Former students of John Hartzler created the John E. Hartzler Endowed Scholarship Fund in memory of his life and his career in education.

John began his teaching career in Jeromesville in 1933 and accepted a position at Ashland High School in 1936. He was an accomplished musician and enjoyed working with Dr. Louis Pete in the Music Department, with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra and with the All-Ohio Boys Band at the State Fair. Many of his students remember him playing the piano in school assemblies and musicals.

Hartzler served as Principal of Ashland High School from 1951-1957. He then accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Akron Public Schools and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1972.