Bill Webster Memorial Scholarship Established to Support Local Students in Cattaraugus County
The Bill Webster Memorial Scholarship aims to inspire students through a legacy of perseverance, kindness, and community connection.
OLEAN - Always the life of the party, Bill Webster had the innate ability to make anyone laugh.
With the establishment of the Bill Webster Memorial Scholarship at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, his family hopes to continue his good-spirited legacy to the next generation of area students.
A graduate of Friendship High School, Webster worked as a truck driver for UPS for over 31 years, where he proudly drove the Olean area route for 20 years. This was more than just a job to him - it was a way to make connections and lasting relationships with customers, many of whom became his lifelong friends.
Family was always at the heart of everything for “Billy.” His favorite time was spent at home cooking out and playing corn hole with his friends and family. Bill’s final wish was to travel to Nashville, Tennessee with his family to experience the city and the infamous Broadway Street, which he accomplished in February of 2025.
The scholarship, established by Webster’s family following his passing after a courageous 16-year battle with cancer, will be for graduating seniors of Portville, Olean, Friendship, Cuba and Wellsville high schools, planning to pursue a degree in any field at either a 2- or 4-year institution of higher education. Applicants will submit an essay on perseverance and overcoming struggles and must be in good academic standing. Preference will be for students demonstrating financial need, but financial need is not a requirement.
“We hope to inspire future generations of students who, like Billy, will carry forward his strength, kindness and commitment to others - making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond,” said CRCF Executive Director Kirk Windus. “We are honored to partner with his family in creating a lasting tribute to his legacy.”
Donations can be made to the Bill Webster Memorial Scholarship at CRCF, 301 North Union St., or online at cattfoundation.org.
The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call 716-301-CRCF(2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org, or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).