Liberty National Bank recently awarded two area graduates scholarships towards their college education.

Mary E. Blake is a 2016 Benjamin Logan High School graduate. Mary will be a freshman at Kent State University this fall, majoring in Spanish Literature, Culture and Translation. She is the daughter of Gary and Angela Blake of Bellefontaine.

Braden Lewis is a 2016 Bellefontaine High School graduate. Braden will be a freshman at Ohio Northern University this fall, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He is the son of Lisa Ballenger of Bellefontaine.

Each graduate received a $1,000 scholarship through Liberty National Bank’s scholarship fund. The employees, under the direction and guidance of Ronald Zimmerly, Liberty National's president and chief executive officer, created the fund.  Employees make voluntary donations to the fund.

In addition, the Board of Directors at Liberty National Bank made a commitment to match any money given through the scholarship fund up to a maximum of $500.  The scholarship is a one-time donation to a qualifying senior of an employee.

Liberty National Bank operates offices in Hardin, Logan and Union counties and maintains more than $260 million is assets.