By Christine Price
Columnist
Amidst all the stress, anxiety, craziness and bad news, my goal is to spotlight and share the good news in our community.
The future looked especially bright at the recent Exchange Club of Painesville scholarship luncheon held Wednesday, May 13, at Hellriegel’s Inn as community leaders, proud families and local educators gathered to celebrate 10 outstanding high school seniors.
The annual luncheon was filled with applause, heartfelt stories and hopeful dreams as students were recognized for their academic achievement, leadership and dedication to service.
Tom Hill, chairman of the scholarship committee, presided over the event.
The Exchange Club of Painesville is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community, raising funds for scholarships and promoting its national project, the prevention of child abuse.
Funds for the scholarships are raised through popular events including the annual pancake breakfast, golf outing and Christmas party.
History of the Exchange Club
Founded March 27, 1911, in Detroit, the Exchange Club began as a small group of business executives exchanging ideas.
Over the years, the organization has grown into a national service organization benefiting communities across the country.
“It is important for us to give scholarships to students headed to college. By giving a helping hand and making college just a bit easier to attend, it helps to keep education moving in our community”, Chris Palsa, Exchange Club president, said.
Among the scholarship recipients was Jacob Boehm of Harvey High School, who received the Roy Smith Scholarship.
Because of Roy’s passion for the arts and involvement with the Fine Arts Association, the scholarship recognizes students active in drama and the arts.
Jacob participated in productions including “Legally Blonde” and “Beauty and the Beast,” while also excelling in baseball and football.
He plans to attend The Ohio State University to study business management.
Lauren McKinney of Fairport High School received the Ernie DeLaMotte Scholarship.
Ernie was a longtime Exchange Club member and standout athlete who earned football and basketball scholarships to Syracuse University.
The scholarship honors students who demonstrate both athletic and academic excellence.
Lauren participated in softball, basketball, tennis and bowling while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
She will attend Ohio Northern University.
Dr. Ron Cimaglio presented the Dr. and Mrs. Ron Cimaglio Scholarship to Aidan Englehardt of Harvey High School.
This scholarship recognizes a student who has lettered in at least two varsity sports while achieving academic excellence.
Aidan will attend the U.S. Naval Academy.
The Philip H. Dickinson Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Kay Lee Forness of Harvey High School.
Dickinson, a longtime Exchange Club member, was passionate about helping children pursue their educational dreams.
Kay Lee plans to attend John Carroll University, majoring in elementary education, believing “every student can be the best they can.”
Additional scholarships awarded
• William Kananan of Perry High School, who achieved a perfect ACT math score, will attend Liberty University in the fall.
• Aiden Kanaga, senior class president at Riverside High School, plans to attend The Ohio State University majoring in biomedical engineering.
• Elizabeth Pennock, 2026 valedictorian at Riverside High School and National Honor Society member, will attend The Ohio State University.
• Patricia Garcia of Harvey High School, a National Honor Society member and Cleveland Clinic volunteer, will attend Ursuline College to study nursing.
• Micah Cannon, valedictorian at Harvey High School and National Honor Society member, will attend The Ohio State University.
• Brenda Leon, valedictorian and National Honor Society member at Harvey High School, plans to study pre-med at Cleveland State University.
Closing the luncheon, Hill congratulated the students and encouraged them to continue striving toward their goals.
“To all our recipients today, members of our review committee agree that each of you has set very high goals for your futures,” Hill said. “We hope you not only achieve those goals but exceed them. If you do, you will prove the Exchange Club has chosen wisely in our supporting you. Good luck!”
When you see good news, and you will, please let me know at cpriceconcord@aol.com. I would love to share it. Please include your name, phone number, city you live in and email.
