2025 Graduates Receive Scholarships from the OTA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

5/1/2025

GRADUATING SENIORS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THE OHIO TOWNSHIP ASSOCIATION

Blacklick, Ohio—Kelley Forsythe of McArthur Township in Logan County, Spencer Shook of Wayne Township in Muskingum County, Gabriella Izzo of Lafayette Township in Medina County, Vanessa Monhemius of Chatham Township in Medina County, and Caden Zion of Butler Township in Columbiana County have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Ohio Township Association scholarships.

 “Through fundraising and donations, the OTA is proud to be able to offer scholarships to high school graduates from Ohio townships every year,” said Heidi M. Fought, the Executive Director of the OTA. “The students receiving our scholarships this year exemplify what it means to be leaders in their academics, local governments, and trades.”

Forsythe is one of two recipients of the Academic Achievement Scholarship. The daughter of Kim and Joe Forsythe, she will graduate from Benjamin Logan High School and attend The Ohio State University to study health science.

Kelley is drawn to health science because of its broad scope. “It will allow me to explore many aspects of medicine and give me more direction for my final career,” she said. Kelley chose Ohio State for its large campus and numerous opportunities for professional development. She is eager to meet people from across the country and live in the city.

Shook was awarded the second Academic Achievement Scholarship. The son of Adam and Brianne Shook, he will graduate from Philo High School and attend Ohio University, majoring in civil engineering.

“I chose the Ohio University because it offers a welcoming college-town atmosphere that feels like home,” Spencer said. “I am excited about civil engineering because of its diverse opportunities. I want to explore construction management and land surveying and contribute to the design, planning, and development of infrastructure that shapes communities.” He looks forward to the new challenges, independence, and opportunities that Ohio University will bring him.

Izzo received one of two Local Government Achievement Scholarships. The daughter of Antonio and Emily Izzo, she will graduate from Cloverleaf High School and attend the University of Findlay, majoring in animal science on the pre-veterinary track.

"I like the structure of the animal science program and the sense of community at the school,” Gabriella said. “I want to be a large-animal vet because I love working with livestock.” She is enthusiastic about the hands-on experience and the opportunity to meet others in the agriculture industry.

Monhemius was awarded the second Local Government Achievement Scholarship. The daughter of John and Elizabeth Monhemius, she will graduate from Cloverleaf High School and attend Ashland University to study mathematics and integrated mathematics education.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher, and pursing these areas of study will allow me to combine my passion for math with my dream career,” said Vanessa. After being warmly welcomed by Ashland’s students and faculty, she is looking forward to meeting new people and having the opportunity to gain valuable field experience for her future career.

Zion received the Trade School Scholarship. The son of Chris and Mandy Zion, Caden will graduate from West Branch High School and the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. He plans to attend the Youngstown/Canton Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center’s five-year inside/commercial electrician apprenticeship program.

“After almost a year of hands-on electrical experience through my career education program and working 20-30 hours a week with a local electrical company, I realized how much I enjoy commercial electrical work,” Caden said. He is drawn to the precision of the trade and the scale of commercial projects. He looks forward to completing the program and earning his journeyman’s license.

The OTA began offering scholarships to high school seniors in 2005 and awards up to five $1,500 scholarships each year in three categories: Academic Achievement, Local Government Achievement, and Trade School. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, reside in an Ohio township, and plan to attend a two- or four-year Ohio college or university, or technical program for the trade school scholarship. More information is available on our website.

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The Ohio Township Association is a statewide organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of township government in Ohio. The OTA was founded on June 28, 1928, and is organized in 87 Ohio counties. OTA has more than 5,200 active members, made up of trustees and fiscal officers from Ohio’s 1,308 townships, and more than 3,000 affiliate and associate members.