Longtime Butler Township residents and community volunteers John and Kathy Dunn strongly believe in the value of education but saw a gap when they reviewed scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors.
That’s why they’ve created a scholarship to support Butler High School graduates who are pursuing degrees from two-year colleges, technical and trade schools, or vocational programs.
Their goal is simple but powerful: skilled trades are in huge demand, and they want to give opportunities to graduating seniors who need financial assistance to seek training and credentials.
John Dunn’s story began in Brooklyn, New York, where he learned responsibility early in life after losing his father at a young age. As the oldest son, he stepped up to help support his family, working wherever he could — from iconic New York restaurants to behind-the-scenes roles that taught him the value of hard work and perseverance. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, and his final assignment brought him to the Dayton area, which he would come to call home.
He built a 37-year career with Ohio Bell, later SBC and ultimately AT&T. His work in home and business phone installation included helping install Butler High School’s computer lab during a major renovation. Though he retired in 2008, his commitment to education never stopped. He continuously took classes through correspondence, online programs and courses at the University of Dayton and Sinclair Community College, where he earned multiple associate degrees.
“John has long believed that students pursuing skilled trades need access and help in acquiring the appropriate skills and tools to be successful,” said his wife, Kathy.
Kathy Dunn has dedicated her life to education and student advocacy. Raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education, with a focus on educating special needs students, from Bowling Green State University. In 1972, she began her career with Vandalia-Butler City Schools, where she spent 41 years serving students and families. She taught special needs students at Smith Junior High School and Butler High School before becoming the district’s first special education coordinator, a role she held for a decade before retiring in 2012.
“I’ve always focused on preparing students for the life skills they need to be successful, whether through more education or specific training in a given skill or trade,” she said.
Beyond their professional lives, the couple is deeply committed to service. Both have been members of the Vandalia Lions Club for more than 40 years. John is an avid model railroader and active member of the Crossroads Railroad Club. Kathy supports Dayton Children’s Hospital through TWIGs, which raises funds for the hospital. One of their favorite projects is providing dog and cat food for the Vandalia-Butler Food Pantry, ensuring that families and their pets receive support during challenging times.
In 2025, the Vandalia-Butler Foundation awarded $65,375 in scholarships to 35 outstanding graduating seniors from Butler High School. Interested students apply in the winter through a process coordinated by the Vandalia-Butler Foundation’s Education Fund Advisory Committee, guidance counselors and The Dayton Foundation. Recipients are honored at Senior Awards Night in the spring.
For more information about how to start a scholarship fund, send an email to info@vandalia-butlerfoundation.org or call Michelle Brown, director of scholarship services for The Dayton Foundation, at (937) 225-9965.