Bridges to College recognizes 13 scholarship winners

(Greenville, OH) Bridges to College honored its 13 scholarship recipients during an awards reception on Monday, Aug. 12, at Montage Café.

“We awarded four new scholarships to Ansonia and Greenville High School graduates,” said Beth Sears, executive director of the Bridges to College program. “Plus, we had nine college students who renewed their scholarships for another year.”

Bridges to College awarded four new scholarships to Austin Bergman, Sydney Hunt, Brittany Ulman and Erica Waller.

Austin Bergman, a 2013 Ansonia High School graduate, will be a freshman at the University of Dayton where he plans to major in electrical engineering. He is the son of Brian and Lisa Bergman.

Sydney Hunt, a 2013 Greenville High School graduate, will be a freshman at Owens Community College where she plans to major in sonography. She is the daughter of Teresa Hunt and Chris Hunt.

Brittany Ulman, a 2013 AHS graduate, will be a freshman at Ball State University where she plans to major in dietetics. She is the daughter of Anthony and Yvonne Ulman.

Erica Waller, a 2013 GHS graduate, will be a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she plans to major in mechanical engineering. She is the daughter of Kent and Gloria Waller.

Bridges to College also renewed nine scholarships for previous recipients. Scholarship award winners may renew their scholarships for up to four years if they maintain eligibility.

Students receiving Bridges to College scholarships are required to maintain a good academic standing and to perform 15 hours of community service in Darke County each year that they receive the scholarship.

Those receiving scholarship renewals for a second year included Christina Cost, Lacy Hoening, Mason Perez, and Brandi Spille; three-year recipients are Kami Berner, Simon Hoying, and Abigail MacKenzie; and four-year recipients are Kate Schmitmeyer and Kayla Young.

Christina Cost, a 2012 GHS graduate, is a sophomore at Indiana University-East where she is majoring in social sciences and the humanities. She is the daughter of Teresa Cost.

Lacy Hoening, a 2012 GHS graduate, is a junior at Bowling Green State University where she is majoring in biology. She is the daughter of Rose Hoening and Mark Hoening.

Mason Perez, a 2012 AHS graduate, is a sophomore at Wright State University where he is majoring in electrical engineering. He is the son of Apolonio and Kay Perez.

Brandi Spille, a 2012 GHS graduate, is a junior at Wilmington College where she is majoring in agri-business. She is the daughter of Gary and Kristi Spille.

Kami Berner, a 2011 GHS graduate, is a junior at the University of Indianapolis where she is majoring in physical therapy assistant and community health education. She is the daughter of Brad and Kim Berner.

Simon Hoying, a 2011 GHS graduate, is a junior at Ball State University where he is majoring in telecommunications sales and promotion. He is the son of Donald and Eileen Hoying.

Abigail MacKenzie, a 2011 GHS graduate, is a junior at Miami University where she is majoring in accounting. She is the daughter of Kevin and Lori MacKenzie.

Kate Schmitmeyer, a 2010 AHS graduate, is a senior at Case Western Reserve University where she is majoring in mechanical engineering. She is the daughter of Paul and Carol Schmitmeyer.

Kayla Young, a 2010 AHS graduate, is a senior at The Ohio State University where she is majoring in radiologic sciences and therapy. She is the daughter of Kenny and Shannon Young.

During the reception, scholarship recipients Simon Hoying, Abigail MacKenzie and Kate Schmitmeyer talked about their college experiences, internships and future plans.

Also during the reception, the Bridges to College program recognized its volunteer mentors, including Becky Peltz (seven years), Dr. Norm Cutright (six years), Chrissy Cox (three years), Tonya Schlecty (five years), John Davis (one year), and Diana Manges (one year).

Bridges to College is a non-profit organization designed to help more students achieve post-secondary education. It offers programming, one-on-one mentoring and scholarships. It is funded through grants as well as donations from local businesses and individuals.

For more information about Bridges to College, please visit its website at www.bridges2college.org or call Beth Sears, executive director, at 423-2442.