Albert J. Ball Memorial Scholarship

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The story of Albert J. Ball is one of hard work, perseverance and compassion.

Born to Albert and Mary Ball on September 22, 1929, tiny Albert was welcomed during one of the toughest of times in the United States: The Great Depression. At the young age of five, Albert’s father passed away, leaving a family to provide for themselves during this trying time. Albert worked night jobs to help support his family and it was at this time that the dream of being a business owner began for young Albert. Vowing to not only be successful, but to share his success with others became a top priority in the life of Mr. Ball. Albert fulfilled his dream by becoming the President of Ball Management Company after becoming the Owner-Operator of McDonald’s restaurants in Findlay, Kenton, Fostoria, Ottawa and North Baltimore, Ohio.

Albert Ball was a native of Toledo, Ohio, but spent 35 years of his life being a part of the Findlay community. Mr. Ball was deeply loved by many in the community and had a special tradition of filling McDonald’s bags with Christmas gifts for the special people in his life each year.

Albert was a family man who dearly loved his wife, Ruth Huston Ball, and their five children: Carol Oken, Lawrence Ball, Laura LaPlant, Albert Ball Jr., and Ann Karhoff. He enjoyed many trips to Florida with his grandchildren and spending time with his friends on the golf course. As a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Albert found his calling in serving on the Bereavement Ministry Team and as a Hospital Eucharistic Minister. His compassion for others also showed through his service to Rotary, Junior Achievement, United Way of Hancock County and Findlay Hancock Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Ball has become a legacy not only through the many volunteer activities he was a part of, but also through his lasting gift of a scholarship at The Community Foundation.

Standard for Determining Eligibility of Students

• The applicant must be a graduating senior from a Hancock County school who resides in Hancock County.
• The applicant must be full or part time student pursuing a business degree at an accredited college or university.
• The student should be able to share a specific challenge he or she has faced or an example of overcoming adversity in his or her life. This adversity may include a family illness, parental issue, a personal or physical issue, etc. The adversity will be documented in the Community Foundation application.
• The applicant must be well-rounded and have a work history at some point in high school.
• The applicant must have maintained a minimum high school GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is not meant for the top student.
• The applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Students who have received full scholarship support from other organizations or institutions for the college or university he or she decides to attend will not be considered for this scholarship.