The Loudonville Free Street Fair is approaching and that means it's time for Loudonville seniors to start thinking about applying for the Kettering Scholarship Awards: the FFA Scholarship and the Science and Technology Scholarship. The scholarships are endowed by the Kettering Family to continue the legacy of local invertor Charles F. Kettering and are awarded every fall during the Fair.
Mr. Kettering was born in Loudonville on August 29, 1876, and was an inventor, engineer, and businessman. His most notable inventions were the electric automobile self-starter, leaded gasoline, Freon, and the electric cash register. In 1914, he became president of the Flxible Company, providing significant funding for the company. Also in 1914, he founded the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company developing a propeller-driven guided missile used in World War I. From 1920-1947 Mr. Kettering was the director of research at the General Motors. Also known as "Boss Ket", Mr. Kettering co-founded Delco (Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company) to design automobile electrical equipment. Mr. Kettering was also highly known for many other inventions and held 186 patents. To quote Mr. Kettering, "Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down."
Loudonville seniors interested in applying for the scholarships should reference pages 71 and 72 in the 2026 Loudonville Fair Book for instructions to complete their application. Students may apply for only one scholarship.
FFA-Agricultural Scholarship: will be awarded to qualified applicants planning to study agriculture, food and environmental science. Students must have maintained a 2.0 GPA and are enrolled at Loudonville High School or attending Heartland Technical Education Center. The FFA member must major in an approved agricultural career field and must be an affiliated chapter member. Applicants must have previously taken at least one agriculture education course (1 1/4 credit hours), and during the current school year must complete one agriculture education course.
Science and Technology Scholarship: will be awarded to a qualified applicant planning to study biological or physical sciences, computer technology or an engineering field. Scholarships will be given to qualified applicants who have maintained a 3.0 GPA and planning to pursue post-high school education.
Applications are due by Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Be sure to see the displays at the Fair celebrating Mr. Kettering's 150th Birthday!