MARIETTA, OHIO — Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) is proud to announce Jonathon Hicks, a U.S. Army veteran and Practical Nursing student, as the inaugural recipient of the Reggie Pickering Grant. This $500 grant, which can be used for any educational expenses, recognizes outstanding veteran students and aims to provide continued support for those who have served our country.
Hicks, a former combat medic who completed a deployment in Afghanistan and served as a platoon sergeant, is grateful for the recognition and support. “It’s always amazing as a student to have the backing of outside groups, especially those dedicated to veterans,” said Hicks. “I am very grateful for all of the support I have received at WSCO from my advisors, instructors, and now the additional support from the Mid-Ohio Valley Platoon of the Marine Corps Veterans Association of OH and WV.” Hicks is set to graduate from the Practical Nursing program at WSCO this year and plans to continue his education by bridging to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
The grant is named in honor of Reggie Pickering, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran and community leader. Pickering enlisted in 1953 and trained at Parris Island, later attending preparatory school in Florida and jet engine school in Tennessee. He went on to serve at Cherry Point before being honorably discharged. Following his military service, Pickering dedicated 33 years to Pickering Electric and later served 15 years as an Ohio electrical inspector. He was an active member of the Marine Corps League and the Mid-Ohio Valley Marine Veterans. His deep commitment to faith, family, and country left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
The idea to establish the grant at WSCO was spearheaded by MCVA Commander, Bryan Reeder, who has been involved in awarding similar grants at West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP) for several years. “We wanted to keep this initiative local and ensure deserving veteran students at WSCO receive support,” said Reeder. Bernie Lyons, a member of the Mid-Ohio Valley Platoon Marine Corps Veterans Association, played a key role in naming the Ohio-based grant after Pickering, and permission was secured through his wife, Janis. During a small, private ceremony at WSCO, Janis presented the grant to Hicks in honor of Reggie.
The college selects the grant recipient based on merit and need, ensuring that the most deserving students benefit from this initiative. The funding is entirely donation-based, with contributions from community efforts such as fundraising drives at Sam’s Club and partnerships with local organizations. All donations go back into the community, supporting projects like veteran monuments and educational grants.
“This is just the beginning,” said Reeder. “We hope to continue and expand this grant to support more veteran students in the future.”
