Portage Foundation Awards More Than $61,000 in Scholarships Supporting College and Skilled Trades Students

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.