Spencer Reames hears the details about a scholarship established in his name from Sally Stolly, director of administrative services at Benjamin Logan Local Schools. Reames has been impacting students’ lives for over 55 years. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
He’s had an impact on thousands of students for over five decades … and now that legacy will last indefinitely as Benjamin Logan Local Schools (BLLS) has set up a scholarship in honor of science teacher Spencer Reames.
With that in mind, BLLS staff, teachers, board members, students (current and former), friends and family members surprised Reames with a party to recognize his accomplishments on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Kirkmont Center in Zanesfield. And they started the celebration by presenting Reames with a large check to symbolize the $27,660 scholarship fund.
“You will have a voice in deciding how many scholarships will be awarded each year,” Sally Stolly, BLLS director of administrative services, explained, “along with the criteria.”
Reames’ initial response was simple. “I’m overwhelmed and really surprised and not quite sure what to say.”
Stolly, who organized Wednesday’s event, said they would start handing out these scholarships in May 2024. She then read messages from former students, including an email from Larrilyn (Yelton) Grant, who is about to start her first attending job at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.
“Your challenging me during senior year anatomy and belief in me helped me be prepared for college, medical school and beyond,” Grant wrote. “I hope to inspire and change the lives of future students as you have changed mine.”
Other former students, family members and colleagues were given an opportunity to share, starting with Dr. Jason Robson with Robson Family Dentistry in Bellefontaine. Robson remembers Reames from his freshman year, beginning with his first impression: what could he learn from a hippie who looked like Albert Einstein’s love child?
That question was quickly answered. In fact, Robson felt Reames expanded the scope of biological science education at Benjamin Logan.
“His support of students to learn is incredible and hasn’t wavered all these years,” Robson said. “He prepared us for science fairs, prepared us to take tests, and prepared us to face life.”
Aaron Reames, Spencer’s son, was also in attendance, and spoke about the impact his dad has had on him as well as on the lives of the students he’s taught.
Spencer Reames, a 1964 Bellefontaine High School graduate, is currently in his 56th year as a teacher. He earned his bachelor of science in education from Bowling Green State University, then received a master’s degree at Ball State University.
If you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, checks made out to the Spencer Reames Scholarship can be mailed to the Logan County Education Foundation, 1973 State Route 47 West, Bellefontaine, Ohio, 43311.