RUMFORD — Two high school graduates were awarded scholarships from Rumford Group Homes Inc.

Annually, Rumford Group Homes awards two scholarships to a student at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford and a student at Dirigo High School in Dixfield.

The scholarships are awarded to students who plan to continue their education  and work in the social services, psychology, behavioral health or a related field. Students are selected based on their academic achievements, participation in extracurricular activities and career goals.

The scholarships are intended to honor the memory of Joyce B. Roy, who was one of the founding board members of Rumford Group Homes. She was dedicated to the mission of serving children, adolescents and families and helping them improve their futures.

Recipients were Kymberly Couch of Mexico and Amber Johnson of Dixfield.

Johnson is a graduate of Dirigo High School. She plans to continue her education at University of Maine at Farmington and will major in early childhood education. She intends to be either a pre-school or special education teacher.

Johnson is the daughter of Melinda Johnson of Dixfield and graduated in June with honors. She excelled in English and volunteered as a Big Sister through Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She was a member of the chorus club, has been a cheerleader since middle school and participated in cheering activities all four years of school.

Couch is a graduate of Mountain Valley High School. Daughter of Kennith and Marilla Couch of Mexico, she plans to attend Wheelock College in Boston, where she will major in psychology. While in high school, she was enrolled in the honors track and maintained an average grade point average of 3.7. She received the academic award letter all four years and in her sophomore year, received the English 10 Award.

Couch participated in field hockey all four years, where she was on the varsity team her junior and senior year. She participated in Nordic skiing all four years, track all four years, as well as Alpine skiing during her junior and senior year.

She was on the Academic Decathlon Team all four years and in her senior year she participated on the civil rights team and was secretary. Hobbies include her love of horses and filming selectmen’s meetings in Rumford and Dixfield several times a week.

Couch held a volunteer job at a summer camp Living Waters in Danforth for two years where she took care of horse and helped youth to learn to ride.

For the past 37 years, Rumford Group Homes has served abused, neglected and homeless children, youth and families by providing a variety of supportive services. Last year, the agency served more than 500 children, youth and families. For more information or to make a referral, call 364-3551.