Mrs. Ella Beren Hersch supported a wide variety of good causes throughout her life. Over the years, she provided ongoing support to establish and build a scholarship fund at the Foundation. Known as the Ella Beren Hersch Scholarship Fund, it provides annual awards to graduating seniors at Parkersburg High School (PHS). Recipients are selected by members of the Guidance Department of PHS based on the student's need for financial assistance for his or her educational pursuits. Recipients must also be accepted in a college, university, vocational school or other post-high school educational institution.
Ella Beren Hersch was born in Russia, a daughter of the late Harry and Rae Beren. Since 1913, Parkersburg was her home. She was a graduate of what is now Chatham College. She was a talented pianist, an amateur artist, and an avid bridge player. She served as the choir director and organist for many years at B'nai Israel, where she had been a lifelong member.
Mrs. Hersch contributed to the Ella Beren Hersch Scholarship Fund throughout her lifetime until her death in 1997 at the age of 97. Her son, Henry Hersch, who resides in California, has also supported the fund. Henry Hersch is a 1943 graduate of Parkersburg High School.
