembly are required in order to participate in Commencement Exercises.

Practice and The Awards Assembly are May 16. Seniors arrive by 7:30 A.M.   You must be dressed in required attire and in your cap and gown. Be in your assigned seat at 7:50 A.M. in the Gymnasium. * Note below required attire. 

Before the Assembly begins, you will practice processing into the gym, receiving the diploma and exiting at commencement. The Awards Assembly immediately follows practice at 9:00 A.M. *Note, following the Awards Assembly there are a number of other activities; do not schedule work until 1:45 P. M.  See Page 2.

*Required Attire for the Awards Assembly and Commencement: Women: Dress or skirt and blouse or dress pants and blouse, and no spandex, dress shoes (no slides, no crocs, no open back shoes because these make a clunking noise on the small stage), however, a sandal with a strap is fine.  Men: Dress shirt, dress slacks, dress shoes/boots, dark socks, and tie. (* If you need one, you can borrow one from the school.) These are formal ceremonies.  *No jeans. Only the high school tassel, draped over right temple, and only the cords issued by Ridgewood, Coshocton Career Center, Buckeye Career Center and Blue Star Mothers and, for the Awards Assembly - no signs on mortarboard (hat), for Commencement please see guidelines for signs on the mortarboard (hat) on Page 3.    

 

IF YOU DO NOT PLAN ON PARTICIPATING IN THE AWARDS ASSEMBLY and COMMENCEMENT, PLEASE CALL and leave a message or EMAIL Ms. Collins by TUESDAY, MAY 13.*  If you chose not to participate in Commencement, your diploma can be picked up in the guidance office on  Monday, May 19.

Here is more detailed information on Practice, Awards Assembly and Commencement:

May 16       7:50 AM – 9:00 AM Practice            9:00 AM Awards Assembly

At the Assembly’s Conclusion: The Class of 2025’s Group Picture for the yearbook will be taken. Next, alphabetically, a Formal Individual Portrait of each member of the class holding a diploma is taken. (This is paid for by the Class of 2025, and your picture will be in your diploma envelope on Sunday.) After a senior’s picture is taken, the senior will receive 10 Tickets for admission to Commencement from Ms. Collins. These tickets are organized alphabetically and will be distributed in alphabetical order. *(Once tickets are handed to the senior, they are his/her responsibility.) Guidance will also be distributing academic letters and pins to those who qualify.  The next event is The Senior Walk in cap and gown at 1:00 PM. Meet in the student parking lot at 12:55. This event is optional. The Class of 2025 will walk through the elementary and middle school and be greeted by teachers and students.

*Please note, if one of your commencement guests requires special seating because he/she cannot climb the bleachers, please email Ms. Collins or call the school on or before Thursday, May 17.  A seat on the floor will be reserved for that guest with an additional reserved seat for one family member to sit with that guest.

Commencement: May 18, 2024

           5:15 Doors open for 10 Ticket Holders. 

5:25 Graduates must have reported and lined up in the academic hallway; attendance for the Class of 2025 will be taken at 5:30. We will review the process for marching into the gym, receiving the diploma and exiting. 

5:35 Absent/inappropriately dressed graduates’ diplomas are pulled.

5:45 Doors open for those without a ticket.  

6:00 First, the Class of 2025’s enlisted members will serve as the Color Guard. Next, Class of 2025 will enter gymnasium to “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Graduation Cap Decorating Guidelines

·         Cannot contain any advertisement, symbols, abbreviations, initials, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that: Refer to drugs or controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons or be of a sexual nature.  (Page 15, Student Handbook) Cannot denote an affiliation with gangs or which advocate drug use, violence, illegal activity, or disruptive behavior which is detrimental to the safety and welfare of other students.(Page 15 Student Handbook)

·         Cannot be obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd. 

·         Cannot include numbers other than the graduation year.  

·         Cannot make noise (no bells, horns, or anything that makes noise)

Only the flat, top area of the mortar board may be decorated. There may be nothing hanging down from any of the sides of the cap 

It is appropriate on your cap to recognize the university you will be attending; your graduation year; branch of the military you will be joining; your CCCC career program. *Seniors, failure to follow these guidelines will result in the replacement of the cap with a blank one before the ceremony. Administration reserves the right to disallow anything that is not considered appropriate for the commencement ceremony. *We highly suggest you trace your cap onto cardboard and decorate the cardboard. In case you make a mistake you can start over with a new piece of cardboard.( We will not furnish new caps if you mess yours up decorating.)  After you decorate it, stick it to your cap with double-sided tape or Velcro stickers. Velcro tape can be purchased at any fabric store, Target, Wal-Mart and throughout many CVS and Walgreens stores.

Graduation Ceremony Policy:

 In order to promote dignity for the graduation ceremony and out of consideration for spectators attending the graduation ceremony, the Board of Education bans the use of air horns, cowbells, rattles and other noise making devices at graduation ceremonies.

The high school principal is instructed to advise all graduating seniors of this ban.  Prior to the ceremony, spectators should be addressed requesting consideration for all students and spectators.  People who choose to utilize noise makers or air horns will be escorted from the building.  Board Approved: September 15, 2004

File: IKFB Ridgewood Local Schools, West Lafayette, Ohio


 Responses to often asked questions:

Graduation Announcements should be mailed at least 10 days prior to Commencement. Women can use hair pins to secure the mortar board (hat); men cannot since they must take it off for the National Anthem.  

The mortar board should be flat on top of your head so that we could set a cup on it; women do not pin it to the back of your head.

There are no “reserved seats” except for those unable to climb the bleachers.

Again, graduates will receive 10 tickets for family after his/her portrait is taken following the Awards Assembly. 



Scholarships

Scholarships 2024-2025






 Class or 2025

Congratulations to Zoey Alan who has been accepted to Otterbein University and awarded the Alumni Award of 16,000, the Cardinal Lift Grant of $2,000 and the Housing Grant of $2,000 for a total of $20,000 annually for four years. She has also been accepted to Kent State University, Malone College and there offered a $9500 Achievement Scholarship, and Muskingum University and there offered a $15000 per year scholarship and $1000 Housing scholarship.

AADE American Association of Drilling Engineers- Appalachian Chapter has a scholarship. However, it is limited to Petroleum Engineering Majors or Energy Industry related majors. See Ms. Collins for a copy of the application if you are majoring in those areas. Deadline for application April 30,2025.

The West Lafayette Chamber of Commerce is awarding a scholarship this year. Applications are available outside Ms. Collins' room. The Scholarship is open to all graduating Ridgewood seniors who are choosing to continue their education through trade school and/or college and/or university. Deadline is April 1, 2025. Place completed application in the designated envelope next to Room 104.

Deerassic Park Education Center is offering the Richard " Rick " Lambert Memorial Scholarship. Five students will be selected to receive $1,000 awards based on their application scores. Priority scoring is given to those who demonstrate through their application that outdoor activities and programs have made a positive impact upon their lives. Stop by Room 104 to pick up a copy from the folder. You send this one  Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2025.

Newcomerstown Elks Lodge 1555's scholarship application in memory of Ed Harstine and Pop Warner/Rehard is now available. Two scholarships will be given.  See the folder outside Room 104 for a copy. The completed application is due Friday, April 25 by 3 P.M.

Applications are now available for the Jon Johns Memorial Scholarship: $1000 Nursing Scholarship and a $1000 Agriculture Based Scholarship. See Ms. Collins for a copy of the scholarship. Application Criteria: Cumulative GPA 2.5 or higher ( a transcript must be attached to the applications), Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or employer or 4-H advisor, etc.  The applicant MUST be majoring in an area of study that is agriculture based or nursing school. Note, the application has further instructions. 
See Ms. Collins for a copy of the application. Applications may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Jon Johns Memorial at 460 W. Chestnut Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812. See Facebook for due date.

Ridgewood Education Association (REA) Scholarship Application  is now available.  Pick up your copy of  the application form the file folder outside of  Room 104.  Number of awards to be determined. Please place your completed application in the designated envelope outside of Room 104 by 3 PM on or before Monday, March 14, 2025. 


The Francis E. and Helen E. Overholt Family Memorial Application is available. Check the folders outside Ms. Collins' room for a copy. The applicant must be a high school senior on track to graduate. Must be an Ohio resident, The Applicant plans to attend a technical, vocational or certificate program within in the United States leading to a career in their chosen field. The family is offering TWO - $1,000 scholarships. A letter of recommendation is required and an acceptance letter to the school or program. DUE date is April 1, 2025.

The family of Travis A Brown is sponsoring the Travis A Brown Memorial Scholarship. The application is in a folder outside Ms. Collins' room, the due date is March 14, 2025.  Please place your completed application in the Travis Brown Envelope outside her room.

Austin Yoder Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility: Completed Application; Ridgewood or Riverview Senior; Have completed a project at the Coshocton County Fair; Have been in FFA or 4-H for at least three years; Must complete the written essay (500 word minimum); Attend college for an agriculture related major. The award is $1000 for your first year and $1000 for your second year. Note, payment will be granted after the candidate has provided proof of completing the first semester of post secondary schooling.
Pick up an application outside Ms. Collins' room. Due Date is February 28. Put you completed application in the envelope outside Ms. Collins' room.

The Coshocton County Board of Real Estate is offering a scholarship. Pick up your copy of  the application form the file folder outside of Ms. Collins' room. Due date is March 15, 2025. Place your completed application in the envelope outside Ms. Collins' room by 3 p.m.

In mail on Friday, Feb. 7,was an envelope announcing the Foundation of Appalachian Ohio Scholarship opportunities. Due date is February 14, 2025. Most of the opportunities are for seniors in specific counties, but there are 4 you might qualify for. They are The AK Steel Student Scholastic Award for students pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math with emphasis in metallurgy. Next, the ORA E. Anderson Scholarship to support students pursuing studies associated with environmental conservation and natural sciences. The third is the Bob Evans and Wayne F, White Legacy Scholarship established to encourage continued academics after high school. Scholarships are available to students with  DEMONSTRATED financial need who are pursuing post-secondary training. Finally, the Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Scholarship which was established to support individuals who are pursuing degrees in ecology, forestry, wildlife ecology or related natural resource fields- this is made possible donors, one of whom is the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and Coshocton County is in that district.
GO to https.//appalachianohio.spectrumportal.net/accounts/signin to create an account
The Foundation's website is https://appalachianohio.org/opportunities/scholarships/how-to-apply

West Lafayette and Ridgewood Alumni scholarship opportunity. Due March 14 to the envelope outside Ms. Collins' classroom. This organization usually awards more than one scholarship. Apply1

The Rotary Scholarship Application is now available. See Ms. Collins for an application. This is a $1000 scholarship for a graduating senior who will be attending a post secondary institution. See Ms. Collins for an application, due to her by March 14, 2025. Place your completed application in the envelope outside Ms. Collins' room by 3 p.m. 

Corporation For Ohio Appalachian Development iavailable.  This one takes some time so begin working on it now. See Ms. Collins' files outside Room 104 for a copy of the application. The deadline for the application is a postmark of MAY 1, 2025. This is an application you are responsible for sending or delivering to Kno-Ho-CO Ashland C.A.C., 120 N. 4th Street ,Coshocton, Ohio In addition to having proof of acceptance to a 2 or 4 year institution of higher learning, earning a high school diploma or GED, and living in the 30 county area, you must reside in a household with a total income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Number of persons in household: 200% Poverty Guideline:

1          $31,300

2          $42,300

3          $53,300

4          $64,300

5          $75,300

6          $86,300

7          $97,300

8       $108,300         

*Each Additional person adds $11,000
SEE Ms. Collins in Room 104 for a copy of the application!

The David F. Wentz  Memorial Scholarship application is now available to be awarded to a Ridgewood High School senior who has been accepted to a vocational / trade school, a college/university or has enlisted in the United States Military. The scholarship is intended to support the applicant's future educational plans. Deadline by the end of the school day on April 30, 2025. See the folders outside Ms. Collins' room for an application and place the completed application in the envelope marked out side her classroom.

THE COSHOCTON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!. GO TO

(The Foundation updated the information this afternoon,1/24/2024.) Now go to  www.coshoctonfoundation.org  

and click on scholarships to find the instructions and the link to begin the application process.

 The Coshocton Regional Medical Center Scholarship application is now available. Requirements: Must be a High School Senior; Must attend one of the following schools:  Coshocton County Career Center, Coshocton High School, Newcomerstown High School, Ridgewood High School, or River View High School; Must have a GPA of 3.0 or above; Must be going on to pursue a career in healthcare or a related field; A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to two student from each of the five schools. Application must be returned to Coshocton Regional Medical Center by March 22, 2025. See Ms. Collins for a copy of the application.

Horatio Alger Scholarship for high school juniors. Apply now: horatioalger.org/scholarships Deadline March 1 Requirements: Must be a US citizen and household income under $65,000. 600 scholarships are available.

Ohio Natural Energy Foundation Scholarship is now available: Requirements include: must be a U.S. citizen, MUST have a career goal in the natural gas and oil industry, must be OHIO resident or a student planning to attend an Ohio accredited college, university, technical or trade school, must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This application includes a required  minimum 250 word, 12 pt. font, single spaced essay detailing career goals related to the gas and oil industry, and more. See Ms. Collins for an application. The application and attachments must be submitted by March 1, 2025.

 We are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Medical Mutual Scholarship Fund for Customer Schools.  Through this program, seniors graduating from Ohio school districts that carry Medical Mutual insurance are now eligible to apply online for a one-time $1,000 scholarship toward college tuition.  Additionally, six top applicants across the state will receive a $10,000 award for their outstanding academic and community service efforts.

 Below is a brief outline of the required materials and application process:

 

Student Materials

·         One-page essay that includes the student’s college major and describes how receiving a scholarship would impact their life.

·         Current official transcript

·         Student Aid Report from FAFSA

 

Online Application

Students may apply at https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/2vxLes

 

The deadline for applications is March 15, 2025, at 5 p.m.

 

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Alicia Szempruch at [email protected].

Seniors, Ridgewood has had a graduating senior awarded this scholarship. Apply!

Troy “T-Bone” Berry Memorial Scholarship

Friends and family of Troy D. Berry established this scholarship in his memory. A resident of Warsaw for
24 years and a graduate of River View High School, he attended The University of Findlay from 1988-92.
He graduated from The University of Findlay in 1992 with a bachelor of arts in English and in 1999 he
earned his Master’s in Education. Troy was the head baseball coach at The University of Findlay from
2004 to 2013. During his tenure he finished as the all-time leader in wins with 211. The Oilers set 12
team season records including wins (28) in 2008. He coached the Oilers to the Great Lakes
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament twice, reaching the finals in 2005 and again in 2008. He
coached 41 All-GLIAC and 6 All-Region performers, including one NCAA All-American. He was an
assistant coach for 9 years before taking over as head coach. He was an outfielder for the Oilers from
1989-92 and was a four-time letter winner. He ranked in the top ten in UF history for hits, runs batted in
and runs scored in a career upon graduating. This scholarship is dedicated to a baseball player
graduating from Ridgewood High School in memory of Troy D. Berry.

Standard of Determining Eligibility of Students
- The applicant must be a student athlete graduating from Ridgewood High School who has
participated in the baseball program for no less than three years.
- The applicant must have demonstrated hard work, good citizenship, dependability, good
character and a desire to complete his/her education.
- The applicant must be accepted as a full-time student for their first year of college at a
university, technical or community college.
- Each applicant must have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or better during high school.
- Applicants receiving full scholarship support from other organizations or institutions will not be
considered for this scholarship. See Ms. Collins for an application.
Submission Deadline March 14,2025.

Coshocton Community Choir Bachert Scholarship is available. See Ms. Collins for an application. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist a Coshocton County senior or a current/former member of the Community Choir to pursue further musical study. Completed application must be received no later than Friday, April 04, 2025.
Coshocton Community Choir
Attn. Scholarship Committee
PO Box 1648 
Coshocton, Ohio

The Trevor A. Griffith Memorial Scholarship is awarding scholarship(s) to Ridgewood graduating senior(s) who are choosing to continue their education through a trade school and/or college and/or university. Scholarship winners will be announced at the Senior Awards Assembly on May 16, 2025 at Ridgewood High School.
Applicants must complete the application process and provide a signed high school transcript.
Application DEADLINE is March 15, 2025 to Ms. Collins. See the folders outside Ms. Collins' room for an application. Place your completed application in the envelope outside Ms. Collins' room by 3 p.m. 

The Susan Award grants up to five $1000 scholarships to students who show outstanding promise and talent for creative writing. To apply a student will submit two pieces of original writing samples, complete the application, and goals as a writer by Friday, January 31, 2025. The writing should express personal opinions, and/or reflections upon experiences, beliefs, lessons learned and may be submitted class work that has been retyped and is void of teachers markings. 
See Ms. Collins for more information.

Brenda Lee Starkey Higher Education Scholarship
Nonrenewable $2000 scholarship for 1 year. One winner annually.
Application Deadline March 31
Complete the Google Form and email the required documents to [email protected] * All documents should be scanned and sent as pdf. files.
SCAN the QR Code to apply. See a poster with the code outside Ms. Collins' room and one on the display case near the cafeteria.
Criteria: 1. Academic Achievement - Minimum 3.0 GPA, test scores, courses taken (Explain if college prep or advanced courses. 2.Financial need  3. Work History 4. Personal or Family attributes
For a graduating senior at either Ridgewood or New Philadelphia City Schools for one who intends to attend a college or university full-time to earn an Associate or Bachelor's degree


A scholarship application is available for graduating seniors whose parent/legal guardian is a member of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees OAPSE. See Ms. Collins for a copy. The application requires 2 letters of recommendation, a copy of the parent's membership card, an officially signed transcript and also a recommendation from a high school representative, and, finally, an essay written by the applicant, not to exceed 1000 words on the subject: " How OAPSE/AFSCME Has Beed a Part of Our Family Life.

Eastern Ohio Chapter Scholarship is offered to those pursuing an industry-related career. Up to $4000 will be awarded this winter to high school seniors and/or college students who are pursuing a career in the local construction business industry.
Go to www.ohiocontractors.org. Applications are due January 17, 2025.



Make sure you apply and submit to the Coshocton Dollars for Scholars

Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative
Guernsey-Muskingum Electric  Cooperative, Inc. Offers scholarship opportunities to those whose parents are a member of the Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative..
*The Children of Members Scholarship - graduating seniors with 3.5 on 4 pt. scale GPA or better. Application deadline Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. All applicants will be then interviewed on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Concord office.
*Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship is for students overcoming unique personal challenges in their pursuit to attend college- graduating senior with minimum 2.7 on the 4 pt scale GPA or better. Application deadline Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
*The Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative Scholarship in honor of Jerry Kackley - graduating seniors with 3.0 on 4 pt. scale GPA or better. Emphasis is on community service and leadership. Application deadline to office is Feb. 7, 2025.
Rules and applications for all are available at the website, www.gmenergy.com
See Ms. Collins if you would like a paper copy.

 There has been an inquiry about an Elks scholarship. There may be a local opportunity in the spring, however, at this time there are two national competitions. We no longer receive a paper copy of the information, but you can go to:

There's the LEGACY Scholarship and there's the Most Valuable Scholarship:

If you are selected as a 2025 Legacy Awards recipient, you will be required to perform three instances of service with an Elks Lodge during the four years you are receiving the scholarship. 
 The Legacy
  1. For the 2025 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the Order on or before April 1, 2022, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2022, is eligible to apply. The Elk must also be a paid-up member through March 31, 2025. Great-grandchildren are not eligible.

  2. The applicant must be a high school senior.

  3. The applicant must apply online only. The 2025 Legacy Awards application deadline is February 3, 2025, 11:59 a.m. Pacific Time. NOTE: This is NOON, mid-day, Pacific time.

  4. If the applicant's parent and grandparent are both Elk members, the applicant must apply through the parent's Elks Lodge.

  5. We have waived the standardized test requirement for the 2025 Legacy contest. You do not need to submit ACT and/or SAT scores.

  6. Students may apply for more than one ENF scholarship; however, they may win only one. In cases where the student wins more than one, we will award the scholarship with the greater value. Students can accept local and state scholarships, which are separate from the awards at the national level.

  7. Legacy Awards may only be applied to accredited US American schools, colleges or universities. (Note: Applicants from Panama, Puerto Rico and the Philippines may apply Legacy Awards toward schools, colleges or universities in their respective homes.)

  8. If you are selected as a 2025 Legacy Awards recipient, you will be required to perform three instances of service with an Elks Lodge during the four years you are receiving the scholarship. Click here for more information about serving with the Elks.
And the Most Valuable Scholarship
Eligibility:
  • Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.

  • Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.

  • High school graduates are not eligible to apply.

  • Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.

  • Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.

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Student Scholarships.org for a number of scholarship opportunities. Make sure you thoroughly read through the requirements.

Southeast Region of Ohio School Boards Association offers a " book grant" to be awarded to one or more high school seniors who are interested in teaching or working with children and are planning to attend an accredited Ohio college, university, career technical school or technical college. Go to www.ohioschoolboards.org. Click on "Information Center"; click on 'OSBA

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