This scholarship fund honors E. S. Shannon and Richard Grissom and annually provides a scholarship to a Parkersburg High School graduating senior who has excelled in journalism or English.

Most of E. S. Shannon's life was spent in Parkersburg, where he was born. He attended Nash Grade School and graduated from Parkersburg High School. Shannon served as Superintendent of Wood County Schools from 1949-1963. He had previously held the positions of Assistant Superintendent, Principal of Williamstown School, Assistant Principal at Parkersburg High School, and English teacher at Parkersburg High School. During his years as Superintendent, he initiated a number of school building projects, spearheaded several successful bond levy campaigns, and championed increased compensation for teachers.

Mr. Shannon received his Bachelor's degree from Morris Harvey College at Barboursville and his Master's degree from the University of New Mexico. He also studied at Columbia and Ohio Universities. He was a member of the Parkersburg Kiwanis Club, Chi Beta Phi, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, and a 50-year member of Williamstown Masonic Lodge 129 AF&AM. He also was active in Boy Scouting.

Mr. Shannon was married to Pearl Hainor and had one child, Julia Russi. Mrs. Shannon died in 1969. Mr. Shannon later married Ethel King, a widow whom he had known since college days at Morris Harvey.

Richard Grissom was the son of Howard W. and Elizabeth S. Grissom of Parkersburg. Richard was tragically killed by a hit and run driver in New York. Richard graduated from Parkersburg High School, where he was active in the journalism department and in the school newspaper.