LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Lima NAACP awarded scholarships to three local students Saturday, marking the 12th year the organization has supported students pursuing higher education. Recipients were selected based on personal essays, academic performance, and commitment to their goals.
“They have clear goals, they know what they want to accomplish, and they’re totally committed to it — not just now when it’s time to go to college, but they’ve exhibited this characteristic throughout their educational experience,” said Ronald Fails, president of the Lima NAACP.
“This scholarship is amazing. Obviously, it provides me with a ton of financial freedom,” said recipient Malachi Talbert. “An amazing organization like the NAACP providing students with scholarships to help support their dreams — that’s obviously an amazing thing. It definitely helped me last year because I received it then, and again this year.”
The NAACP says it hopes to continue providing scholarships and mentorship for years to come.
Meet the 2025 Scholarship Recipients:
Trinity Schumacher, a recent graduate of Shawnee High School, is headed to The Ohio State University main campus. She will study medical anthropology on a pre-med track, with hopes of becoming an emergency medicine physician. Schumacher said she’s wanted to be a doctor since the third grade and is passionate about helping people during their most vulnerable moments.
Malachi Talbert is entering his second year at The Ohio State University, where he studies biology with plans to become an optometrist. A graduate of Lima Central Catholic, Talbert was involved in several community and school programs, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, team leadership, praise and worship band, and sports. He said shadowing local doctors helped him discover a passion for eye care.
Jaleena Howard, a University of Cincinnati sophomore, is pursuing a degree in political science on a pre-law track. A graduate of Elida High School, she participated in student council and varsity sports, including soccer and basketball. Howard said the scholarship helps alleviate financial burdens as she works toward her goal of becoming an attorney.
