The Don Bucher Memorial Scholarship, supports Pickaway County 4-H and FFA students pursuing further education
The Pickaway County Community Foundation (PCCF) is honored to incorporate the Don Bucher Memorial Scholarship. This is a new scholarship to honor the late teacher and mentor Don Bucher who passed in August 2024.
Cindy Bucher, his wife, said Don was a farmer through and through, getting experience from his childhood farm in Putnam County. Don learned to drive the grain truck at a young age and even drove it to the elevator before he was a teenager. “Farming since a child impacted Don the rest of his life, Cindy said. His agriculture background influenced his career choices and the relationships he made along the way.”
Don spent his collegiate career at The Ohio State majoring in Ag Education. It was at OSU where Cindy said she literally fell for him in Ice Skating 101, and later married Don, where they spent the next 53 years together.
After college he began his teaching career where he taught in several school districts as a Vocational Agricultural Teacher. His teaching career spanned over 32 years, including Teays Valley High School. Don had a giving heart and spent some of his spare time as a FFA and 4-H advisor, while also helping his children raise sheep.
“Some of my earliest memories are of him being my 4-H advisor and being busy at the fair, Kristen King, Bucher’s daughter said. I always felt very official and important riding around with him in the fair board golf carts. His support was always there and as the years went on, I witnessed how much he supported his students. He made lifelong friends from his Ag days that have continued to this day even after his passing.”
Later in life, Don volunteered at his church, Emmett Chapel, and Mt. Oval Historic House and Farm as their farm manager. He also loved visiting the national parks and traveling during his retirement.
Cindy said, “Anytime someone needed help, he was always available and eager to assist. He served in every area of his life.”
Alexis Conrad, executive director of PCCF, expressed the Foundation’s deep honor in helping establish a scholarship in Mr. Bucher’s name. Conrad said, “Agriculture is a cornerstone of the culture, identity and history of Pickaway County. Through this scholarship, we have the privilege of helping the Bucher family celebrate a man whose life embodied those values. By supporting students who share his passions and love for the agriculture, we ensure that Mr. Bucher’s memory, and impact will continue to grow for years to come.”
For the family, being able to continue his work of supporting students was important in keeping his legacy, memory, and spirit alive. This is the reason why they chose to set up a scholarship in his name at PCCF.
Cindy said, “Awarding this scholarship means so much to our family. As I think through the years, there are so many students who excelled, maybe more than they would have if they hadn’t been involved in FFA. The leadership skills and the building of character was important to Don as a teacher. The scholarship helps us continue his work.”
Cindy admitted she wasn’t yet in the headspace to think of how to honor her husband, but a spark from her daughter helped set the ball in motion. “Since his passing in August of 2024, we began thinking of ways to continue his legacy,” stated Kristin. “We wanted to honor a senior from Pickaway County, and since PCCF didn’t have a 4-H or FFA scholarship established, it was important to us to create a scholarship in his memory.”
King called the set-up process easy. “It was a smooth process, and it is our honor to present this scholarship each year in dad’s memory.”
As for how he would feel, the family believes he would be honored to support a senior from the County. Cindy said, “He wouldn’t believe what we’re doing and how we’re continuing his dedication to Ag education and supporting students in our community.”
To donate to the Don Bucher Memorial Scholarship Fund, or any of PCCF’s funds visit yourpccf.org/donate and scroll down to search the funds and learn more about each of their purposes.
If you are interested in setting up a scholarship fund at PCCF, please contact Alexis Conrad, at 740-477-6207 or via email at alexis.conrad@yourpccf.org.
