​In memory of Cletus Vetter, this college scholarship is meant to bring back into focus the vital necessity and passion for natural resource conservation by encouraging college bound students to consider a career in conservation, natural resources, agriculture or a related field. 

The Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) will award one $1,000 college scholarship to a resident/student of Defiance County. The recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student at a two-year or four-year accredited college, university or technical school beginning in the fall of 2023. The scholarship will be payable directly to the college or university. 

Download the file and email completed application to chris@defianceareafoundation.org or mail to 
​Defiance SWCD, 06879 Evansport Road, Suite C, Defiance, Ohio 43512

2023 Scholarship Recipients

The scholarship committee decided to award 2 - $1,000 scholarships this year. The 2023 winners are Molly McGuire and Carrie Zeedyk. Molly McGuire graduated from Fairview High School and plans to attend The Ohio State University-Newark to study College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. Carrie Zeedyk graduated from Fairview High School and plants to attend The Ohio State University to earn a degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics.

The Defiance Soil and Water Conservation District and the Defiance Area Foundation partnered to raise funds to establish the Cletus Vetter Memorial College Scholarship for a Defiance County student/resident. The SWCD was fortunate to have Clete as a very active Supervisor for over 20 years. He gave endless hours of volunteerism and was active in many other organizations as well. Throughout Clete's lifetime, he received numerous awards and distinctions along with having an impact on soil and water conservation through his farming practices and his leadership.