The Washington Police Department (WPD) recently honored a Washington High School senior as the recipient of the 2021 Chief Steven Eric DiSario Memorial Scholarship.
Recently, several Washington Police Department officers congratulated graduating senior Ryan Barton for receiving the scholarship. According to the WPD, Barton was an active member of DECA and a captain of the football team. Additionally, he volunteered his time at various organizations within the community all while maintaining employment at Kroger.
Barton said that after high school he plans to continue his education at Hocking College and pursue a degree in criminal justice. He stated he would like to become a police officer locally after he completes his college course work and then ultimately become a United States Marshal.
“Congratulations to (Barton) and good luck in your future endeavors,” a recent Facebook post from the WPD stated.
As previously reported, DiSario, a graduate of the Washington C.H. High School Class of 1997, had been police chief in Kirkersville for only three weeks when he was fatally shot May 12, 2017 while responding to reports of an armed man at a nursing home in the city about 24 miles (39 kilometers) east of Columbus.
In the same year, a memorial scholarship began with funds raised by others who attended school with DiSario. Since then, officers with the Washington Police Department have helped and worked together to raise funds for a memorial scholarship.
In 2018, the Washington Court House City Schools honored DiSario by dedicating a campus road (Steven Eric DiSario Way) to his memory.
DiSario was born in Salem on Feb. 2, 1979 to Robin Walker and Thomas DiSario. Prior to becoming the police chief in Kirkersville, he was a part-time deputy marshal with the Brice Police Department, auxiliary officer with the Millersport Police Department, and in 2013 he volunteered as an auxiliary officer for the Lithopolis Police Department.
Also announced recently, the Washington High School senior class named Barton the 2021 Senior of the Year. According to a post from the district, “Each year, the soon-to-be graduates are asked to vote for a student that best represents their class, taking into consideration all facets of the high school experience. From academic performance and athletic involvement, to participation in clubs and interpersonal skills, this student should be someone who best represents what it means to be a member of the WHS Class of 2021.”
According to the district, Barton was the “official DECA mascot,” lead the organization of the COVID-19 Memorial dedication and has also coordinated multiple fundraising events to make a difference for Washington High School and its students.
Reach Martin Graham at (740) 463-9684 or on Twitter @MartiTheNewsGuy.
