New scholarship will support local students who demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and community involvement
By Alyssa Bump
The Battling Mind Striders (BMS) has partnered with the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) to establish the Overcoming Challenges Scholarship Fund, a new award designed to support students who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
“The meaning of ‘overcoming challenges’ means a lot to me personally because I have battled with a lot in my life,” BMS co-founder Jacob Witter said. “To me, it means hard work, never giving up, and pushing oneself through the difficulty one goes through.”
This annually funded scholarship will provide a yearly award of $500 to a current Allegany County high school senior who has shown the ability to overcome challenges — including a mental health diagnosis, physical disability, or other significant life circumstances. The recipient must have maintained a 2.5 GPA in high school and be accepted into a two- or four-year college program. Community service involvement and a demonstrated commitment to giving back will also be considered in the selection process.
Jacob, who lives with schizophrenia, has dedicated himself to building mental health awareness in Allegany County. In 2024, he partnered with peers to create Battling Mind Striders, a support group based in Wellsville, NY, focused on advocating for, supporting, and empowering individuals living with mental illness.
BMS hosts weekly community walks every Saturday at 10 a.m. (weather permitting), beginning at Catholic Charities (67 East Pearl Street) in Wellsville. These walks are designed to promote both mental and physical wellness while fostering friendship and connection among participants.
“I believe that we all have a purpose in life, and mine is to help people,” Jacob said. “BMS was created to give back in our community.”
The Overcoming Challenges Scholarship was funded through grassroots community efforts. In 2025, BMS hosted two fundraising dinners — a spaghetti dinner and a pulled pork dinner — with proceeds supporting the establishment of this scholarship fund.
“A lot of people took the time to help [with the community dinners], and I am very thankful for the assistance,” Jacob said. “I am thankful for those who helped me, including Mary Ann Newark, family, friends, and others out there.”
In 2024, Jacob was honored with the Inspiration Award by the Allegany County Mental Health Association for his leadership and dedication to mental health advocacy. He also received a Perseverance Award during his senior year of high school — recognitions that continue to inspire his commitment to serving others.
“The Overcoming Challenges Scholarship reflects the importance of helping people who may be struggling in our community,” Jacob said. “When we invest in people who have fought through adversity, we strengthen our entire community.”
To learn more about Battling Mind Striders, check out their Facebook page and consider joining the Battling Mind Striders’ Facebook Group.
The Allegany County Area Foundation manages over 100 grant and scholarship funds supporting local students and charities. To give to a fund or start a fund, contact Executive Director Bruce Campbell at director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616.
