Somerset Community College announces a new scholarship for Jackson County high school graduates

Published on Jan 29, 2024

The family of the late Paul Jones has established the Paul Jones Family Endowed Scholarship to help Jackson County high school students who want to pursue a college degree in a technical or health care field at Somerset Community College (SCC).

According to Amy Banniza, daughter of Ramona Jones and the late Paul Jones, “My mom wanted to give back to the community that has given our family so much. Mom understood the importance of education and establishing a scholarship was a wonderful way to honor our dad, Paul Jones. Our hope is that this will provide tuition assistance now as well as the promise of a prosperous future for our local students.”

Paul Jones (1930 – 2016) was a lifelong resident of Tyner located in Jackson County. He and his wife, Ramona, graduated from Tyner High School in 1948. Paul briefly attended college but decided that was not the path he wanted to take, the family farm holding greater interest for him. Ramona went on to Berea College and upon graduation she returned to Jackson County to become a teacher and librarian until 1982.

Paul opened Jones Implement Company in 1952 and sold tractors, farm implements, parts, service and supplies for more than 30 years. He was also a dealer for International Harvester trucks, selling everything from pick-ups to semi-trucks. Ramona and their four children (Robin, Amy, Jett and Stuart) spent time working in the shop over the years, either after school or during the summer. Paul and Ramona sold the business in 1983 to pursue farming full-time.

In 2009, they decided to reopen the business on a smaller scale. In addition to being a full-service Stihl dealer, they concentrate on supplying repair parts for older model tractors and equipment, plus logging supplies.

Ramona has continued to run the business even after Paul’s passing in 2016. At age 92, she still enjoys talking with customers each day and providing a much-needed service for Jackson County and surrounding areas.

"Leaving a legacy for the people of Jackson County is of great importance to Ramona. There is no better way to make a lasting impact on future generations than by establishing an endowed scholarship. This scholarship will always be available to Jackson County residents, and the legacy of the Paul Jones Family will live on," stated Cindy Clouse, Vice President of Advancement for SCC.

The scholarships will be awarded to students who meet the following criteria: The recipient must be from Jackson County and a recent graduate of Jackson County High School. They must be enrolled full-time in a high-wage, high-demand program which includes technical and healthcare programs at SCC. They must also demonstrate financial need based on the criteria established by the scholarship committee and maintain a 2.5 GPA to continue on the scholarship.

The first scholarships will be awarded for the Fall 2024 semester. To apply for this scholarship and others, visit SCC Scholarships. March 1 is the priority deadline for the first round of scholarships awarded.