Xenia Community Schools Foundation

08/24/2026

Xenia Community Schools Foundation to Host Annual Fundraiser.

The Foundation will once gain host a themed dinner prepared by Marc Perkins of Nick's Restaurant in Xenia. The event will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Devil Wind Brewing from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
This year's theme is an “All American BBQ”. The menu includes:
Appetizer:
Smoked jalapeno poppers

Entree:
Smoked Meat Trio Platter including:
Brisket, Pulled Pork Slider and Baby Back Ribs
Cowboy Beans
American Potato Salad
Hot Honey Kissed Cornbread

Proceeds from the event help support the Foundation's Classroom Grants Program. Tickets are $45.00 each and include the meal and two beverages. Bill George will provide music and there will be a “Pick a Prize” Raffle. Tickets can be purchased online at xcsfoundation.com through the “Donate Today” option, or at the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce, 334 W. Market St., in Xenia. Call (937) 376-2951 during business hours or leave a message for additional information.

08/10/2026

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces First Year Teacher Supply Grant Awards for the 2026-2027 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently voted to provide a $500.00 supply grant to each newly hired first year ever teacher in the Xenia Community Schools. These funds for these grants will help the new staff get off to a successful beginning in their new careers, as they set up their classrooms for the first time. The funds will be administered through the XCS Treasurer's Office and the purchases guided by the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Tara Palmer.

Grants awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The Foundation announced a “Sponsor a Grant Program” eight years ago. Individuals, organizations and businesses commit to providing funds to cover a portion of or an entire grant for a minimum of $500.00. This new initiative is being supported, in part, by a generous contribution from Janet Adkins, in memory of her late husband, Gale Adkins, a long time coach, teacher and principal in Xenia Community Schools.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation awards grants to teachers and staff of the Xenia Community Schools. Any Xenia Community Schools’ staff or community member can apply to the Foundation to fund special projects in classrooms. Projects are geared towards enriching student learning. Some applications represent district-wide initiatives. All the grants for Xenia Community School students and teachers are beyond what regular school funding can provide.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation, formerly known as the Xenia Educational Endowment Fund, is an Ohio non-profit 501(C) (3) corporation. Gifts made to the XCSF qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions. The Board of Directors includes both local residents and staff of the Xenia Community Schools District. For information about the XCSF, visit the website (xcsfoundation.com), check them out on Facebook (Xenia Community Schools Foundation) or leave a message at the Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591.

06/30/2026

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Dr. James A. Smith Memorial Scholarship

The Board of Directors of the XCSF have established an annual scholarship in memory of Dr. James A. Smith. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization operating in collaboration with and in support of the Xenia Community Schools. In addition to the scholarships, the Foundation has awarded almost $60,000.00 for the 2026-2027 term in classroom grants for twenty-six special projects. The scholarships are funded with proceeds from the annual Xenia Community Schools Foundation Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony, along with earnings on investments and donations.
Jim Smith was a lifelong educator, mentor, coach, and leader. His impact on Xenia Community Schools and the greater Xenia community will be felt for generations. Dr. Smith dedicated 35 years to Xenia Community Schools., he served in a number of different roles including teacher, coach, principal, intervention specialist, interim treasurer, business and finance director, and superintendent. With his leadership, the district experienced significant growth and improvement. Some of his accomplishments include: opening of the Doug Adams Fitness Center, establishment of Veteran’s Field at Cox Stadium, transition to a middle school system, and significant improvements to district facilities. He retired as former Xenia Community Schools Superintendent in 2004.

Dr. Smith was also dedicated to service in the Xenia community. He served with the Xenia Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, the Xenia Community Schools Foundation (formally the Xenia Educational Endowment Fund), and the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. He was awarded the Torrence Award from the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce for his dedication and leadership and the Exemplary Leadership Award from the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. He was established as an Emeritus member of the Xenia Community Schools Foundation Board of Directors when his term of service with them ended.
The Xenia Community Schools Foundation provides two scholarships each year. Students applying for the scholarships follow the scholarship application process at XCS, and Foundation's Scholarship Committee reviews the applications and make the final selections.

06/04/2026

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Classroom Grant Awards and Sponsorships for the 2026-2027 School Year

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation (XCSF) recently awarded almost $60,000.00 for 25 grants to the Xenia Community Schools. The grants will fund projects that are innovative and provide enhancements to the standard school curriculum.

One group of awards focuses on science, including funds for a Chemistry Club project at Xenia High School and STEM themed projects at several elementary schools. The Chemistry Club Project is geared towards science experiment instruction in the elementary schools.

The Foundation is funding several grants focused on improving school climate, leadership skills, citizenship and student behavior. These include “WEB – Where Everybody Belongs” and the McKinley Elementary “Sharing is Caring Club”. “Building the Next Generation of Leaders at XHS” and “Bringing History to Life” are also among the projects being funded.

Dr. Nodie M. Washington, PhD, through the Dr. Jenene Washington - Stepter Science Grant is sponsoring the “XHS Chemistry is Fun Chemistry Club!”, Warner Middle School's “Solar Oven” and Cox Elementary's “Tiny Hands, Creative Minds-Building Tomorrow” projects.

Paul Marshall, XHS Class of 1959, is the sponsor of The Muse Machine at Xenia High School and Warner Middle School, along with The Muse Machine STEAM initiative at Cox Elementary.

Funds donated by the Xenia Fraternal Order of Eagles #1689 are supporting the XCS Elementary Library Grant for new book purchases and the WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) initiative at Warner Middle School.

Gary Fauble is supporting four grants focused of students with disabilities in memory of his wife, Sheila Fauble. These include: “STEM Experiences”, “Sensory Tables for SUNroom Students”, “AAC Story Time with the Greene County Library” and “Together We Thrive-Inclusive Community Journeys”. Sheila Fauble was a special education teacher in Xenia Schools for a number of years.

Peter and Pamela Julian are , once again, supporting the “Just Write” program at XHS.

Joan Hammond of W.A. Hammond Drierite Company, LTD is the sponsor for the “Earth's Interior 3-D Model” project at Warner Middle School.

Tara Palmer is supporting the “Winter STEM Challenge Day-Engineering Holiday Magic” at Shawnee Elementary and the “Mountain Math and Mountain Reading” initiative.

The amount awarded by the Foundation would not be possible without the help of the community. The Foundation announced a “Sponsor a Grant Program” eight years ago. Individuals, organizations and businesses commit to providing funds to cover a portion of or an entire grant for a minimum of $500.00. Grants available for sponsorship have been selected by the XCSF Board of Directors from staff-submitted applications and an extensive application review and selection process conducted in conjunction with Xenia Community Schools.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation awards grants to teachers and staff of the Xenia Community Schools. Any Xenia Community Schools’ staff or community member can apply to the Foundation to fund special projects in classrooms. Projects are geared towards enriching student learning. Some applications represent district-wide initiatives. All the grants for Xenia Community School students and teachers are beyond what regular school funding can provide.

Xenia Community Schools Foundation, formerly known as the Xenia Educational Endowment Fund, is an Ohio non-profit 501(C) (3) corporation. Gifts made to the XCSF qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions. The Board of Directors includes both local residents and staff of the Xenia Community Schools District. For information about the XCSF, visit the website (xcsfoundation.com), check them out on Facebook (Xenia Community Schools Foundation) or leave a message at the Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591.

05/11/2026

XCSF Announces Class of 2026 Scholarships

Sierra Bice and Lorelai Ladd are the recipients of the annual scholarships sponsored by the Xenia Community Schools Foundation. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization operating in collaboration with and in support of the Xenia Community Schools. In addition to the scholarships, the Foundation awarded almost $50,000.00 for the 2025-2026 term in classroom grants for twenty-six special projects. The scholarships are funded with proceeds from the annual Xenia Community Schools Foundation Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony, along with earnings on investments and donations. The scholarships were announced at the annual Scholarship Awards Assembly at Xenia High School on May 7, 2026.

Sierra Bice has been active in Winter Guard, Color Guard, Theater, Ensemble, Chemistry Club, National Honor Society and Freshman Mentors. She has held leadership positions in most of her activities. She has also been active with volunteer work in a number of local organizations. Her future plans include pursuing a career in arts focusing on musical theater. She will attend a four year university to major in Music and Business Entertainment with a minor in dance or music.

Lorelai Ladd has played three varsity sports, including volleyball, swimming and basketball. She has served as a officer in HOSA, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Mentors Program. She is focused on displaying leadership qualities in everything she does. She is a Youth Group member at Xenia Nazarene Church. Her professional goals include becoming a nurse practitioner. She is well on her way to achieving that goal. She is earning her STNA and working on her LPN and BSN. She plan to a attend a four year university.

The Foundation also administers funds for several other scholarships.

1. John E. Meyer II Memorial Scholarship - The scholarship is funded by the sponsor family through the Xenia Community Schools Foundation.

2. Paul Marshall, XHS Class of 1959, Scholarships - Two $5,000.00 scholarships were awarded this year. The recipients are: Auriyana Haney and Jiya Kaushal

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation provides $3,000.00 in a scholarship to two graduating seniors. Students applying for the scholarship follow the scholarship application process through the Guidance Office at Xenia High School. The Foundation Scholarship Committee reviews the applications and make the final selections.

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

Four exceptional graduates of Xenia High School were inducted into the Xenia Community Schools Foundation Hall of Honor on April 25, 2026. These four individuals will serve as role models for former, current and future students, along with the entire Xenia Community. Left to right: Joshua T. Cousins, Garry Cohn, Steve Brodsky (XCSF President), Barbara Stafford (XCSF Executive Director), Connie Smith (on behalf of John Richard Smith), and Gary Allen

04/08/2026

Xenia Community Schools Foundation to Hold Annual Hall of Honor Event

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation will induct four Xenia graduates into the Foundation's Hall of Honor Class of 2026. The Twenty-Eighth Annual Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, 6:30 PM at Warner Middle School. The dinner will be preceded by the Twelfth Annual Silent Auction for Grants beginning at 5:30 PM. Tickets are $45.00 each and are available at the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce through April 17th. The Chamber is located at 334 W. Market Street. Call: (937) 372-3591 for more information.
The Xenia Community Schools Foundation invites the community to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 Hall of Honor inductees:

Gary Allen, XHS Class of 1982 - Military Service, Law Enforcement, Public Servant, Youth Mentor

Garry Cohn, XHS Class of 1973 - Broadcaster, Emcee, Role Model

Joshua T. Cousins, XHS Class of 2006 - Student Athlete, USAF Academy, Distinguished Leader, Role Model

John Richard Smith, XHS Class of 1966 - Businessman, Community Philanthropist

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is dedicated to enriching the academic pursuits of all students, faculty and staff within the Xenia Community Schools. The Foundation has provided grants for classroom enrichment programs and scholarships from donations and investment income of the Foundation for more than thirty years.

03/04/2026

Xenia Community Schools Foundation Announces Hall of Honor Class of 2026

Congratulations are in order for the Xenia Community Schools Foundation Hall of Honor Class of 2026! Four new members will be honored this year. The Twenty-Eighth Annual Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, 6:30 PM at Warner Middle School. The dinner will be preceded by the Twelfth Annual Silent Auction for Grants beginning at 5:30 PM. Tickets are $45.00 each and are available at the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is located at 334 W. Market Street. Call: (937) 372-3591 for more information.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation invites the community to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 Hall of Honor inductees:

Gary Allen, XHS Class of 1982 - Military Service, Law Enforcement, Public Servant, Youth Mentor
Gary Allen has been dedicated to service throughout his adult life and career. As a student at XHS, he split his time between class, wrestling and working at McDonald's. Post high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He served his country in the US Army as part of the 101st Airborne Division and the Ohio National Guard.
Gary completed advanced leadership training at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. He spent most of his career in law enforcement, joining the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 1988, He served for 32 years before retiring with the rank of Major. Mr. Allen served in a variety of posts during his career. He held many executive leadership positions including: Commander of the Ohio Investigative Unit, District Commander, Post Commander and Major of the Office of Criminal investigations. Gary also provided security for several Ohio Governors and served as a security liaison for over ten years during the Arnold Schwarzenegger Bodybuilding Classic. He was selected as Post Trooper of the year three times.
Gary Allen served as a volunteer for youth for seven years while serving on the board of the Ohio After School All Stars. The group is dedicated to providing “transformative out-of-school experiences for nationwide low income youth to help narrow the gap”.
Gary is currently serving in the position of Chief of Operations at the Ohio Industrial Commission.

Garry Cohn, XHS Class of 1973 - Broadcaster, Emcee, Role Model
Garry Cohn, both a Xenia native and XHS graduate, is proud to represent his hometown where ever he goes.
He focused on English, Journalism and Music in high school and worked at WGIC-WBZI while attending high school. He is now in his 53rd year in radio, having worked at stations across the country including WSM Radio Nashville (The Grand Ole Opry Station).
He holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in Religious Education and a Doctorate of Ministry in Psychology from Faith Bible Theological Seminary.
Garry has worked at radio stations cross the country including as host of a nationally syndicated radio show heard in 150 markets. He has been nominated as DJ of the Year by Singing News Magazine, Cash Box Magazine, Music City News and Gospel Voice Magazine and as Syndicated Radio Show of the Year with “Inside Gospel”music program and “Southern Gospel Up Close” music program.
He is Editor in Chief of Gospel Voice Magazine in Nashville and has served on boards and committees with such organizations as: Southern Gospel Music Association and the Southern Gospel Music Guild, and on several country music boards in Nashville, as well as, the Gospel Music Association in Nashville and the Ohio Gospel Musical Association.
Garry is a role model for making one's dreams, focus and hard work a lifelong career reality.

Joshua T. Cousins, XHS Class of 2006 - Student Athlete, USAF Academy, Successful Businessman, Role Model
Joshua T. Cousins was a multi-faceted high school standout. He achieved academic success graduating in the top ten percent of his class, was an athletic standout playing three sports and served as a wide receiver in football, earning three varsity letters. He exhibited his leadership skills as a member of the National Honor Society and a Student Council officer.
Post high school, he attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and played a standout role as a wide receiver.
Joshua went on to a 12 year active-duty Air Force career after earning his commission.
He rose to the rank of Major and held numerous elite assignments. He earned multiple top-level commendations and recognition as one of the best officers in the Air Force.
Josh continued on his leadership path, once he finished his military service, at Nike, Inc. where he succeeded in moving forward enterprise transformation initiatives. He continues to exhibit a commitment to service, excellence and innovation.
He is a true role model for current and future Xenia students, and members of the Xenia Community.

John Richard Smith, XHS Class of 1966 - Businessman, Community Philanthropist
John Richard Smith played football and baseball at Xenia High School. He was inducted, as part of the 1964 WOL District Champion Football Team, into the Xenia Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. He went on to play baseball at Bowling Green University.
His career included jobs as a train Brakeman/Conductor in Greene County, Manager of the Cast Away Club, Greene County Deputy Sheriff and, ultimately, in 1984, as founder and President of Buckmann's Harley Davidson in Xenia.
In that role, he began ongoing philanthropic activities that flourished in support of multiple local organizations. Buckmann's sponsored the Rocky Thomas student academic/athletic achievement award scholarship at XHS for many years and the Greene County Community Health Foundation through the Rusty's Ride Fundraiser by raising funds for holiday gifts for needy children. For over 20 years, he supported the Golden Age Senior Citizens by providing financial support through the HOGS (Harley Owners Group) group which held motorcycle raffles to raise funds, In addition, for 18 or more years, he supported Xenia Rotary through the Rotary Rides to Ripley fundraiser, along with Muscular Dystrophy fundraisers.
John Richard Smith passed away on December 26, 2022. He is missed by many in the Xenia community and is a role model for helping others in his community.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is dedicated to enriching the academic pursuits of all students, faculty and staff within the Xenia Community Schools. The Foundation has provided grants for classroom enrichment programs and scholarships from donations and investment income of the Foundation for more than thirty years.