Ravenna, Ohio, May 26, 2026 – The Portage Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards, distributing more than $61,000 to students across Portage County pursuing a wide variety of educational and career paths. Thanks to the generosity and vision of local donors who have established scholarship funds as an investment in Portage County’s future, this year’s awards will support not only traditional college-bound students, but also those pursuing careers in the skilled trades and technical fields.
“We’re especially excited this year to recognize such a broad range of student achievements and aspirations,” said Janice Simmons-Mortimer, executive director of the Portage Foundation. “These scholarships represent the generosity of community members who believe in supporting local students wherever their paths may lead, whether that’s college, technical training, or the skilled trades. It’s inspiring to see donors creating opportunities that truly reflect the needs and strengths of our community.”
Award Recipients by School:
Aurora High School
George L. and Genevieve D. Moore Endowed Scholarship: Kamryn Milano, Katelyn Paczak, Mason VanRaepenbusch, Dominic Colello, Sophie Frissore, Riley Verespej
Bio-Med Science Academy
Phyllis Battaglia/CAC Memorial Scholarship: Riley Monegan
Crestwood High School
Bernie J. Kosar Crestwood Endowed Scholarship: Isabella Wurm
Casper Wenninger Scholarship for Veterinary Studies: Audrey Julian
James A. Garfield High School
Casper Wenninger Scholarship for Veterinary Studies: Riley Grace
Layding Family Scholarship for Career Development: Derik Stanley
Kent Roosevelt High School
Anna Wang Roe Women in Science Endowed Scholarship: Gianna Yanelli, Hannah Hido
Kent State University
Dr. Connie Stopper Nursing Legacy Scholarship: Alexis Hatton
League of Women Voters – Helen Dix Endowed Scholarship: Marina Cable
Roger J DiPaolo Wick Poetry Scholarship: Rebekah Hiles
Summit and Portage County Nursing Scholarship: Marina Cable
Lake Erie College
Boyd and Joan Wallbrown Agricultural Innovation Endowed Scholarship: Kaleigh Williams
Northern Kentucky University
Boyd and Joan Wallbrown Agricultural Innovation Endowed Scholarship: Peyton Webster
Ohio State University
Boyd and Joan Wallbrown Agricultural Innovation Endowed Scholarship: Harrison Blay
Casper Wenninger Scholarship for Veterinary Studies: Harrison Blay
Ravenna High School
Boyd and Joan Wallbrown Agricultural Innovation Endowed Scholarship: Davin Morgan
Casper Wenninger Scholarship for Veterinary Studies: Davin Morgan
Bill and Eddye White Bowling Endowed Scholarship: Trenton Turney
Rootstown High School
Bailey Simons-Frank Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship: Hannah Crandell, Camryn Lappe, Madison Giebel, Katelyn Sisley
Bill and Eddye White Bowling Endowed Scholarship: Anna Drago
Darla Winnefeld Memorial Endowed Scholarship: Camden Morris
J.D. Langguth Memorial Scholarship: Madison Giebel
Mark Klima Scholarship: Wyatt Shenal, Hannah Crandell, Pa Jha Vang
Southeast High School
Phyllis Battaglia/CAC Memorial Scholarship: Julia Wheeler
Information regarding the individual scholarships can be found at portagefoundation.org/scholarships
ABOUT THE PORTAGE FOUNDATION
Established in 1997 to serve as a trusted steward of charitable resources, the Portage Foundation helps individuals, families, and businesses turn their philanthropic goals into meaningful action through strategic grantmaking, scholarships, and philanthropic services. The Foundation partners with donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address local needs, strengthen organizations, and create lasting impact today and for generations to come. To learn more about the Portage Foundation, visit PortageFoundation.org or call (330) 470-8950.