The Pickering Grant Check is presented to Tanya McWilliams from Reggie Pickering’s wife Janis Pickering during a ceremony recently on Washington State College of Ohio’s campus. Front row from left, Washington State Director of Student Success Amanda Stilgenbauer, Dean of Students Kathy Temple-Miller, President Sarah Parker, Navy veteran and liberal arts student Tanya McWilliams and Janis Pickering. Back row from left, James Heikkinen, Bernard “Bernie” Lyons, Marine Corps Veterans Association Commander Bryan Reeder and Robert Hockenberry. (Photo Provided)

MARIETTA — A Washington State College of Ohio student and U.S. Navy veteran was awarded the Reggie Pickering Grant recently.

Tanya McWilliams, a six-year U.S. Navy veteran and liberal arts student, was awarded the $500 grant which assists veteran students with educational expenses and is designed to support those continuing their academic journeys after military service, according to a press release from the college.

McWilliams enlisted in the Navy through the delayed entry program during her senior year of high school. She served as an aircraft structural mechanic while also trying to balance her family life back home.

After completing her military service, she returned to higher education and selected WSCO for its welcoming atmosphere and accessible enrollment process, the press release said.

The grant is named in honor of Marine Corps veteran and community leader Reggie Pickering, who enlisted in 1953 and trained at Parris Island before serving at Cherry Point. After his honorable discharge, he dedicated more than 30 years to Pickering Electric and later worked as an Ohio electrical inspector for 15 years. He remained an active supporter of veteran organizations and was widely known for his commitment to faith, family and country, the release said.

“I was incredibly emotional when I learned I had been chosen for this grant,” McWilliams said. “It truly means more than I can express.”

“This support will help me continue my education while avoiding unnecessary debt, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who made this opportunity possible.”

Completing her liberal arts degree online while working two jobs, McWilliams plans to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Her long-term goal is to become a substitute teacher at Wood and Wirt County schools, with a focus on teaching elementary-level mathematics.

She said she hopes to make a meaningful difference by helping young students build strong foundational math skills early in their education.

The Reggie Pickering Grant is funded entirely through donations and community-based fundraising efforts and was brought to Washington State through the Mid-Ohio Valley Platoon of the Marine Corps Veterans Association, under the leadership of Commander Bryan Reeder.

Reeder, who has supported similar initiatives at West Virginia University at Parkersburg through a grant established in honor of Richard Maxwell, another local Marine, emphasized the importance of keeping the program local and veteran-focused.

“It’s a privilege to support fellow veterans as they work to improve their lives,” Reeder said. “This is truly veterans helping veterans.

“Every dollar donated goes directly back to supporting veterans through education.”

The association plans to grow this grant program by expanding it to additional institutions in the future.

Contributions of any amount go directly toward supporting veteran-focused

educational opportunities.

“We’re continuing to grow this program,” Reeder added. “Our goal is to reach and support even more veterans in the years ahead.”