EAST PALESTINE — Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw has repeatedly said that his company plans to invest in the future of East Palestine. On Friday, Shaw put his own money where his mouth is and made a personal contribution of $445,000 to establish the Bulldog Legacy Scholarship at East Palestine High School.

“When Norfolk Southern said they were going to make it right by the East Palestine community, I personally committed to do that myself, and it was really important to me that I personally funded this scholarship,” Shaw said.

Shaw, a father of two boys and two girls, attended the senior scholarship ceremonies at the high school and announced this year’s recipients — Linsey Evans, Weston Jones, Libby McElroy and Ryan Rosen — which mirror his family’s dynamics.

“I have two kids who have already graduated high school and two more who are getting ready to go through the process.” Shaw said, addressing the four recipients. “Being a dad, I know how hard you work to get to where you are. And also being a dad, I know how proud your parents are of what you have accomplished, so I congratulate all of you.”

Evans plans to attend Columbiana County Joint Vocational Center and become a registered nurse. Jones will attend Youngstown State University to study civil engineering. McElroy and Rosen also are headed to YSU, with both planning to study business.

“We looked for students who have a high degree of academic success, leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact to the community.” Shaw said. “I can tell you there were an incredible amount of qualified candidates for this reward, which really speaks to the quality of the school system and to the quality of the community.”

The donation is an endowment created to provide scholarships for students indefinitely and is designed to generate income to support the scholarships year after year.

This year’s winners received $1,000 and will be awarded up to $4,000 through their secondary-education careers, as long as academic performances are maintained. The recipients also received a MacBook Air.

“I congratulate the entire 2023 graduating class of East Palestine High School. They have worked hard to reach this milestone,” Shaw said. “Investing in education and our future leaders are two of the most important things we can do to ensure the success of our communities.”