ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - Fourteen Allen County high school seniors are getting some financial help for their next step after graduation.
OhioMeansJobs Allen County awarded $1,000 to a student in each of the school districts they work with in Allen County. For six years, job coaches have been working with students on developing career pathways and resumes with the hope they see the career opportunities they could have right here in Allen County. The students apply for the scholarship, and the job coaches help decide the winner who can use the financial award in a variety of ways.
"These can be either college or kids going into a welding career, anything like that. Anything that is going to help them buy tools, if they are going to be like an HVAC tech, anything like that, we are giving them that money to apply toward their future career and their career pathway," said Joe Patton, director of OhioMeansJobs Allen County.
"You know, it means a lot to me, because I get to go out and have this opportunity to go buy more equipment and better things with a new life after high school. So, it means a lot to me," commented Joshua Vezina, a scholarship winner from Lima City Schools.
"It means a lot to me, because it will help me get through college and help me find a way to also travel to college too. Because I am looking to try and get a vehicle and such so I can travel. So, it means a lot," stated Lucas Clay, a scholarship winner from Delphos Jefferson.
"The money means a lot to me, because it allows me to actually go and further my education at a well rounded school. I am very happy to be attending Ohio State and I think this money really helps me push to go to main campus," said Emily Morrisey, a scholarship winner from Lima Central Catholic.
This is the third year that OhioMeansJobs Allen County has awarded scholarships to seniors.
This year's recipients are:
- Allen East – Kennedi Shilling
- Apollo – Gwen Gatchel
- Bath – Adalyn Jackson
- Bluffton – Marley Kindle
- Delphos Jefferson – Lucas Clay
- Delphos St. John’s - Emma Lindeman
- Elida High School – Conner Smith
- Lima Central Catholic – Emily Morrisey
- Lima Senior – Joshua Vezina
- Lima South – Zy’A Young
- Perry – Mary Hoersten
- Shawnee – Abigail Cover
- Spencerville – Kaitlynn Brooks
- Temple Christian – Dawson Clay
