The Miami County Foundation awarded scholarships during a recent celebration. Twenty-four Miami County residents were awarded a Thelma Ross Dalton Memorial scholarship totaling $63,000. Bethel Local School District graduate Krista Nicole Casner and Ryan Craft from Covington were selected along with Louis Gaier and Kristin Jones both graduates of Lehman Catholic High School. Kurt Brower, Josh Ewing, Alicia Horton and Erin Redick were receipients from Miami East. Residents of the Milton-Union School district were Meaghan Baker, Jaren Hinten and Trey Overla. Newton School district graduates Tyrel Fisher and Marissa Kleman each received a scholasrhip while Luke Hanes and Kaele Snapp were selected from Piqua High School. Lauren Brackman, Allison Huffman, Ashley Huffman, Elizabeth Huffman and Nathaniel Schall were recipients who reside in Tipp City. Jacob Scott Henson, Joseph Lee Henson, Luke Oaks and Anya Weaver all graduates from Troy High School completed the list of Dalton Scholarship winners.“There were over 120 applications received from throughout Miami County and judging was once again very difficult. There were many outstanding applicants. Perhaps someday we can award more scholarships on an annual basis than is currently in our budget,” explained Cheryl Stiefel-Francis, Miami County Foundation Executive Director. The late Dalton was a resident of Miami County and it was her desire that these funds be available to assist Miami County residents to continue their education in any accredited college, trade/vocational or nursing/health related facility. There is neither an age limit nor a limit to the number of years a person can receive the Dalton scholarship.
The Miami County Medical Society Scholarship was awarded to six local students. Pleasant Hill residents Tyrel Fisher and Anya Weaver were chosen along with Danielle Hery of Piqua. Kaitlyn Francis Steffensmeier and Kara Francis Barfell of Troy and Kristina Thompsen of Tipp City were also recipients.
This year the Medical Society’s scholarships were given in memory of Dr. John F. Beachler, Jr. of Piqua To apply for this scholarship, the applicant must be a resident of Miami County and been accepted into or currently attending an accredited medical school, college or university pursuing an approved course of study to become a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.). Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and entry level medical students are encouraged to apply.
Nicholas Wheeler was the most recent recipient of the Robert E. Netzley Scholarship. He will graduate in May from Milton-Union High School.
Earlier this year scholarships were awarded to Newton graduates. Three scholarships were awarded from the Newton Board of Education/American Legion Scholarship Fund to Laura Burden, Macey Jamison and Trelissa Lavy. The Don Favorite Deeter, M.D. Memorial Scholarship was given to Kaitlyn Bucholtz.
St. Patrick School graduates Grace Dexter and Max Hamlin each received scholarship money to attend Lehman Catholic High School from the Dorothy Bleil Richi Scholarship Fund.
The Miami County Foundation administers and distributes the scholarships annually. A committee comprised of Miami County community members select recipients each year. Updated scholarship applications can be obtained online or by calling the Foundation office at 773-9012. Those wishing to donate to a scholarship fund may do so by mail P.O. Box 1526, Piqua, OH 45356 or online at www.miamicountyfoundation.org.