|
|
 |
These are the stories of just a few out of more than 1,600 deserving students who have been given the opportunity to reach out and pull their dreams a little closer. Please help us continue making dreams possible for others in Holmes County.
Would you like to add your story? E-mail us!
 Maureen Arnold desperately wanted to attend college but was denied any financial assistance. She received a scholarship from the Holmes County Education Foundation and is studying therapeutic massage, earning straight A's, loving school, and living life to the fullest. "For you to give me the chance to try and make something of myself at the 'advanced' age of 48," Maureen says, "absolutely stuns and overwhelms me!"
 Tom Arnold "I enjoy being reunited with the people that I have grown up with--people that have made a difference in my life." These words come from a man who places importance in Holmes County. Tom Arnold, employed by the Killbuck Savings Bank, serves his community as a Loan Officer. Tom helps local customers achieve short and long-term goals with their finances. This 1994 graduate from West Holmes High School majored in Business Management and minored in Economics from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio. "I benefited from Muskingum by coming into contact with many people from different backgrounds," Arnold stated. "This helped me adapt to different social backgrounds and come into contact with some very interesting individuals." He graduated from Muskingum in 1999.
 Pam Basinger attended Bowling Green State University, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Now working for The Commercial & Savings Bank as an assistant vice president and financial officer, she says, "I feel Bowling Green is an excellent college which prepared me very well for a business career, and provided a well-rounded education." "We are very fortunate in this area to have the Holmes County Education Foundation's assistance with higher education."
 Andrew Glasgow After spending 22 years in the oil and gas business, Andrew Glasgow decided to go back to school. In 2000, he chose Stark State College of Technology. He majored in computer science and engineering technology, online software design, successfully completing the program, and was previously employed by Valkyrie Internet Service in Millersburg in the areas of Technical Support and System Administration. Andrew states, "It has been an educational experience at Valkyrie, being able to apply what I have learned in so many different areas... I am very grateful to the Holmes County Education Foundation for the scholarship assistance received while attending school. HCEF was a large part in helping me achieve my goals." Andrew's wife Toni plans to attend college in 2004, and with four children, one of which who has also received a scholarship through HCEF, it is inspiring to see that Andrew has begun a tradition of education in his family.
 Matthew Hamsher graduated from Hiland High School in 1991 and attended Eastern Mennonite University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education in 1995. He then enrolled at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. In 1996, he returned to Holmes County after accepting the position of Assistant Pastor at Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, his home congregation. He spends most of his time working with the youth and young adults of the church, but is also responsible for worship planning, visitation, overseeing small group planning, and preaching once a month. "I am thankful for the scholarship I received and the support given to me by the Holmes County Education Foundation. I am hopeful that my work as a pastor, especially as I relate to youth and young adults, will help me to give back to the community that has given me so much support over the years." Matt and his wife, Kristina, live in Sugarcreek with their two daughters, Carrie and Andrea. He says, "We have enjoyed returning to my home community and have found it a great place for us to start raising our family."
 Crystal Horn. "I would like to thank the Holmes County Education Foundation for providing myself and others with scholarships. The support is greatly appreciated," says past recipient Crystal Horn. "By pursuing a higher education," she states, "I am able to do something I enjoy and be rewarded for it. It's a wonderful feeling to be respected as a healthcare provider and to know that I am helping others." It is no wonder that Horn is now telling her patients the importance of education. Currently a Registered Dental Hygienist for Dr. Brad Welsh's Office, Crystal educates patients on the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth. A 1997 Hiland graduate and 2000 graduate of Stark State College of Technology, Crystal concentrates on patient cleanings, x-rays, and placing dental sealants. Horn's family and friends keep her in Holmes County, but professional support also recognized the worth of her abilities. "I was fortunate that Dr. Welsh provided me the opportunity to be a part of his dental team and give back to the community. Working [there] has proved to be exciting and rewarding."
 Teresa Hoxworth. Past HCEF scholarship recipient Teresa Hoxworth says, "My educational experience allowed me to be exposed to a diverse range of classes, opportunities and people while I pursued the career I have always dreamed of." Hoxworth is a 1993 Hiland High School graduate, and received her Bachelor's degree in 1997 and DVM in 2003 from The Ohio State University. She is currently employed by East Holmes Veterinary Clinic in Berlin.
 Jason Hummel. "This assistance from the Holmes County Education Foundation helped me to take advantage of a college education," says Jason Hummel. "The education taught me how to learn and opened the door to job responsibilities that would have otherwise been closed...my degree in business management is very much a part of my job as a commercial lender. As a lender, I have to understand financial statements as well as understand the business, which was a big part of my training in business management."
 Emily Menuez graduated from Hiland High School in 1996. She attended Malone College and was formerly employed by the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce. When asked about her view of education and employment, she commented, "I was privileged to receive the Holmes County Education Foundation scholarship to assist in financing my college education. With the economic environment as it is today and the intense competition for jobs, there is no doubt that a college education gives an applicant a definite competitive edge in the job market. I am grateful that I was able to receive my college degree and will always be appreciative of the Holmes County Education Foundation's role in making that achievement possible."
 Zachary Morris. Hired as a staff accountant at Rea & Associates, Zachary Morris handles the preparation of financial statements as well as tax returns ranging from individual to corporate levels. This magna cum laude graduate from Ohio Wesleyan University states that his educational experiences "allowed me to realize that one can benefit from diversity [and] accept change. I believe I am a more rounded person because of it, and college made me look forward to coming back [to Holmes County] where I grew up...College is a large investment. I couldn't have made it without the aid of organizations such as the Holmes County Education Foundation and the wonderful people that donate to the scholarship funds."
 Adrienne Nowels. "Like many students," she says, "I was paying for the cost of college myself. By awarding me scholarship funds, the Holmes County Education Foundation enabled me to focus on the reason I was attending college - to obtain an education." .Adrienne graduated in 2002 from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in business administration, and concentrated in risk management, insurance and finance. "By attending a large institution such as OSU, I was exposed to many career options…I chose a degree that was versatile-- I can live in the city or country and still be able to find a job in my area of study."
 Amy Patterson "Attending Ohio University allowed me to experience living and working with others, learn how to manage my time and finances, and expand and broaden my knowledge," Amy Patterson states. "My educational experience," she says, "allowed me to be very confident in my position at the Commercial & Savings Bank. I use both my [major and minor] on a daily basis...I am genuinely appreciative that the HCEF offers scholarships to Holmes County residents to help defray the cost of higher education...I feel very fortunate that a scholarship in memory of a long-time Holmes County educator was established, and that I was chosen to receive a 4-year renewable scholarship in her name."
 Renee Raber, a 2000 graduate from The University of Akron, has easily been able to implement a social work degree into her position as Deputy Clerk at the Holmes County Juvenile Court. Raber's job duties include processing child support documents, performing various clerical duties, and encountering many social activities each day. "Getting a social degree," Renee says, "has helped me understand and appreciate the differences between cultures and people in general. I can apply social work principles to everyday life, even though I am not always working in the social work field." Raber is very appreciative of the financial help she received prior to her studies at The University of Akron. "HCEF's financial assistance helped me focus on my studies," she said, "rather than worrying about the financial aspect of school."
 Tracy Reiheld. "The Holmes County Education Foundation (HCEF) has given me the greatest opportunity of my life. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today. Because of the HCEF, I was able to go to college and obtain a degree." This West Holmes High School grad spent four years at Kent State University focusing her studies on Finance and Business Management. "I am more able to understand the business world [because of my education]," she states. "My experience has broadened my horizons, being that I grew up in small Holmes County."
 Karl Schlabach was raised on a dairy farm, graduated in 1992 from Hiland High School, and went on to graduate from Mt. Vernon Nazarene College with a BA in business. He is currently working in life, health and financial services at Hummel Insurance Agency, Inc., and served as the president of the East Holmes Academic Booster Club. "The Foundation does a fantastic job providing scholarships for area students," Karl stated. "Holmes County residents have been, and continue to be, extremely fortunate to have this resource available to them."
 Jennifer Thorpe graduated from West Holmes High School in 1996, where she was active in student government, ski club, and history club. She also played volleyball and basketball. She continued her education at The Ohio State University where she majored in Family Resource Management. Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology with specialization in Family Financial Planning in 2000. Jennifer maintains that her scholarship was "extremely" important while she pursued her college education. "It really helped me out," she stated. She is currently working as a Credit Analyst at the Commercial & Savings Bank, where she has been employed since July of 2000.
 Sean Warner attended Boston University from 1994 to 1997. He then obtained a B.A. in 1999 and a J.D. in 2002 from The Ohio State University. Warner is currently an attorney at Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston. "I have, however," he continues, "benefited more personally than professionally from my educational experience. Education enhances a person's appreciation of all aspects of life." Warner attributes part of his educational access to the financial aid he received through the Holmes County Education Foundation (HCEF). "The HCEF has helped me and many local people reach our educational and career goals by lending financial support at a critical state on our path to higher education...[they] provided an opportunity to succeed by making college more affordable and, therefore, possible."
 Keely Wolfe is a 1998 graduate of West Holmes High School and 2002 graduate of Ashland University, is currently a teacher and Intervention Specialist at the Holmes County Training Center. She is responsible for maintaining classroom lessons and assisting students with their own specific needs. "I've learned many techniques to practice in my classroom," Keely said. "The Holmes County Education Foundation helped pay my tuition fees, books and lab fees...I'm glad I didn't have to leave Holmes County to pursue my degree and to be employed."
top of page |
|
Millersburg, OH 44654