The J.D. Langguth Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the life and legacy of a Rootstown resident and lifelong Portage County resident. Having graduated from Southeast High School and receiving a degree in Landscape Design from Ohio State University, J.D. and his wife, Stephanie, created a family – and a life – in the Rootstown Area.
He had many hobbies in his early years, but once the children arrived, J.D.’s family became his whole world. J.D. was an outstanding and cherished father to Christopher Paul and Julia Marie. From day one, he was a completely hands-on dad, involved in and supportive of every goal in their lives; there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. They filled his life with love, joy, and pride, just as he filled theirs with the same.
J.D.’s love for his family, his life-long work ethic, and the care and generosity he showed his friends, family, and the Rootstown community were evident to anyone who knew him. When it became clear that his battle would be coming to an end, J.D. and his wife, Stephanie, along with their children, were assisted by Rootstown Wrestling Coach Craig Wise and his wife Erin, and the Portage Foundation, to establish the J.D. Langguth Memorial Scholarship Fund as a tangible way to continue J.D.’s legacy of giving back.
J.D. provided a secure and fulfilling life for his family as a union tradesman and was proud that this scholarship will be available each year to graduating Rootstown wrestlers entering the honorable professions of the trades, thus combining his love for the sport and the profession. It was J.D.’s hope that recipients use this head start as the foundation to build a life as rewarding and joyful as his. It is his wife and children’s hope that this scholarship will ensure that future Rootstown high school students know J.D.’s name and character and experience the impact that generosity can have on someone’s life.
Criteria
- Must be a graduating senior of Rootstown High School (or Maplewood CC with home in Rootstown). Preference will be given to students involved in Rootstown Wrestling program.
- While preference will be given to applicants entering a union trade or the trades in general, college/university bound students are also eligible.
- Academic criteria: Must successfully graduate high school
- For students entering college/university or trade/technical schools: funds will be distributed to the institution to lower student tuition/fees.
- For students entering Union Trade/trades: Scholarship funds are to be used for “tools of the trade” that are required when beginning to work in a trade (boots, tools, etc.). Student will submit receipt for reimbursement from the Portage Foundation up to the award amount. Arrangements can also be made for students unable to cover cost of initial purchase. More information regarding this process will be provided with the scholarship award packet when selected.
- Must complete online application via the Portage Foundation’s website
- Must have a demonstrated outstanding character. Application shall include at least one letter of reference from a coach, teacher, principal, guidance counselor, religious leader, other high-profile community member, etc., speaking to the applicant’s character.
- Essay (minimum of 250 words, maximum of 750 words) to respond to the following: Above all, J.D. Langguth’s main legacy was his love for and pride in his family, and the love and pride they have for him. His other legacy was that he spent his life working hard and sacrificing – for his family, his friends and the Rootstown community. Before his passing he, along with his wife Stephanie and his children Christopher and Julia, decided to establish this scholarship so that his legacy of giving back can continue in perpetuity. He provided a secure and fulfilling life for his family as a renowned cement mason, and was proud this scholarship will be available each year for graduating Rootstown wrestlers entering the honorable professions of the trades, thus combining his love for the sport and the professions. It was his hope that recipients use this head start as the foundation to build a life as rewarding and joyful as his was. It is his wife and children’s hope that this scholarship will ensure that future tradesmen know J.D.’s name and outstanding character, and experience the impact that generosity can have on someone’s life. This scholarship is intended to award someone whose character is as strong as J.D. Langguth’s was. After reading the above statement, if you are chosen as a person whose character is strong enough to receive this particular scholarship, what would that mean to you? And also, what impact would this head start have on your future plans and life?