Preston County
Whether it’s the scent of buckwheat cakes filling the air on festival morning or veterans standing in salute at the Bruceton Mills Honor Wall, Preston County is built on hard work, tradition, and community pride. That’s why, since 1991, we have been committed to investing in its future. It all began with an endowment from former residents P.L. and Elizabeth Cook Milkint, whose gift has since provided over $60,000 in scholarships to students in Preston and Tucker counties.
That spirit of giving continues to grow. Today, more than two dozen endowed funds support Preston County, thanks to donors who believe in strengthening the place they call home.
Our commitment remains strong with the Preston Community Fund—an unrestricted fund dedicated to supporting scholarships, nonprofits, community and economic development, educational initiatives, and other local charitable causes. Guided by an advisory committee of Preston County residents and select donors, this fund keeps decision-making local and impact meaningful.
Together, we are building a brighter future for Preston County.
Our Impact in Preston County
$11,000
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2025 Scholarships
Dillion J. Moore - Preston High School American Legion Scholarship -$3,000
Alexander J. Schmidle - Preston High School American Legion Scholarship - $3,000
Jathen X. Arnold - P.L. & Elizabeth Cook Milkint Scholarship Fund - $2,100
Alexander R. Skiles - P.L. & Elizabeth Cook Milkint Scholarship Fund - $2,000
Damian R. Rumer - P.L. & Elizabeth Cook Milkint Scholarship Fund - $2,000
Ava E. Bishop - P.L. & Elizabeth Cook Milkint Scholarship Fund - $2,000
$4,000
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Literacy Volunteers of Monongalia and Preston Counties – Materials for Adult Learners - $500
Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. – Signage Enhancement at Arthurdale Heritage - $1,400
Terra Alta Christian Youth Center – Middle School and Upper Elementary - $1,100
Preston County Caring Council, Inc. – Family Assistance - $500
Preston Mat Club – Preston Mat Club Wrestling Barn - $500
Run For It
Impact
Since 2020, Preston County’s investment of $15,000 to Run For It has generated
$51,379
for non-profit, civic, and charitable organizations in Preston County.
In the past 5 years, Preston County has had 38 teams and
525 Walkers and Runners
participate in Run For It to raise awareness and funds for organizations in the county.
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We would like to recognize and congratulate the following teams from Preston County that participated in Run For It last year. Their hard work and dedication in raising awareness and funds for numerous non-profit, civic, and charitable organizations in Preston County is commendable.
Aurora Area Historical Society
Aurora School Runs
Horizons Academy
Literacy Volunteers of Monongalia and Preston Counties
Preston County Fund Runners
Roosevelt Racers
Rowlesburg Runners
The Aurora Project
Preston County Funds
The Davis Health System Foundation Scholarship Fund, established in November 2017, provides an annual scholarship to a student pursuing a health care-related field.
The Aurora Project Endowment Fund, established in August 2018 with an initial $10,000 donation from two board members and additional public contributions, provides perpetual funding for the Aurora Project’s programs and facilities in Union District, Preston County.
The DHS Foundation Davis Family Fund, established in May 2015 with an initial donation of $34,447 from the Davis Health Systems Foundation, serves as a temporarily endowed fund dedicated to supporting the Davis Health Systems Foundation through annual distributions, with flexibility for reinvestment or additional disbursements as recommended by its governing board.
The Kingwood Elementary School Fund, established in 2015 with proceeds from Run For It Team Kingwood Stags and other donations, enhances educational services for students by addressing both academic and basic human needs, supporting character education, counseling, and school attendance.
The After School Explorers Fund, established in 2014 with proceeds from the Run For It event, provides support for after-school and parent-student programs in Preston County, enhancing educational opportunities through project-based learning and STREAM activities.
The Ohio-West Virginia Youth Leadership Association Fund, established in 1993 with contributions from the family and friends of Mavis Johnson King, provides ongoing support for the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA programs, including YMCA Camp Horseshoe, Youth in Government, and Model United Nations.
The Ellis Boury III Fund, established in 2014 through memorial donations from friends and family, supports the education and development of creative and technical writing in students and young professionals in Tucker County and surrounding areas, with a focus on humanities, tolerance, and social responsibility.
The Terra Alta Economic Development Association Fund, established in 2011 with funding from the disbanded Terra Alta Economic Development Corporation, supports charitable economic development initiatives in the Terra Alta area, including job creation, job retention, and business climate improvements.
The Knights of Pythias Brown Lodge #32 Scholarship Fund, established in 2014 with a $22,000 donation, provides financial assistance to graduating Preston County High School seniors pursuing higher education, continuing the lodge's legacy of supporting local youth.
The Citizens Bank of West Virginia Fund, established in 1995, provides unrestricted funding to support general charitable needs, continuing the bank’s commitment to community investment and philanthropy.
The Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party Fund, established in 2011 from event proceeds, provides unrestricted funding to support general charitable needs, continuing the legacy of the annual fundraiser that has sustained the Tucker Community Foundation since 1989.
The Preston Community Fund, established in 2012 with a $5,000 challenge match from the Tucker Community Foundation and public donations, provides unrestricted grant funding to benefit students and charitable organizations in Preston County.
The Mindy Pierce Historical Preservation Fund, established in 2013 with a $10,000 anonymous donation, provides sustainable funding for restoration and preservation work on historic buildings in Preston County, supporting projects through the Preston County Historical Society, the Society for the Preservation of the McGrew House, and the Old Hemlock Foundation.
The Crimson Shamrock Literacy Fund, established in 2013, provides funding for projects aimed at improving literacy and eradicating illiteracy in West Virginia, supported by donations from individuals and institutions committed to education.
The Preston High School American Legion Post 56 Scholarship Fund provides annual support for students with military affiliations or JROTC experience who are continuing their education beyond high school.
The Preston High School US Army JROTC Fund supports the operational and competitive needs of the JROTC program at Preston High School, helping to build leadership, citizenship, and academic success among student cadets.
The Crimson Shamrock Fund provides scholarships to post-graduate students from Tucker and Preston Counties, West Virginia, and Garrett County, Maryland, who are pursuing advanced degrees and demonstrate a commitment to contributing professionally to their home communities.
The Robert W. “Bill” Minear, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a beloved educator by supporting students pursuing degrees in education, with a preference for those who share his passion for teaching.
The Peter L. and Elizabeth C. Milkint Scholarship Fund provides an annual scholarship to a deserving college student from Tucker or Preston County who demonstrates strong work ethic, community involvement, and financial need.
The Lindsey and Addie Reed Fund honors the legacy of two hardworking Canaan Valley parents by supporting West Virginia University students pursuing careers in agriculture, with a preference for those from Tucker County.
Created in honor of Dr. Joyce Colbert, this scholarship supports students from Tucker and Preston Counties in West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland, who are pursuing careers in rural veterinary medicine.
Established in memory of H. Max Price, this scholarship provides support for students pursuing education at accredited trade schools, with preference for those connected to Power Construction & Maintenance, Inc.
This scholarship supports Tucker County High School graduates pursuing higher education, with preference for schools connected to the honoree’s life and values.
The Myers Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2023 in memory of Walter and Adam Myers, supports a Tucker County student attending Potomac State College. Preference is given to students in Mental Health and Addiction Studies Programs.