Watsontown Couple's Estate Donates $50,000 for Endowed Scholarship

Pennsylvania College of Technology has received $50,000 from the estate of a Watsontown couple to further fund their endowed scholarship for graduates of Warrior Run High School, Turbotville.

The Ralph L. and Josephine C. Smith Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually each fall to a first-year student at Penn College who is a graduate of Warrior Run High School. Other criteria for the scholarship include scholastic achievement, dedication and leadership and eligibility for financial aid.

Ralph Smith, who died in 1983, was the owner of Watsontown Foundry, which produced cast iron and cast aluminum from sand molds. He was active in community affairs and had been an elected burgess. He was a past president of the Watsontown Lions Club and a 32nd degree Mason. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and coin collector.

An avid supporter of Penn College's predecessor (the Williamsport Area Community College), Mr. Smith helped many students with their college costs.

Josephine Smith, who died in May, graduated from Milton High School, Muncy Normal School and Bucknell University. She taught school at West Milton, New Columbia and Forest Hill, often residing with the families of her students.

She had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star 282 (past matron), an honorary member of the Watsontown Guild and a member of Washington Presbyterian Church.

She had an extensive button collection, participating in statewide competitions, and was an avid traveler.