In a heartfelt celebration of academic achievement and community spirit, 14 deserving students were recently honored with the 2024 Robert Louis Storck Memorial Scholarships.
The awards ceremony took place at the First Lutheran Church on 19th Street in Parkersburg, where recipients, families, and supporters gathered to recognize the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
The scholarships are presented annually through the Bread of Life organization in memory of Robert “Bob” Storck, a beloved Parkersburg businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist.
Established in 1990, the Storck Memorial Scholarship has provided ongoing financial assistance to young individuals seeking to further their education and make meaningful contributions to society.
This year’s scholarship recipients represent a wide range of schools and universities:
- James Colombo – Parkersburg High School
- Abigail Ferrell – Parkersburg South High School / WVU Parkersburg
- Joscelyn Anderson – Williamstown High School
- Alayna Garst – Williamstown
- Victoria Tennant – Hilltop Christian Academy
- Sutton Stewart – Harding University
- Eric Tucker – Malone University
- Matthew Taylor – Marshall University
- Tiana Tauber – West Liberty University
- Riley Shockey – Wilmington College
- Catherine Evans – West Virginia University
- Kyle Wheeler – West Virginia University
- Lucas Wheeler – West Virginia University
- Ava Johnson – WVU Parkersburg
Applicants were required to complete a comprehensive application process that included submission of a transcript, a reference letter from a school official, and a personal essay.
In their essays, students shared insights about their accomplishments, community service, aspirations, and how the scholarship would support their educational goals.
The Bread of Life Board expressed admiration for the applicants, noting that this year’s pool stood out for its exceptional talent and commitment to service.
“We were truly impressed with the determination and achievements of these young people,” the Board stated. “They represent the values that Mr. Storck believed in—hard work, dedication, and giving back to the community.”
Robert Louis Storck (1915–1987) was the former owner and CEO of the Storck Baking Company in Parkersburg. He was widely respected for his efforts to provide opportunity and dignity to people of all backgrounds.
Following his experiences during World War II—where he flew wounded soldiers home from the Pacific—Storck became especially passionate about helping those with disabilities gain employment. His commitment to social inclusion was groundbreaking for the time and left a lasting mark on the community.
Storck’s vision extended beyond business. He firmly believed in the American Dream and the importance of lifting others up through education and opportunity. As a son of an immigrant, he shared his father’s deep love for the Mid-Ohio Valley and its potential to inspire greatness in those willing to work hard.
Today, through the continued efforts of the Bread of Life organization, his legacy lives on in each scholarship recipient. These 14 students now carry with them not only the financial support of the scholarship but also the enduring values of service, perseverance, and generosity that Robert Storck modeled throughout his life.
As these scholars head into their next chapters—whether it be college, technical training, or other educational pursuits—they will do so with the encouragement of a community that believes in their future, and with the powerful legacy of a man who dedicated his life to lifting others.
