The Ben Overholser Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce that it will be presenting two $5,000 scholarships to Darke County Jr. Fair exhibitors at the 2025 Great Darke County Fair. The deadline to apply is Friday August 1, 2025. The scholarships will be presented to the winning applicants at the Sale of Champions at this year’s Great Darke County Fair. Applications can be found here.
The Ben Overholser Memorial Foundation was established in 2021 as a way to honor the life and legacy of Ben Overholser.
Ben was a lifelong resident of Darke County. He grew up on a family farm west of Greenville where he would help the family in the fields and milked cows for a neighbor. He was also active in 4-H and Greenville’s FFA program where he served as an officer. His involvement in FFA led him to a co-op position his senior year of high school with Superior Implement and Supply Company (SISCO) in Greenville.
Ben loved his work at SISCO and worked his way up the ladder, eventually purchasing the company with his wife, Gail, in 2005. Ben used his ag background, excellent people skills, and a natural knack for business to continue to grow SISCO into one of the most respected companies in the agricultural distribution industry.
With Ben’s success, he wanted to be able to give back to help support the youth programs in the county that he held near and dear to his heart.
Through his company, Ben has donated funds to build a new preschool and athletic complex in Ansonia and a new Ag and FFA complex in Arcanum. He has also donated to FFA silent auctions and meals and has supported hundreds of 4-H exhibitors in the livestock sale at the fair each year where SISCO is frequently one of the top buyers. His numerous contributions to the county’s FFA programs have earned him honorary degrees from five Darke County FFA Chapters.
Ben was diagnosed with stage four cancer in November of 2020, and after a courageous seven-month battle, he went home to be with the Lord on May 23rd, 2021 at the age of 58.
Ben may no longer be with us physically on this earth, but his widow (Gail) and son (Josh) wanted to make sure that Ben and his giving nature and legacy would continue to live on. They discussed their ideas with Ben before his passing, and with his loving blessing, established this foundation so that Ben can continue to support his favorite causes, even after death.
Donations to the foundation will be used to fund scholarships for Darke County FFA and 4-H members among other local charitable initiatives. His family and our board of directors are so thankful for the amazing community support that will enable this foundation to do so much for Darke County’s youth.
Please click here to print an application.
Applications may be mailed to: Ben Overholser Memorial Foundation, PO Box 475, Greenville, OH 45331
You may also email your application to josh@sisco-inc.com with the subject line “Scholarship Application.”
To be eligible to receive the scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Darke County Resident
- Member of a Darke County 4-H Club or FFA Chapter
- Must have exhibited livestock or other projects at the Great Darke County Fair through
4-H and/or FFA
- Have plans to obtain a 4-year or 2-year college degree or certified trade program
- Must be an incoming senior who will graduate from high school in 2026
- Must submit a recommendation letter
- Must complete all fields of application, including essay
All applicants who meet the above criteria will be considered. Preference may be given to a student pursuing a degree in agriculture and/or business, but students pursuing other fields will also be considered.