SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTED — Among those on hand to present Evelyn Hatcher of Paden City High School, center, with a $1,000 scholarship were, from left, McDonald's owner/operator Bob Stoltz, crewmember Tessa Moore, Hatcher, Grimace and crewmember Brenden Moore. -- Contributed

WHEELING — Evelyn Hatcher of Paden City High School was the recipient of this year’s $1.000 scholarship from area McDonald’s Restaurants.

Presented by owner-operators from across the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference area, the presentation at halftime of the July 19 Rudy Mumley OVAC Charity All-Star Football Game in Wheeling Island Stadium. McDonald’s and the conference have partnered on the OVAC All-Star Band and scholarship for 44 years.

Funds for the band were raised April 25 during a digital fundraiser day.

Each year the OVAC All-Star Marching Band performs during the OVAC All-Star Game. The band is made up of students from throughout the OVAC conference, which includes Southeastern Ohio and Northern West Virginia.

McDonald’s owner/operators throughout OVAC came up with the fundraiser as a way to support band members who have been selected to perform from the communities they serve. Each participating restaurant donated a minimum of $250. These included restaurants owned by Amanda Stoltz-Moore, Robert Stoltz, John Ebert, Twila Mezan, Amy Ansel and Stephen Patula.

“We are proud to have these connections in the communities that we serve,” said Robert Stoltz, Wheeling owner-operator. “McDonald’s owner/operators within the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference have been proud to come together and support creative arts and music in the communities we serve. These programs highlight the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work displayed by the young musicians, which often goes overlooked. We thank everyone in the Ohio Valley who was able to support the fundraiser and help make the digital fundraiser day a success.”