The Ashtabula Distance Runners club is pleased to announce the award of four $500 scholarships to four area high school seniors.
ADR has traditionally awarded scholarships annually to deserving Ashtabula County students. Funding for these scholarships primarily comes from membership dues and proceeds generated from club-sponsored races such as the Bridge to Bridge Half Marathon and 5K, Shamrock Kickoff 2-Mile, Greenway 10K and 2-mile Races, Indian Trails Adventure Run, and Jingle Bell 5K.
Scholarships were presented on May 27 to a student in girls cross country and track, and boys cross country and track at the Ashtabula County Track and Field and Cross County Hall of Fame 2018 banquet.
Fourteen students from across Ashtabula County applied for consideration. Awards were determined through a rubric scoring system that ADR board members applied using categories such as athletic and academic achievements, and community service.
The ADR Board had a tough task to make these selections because of the impressive qualities of each applicant and their successes. The scholarships will help these students continue their pursuit of lifelong learning and discovering what the future has in store for them.
Scholarship winners for 2018 are:
Grace Steimle of Grand Valley High School received the girls cross country scholarship. She is a well-rounded lady with a promising future. Not only was she a four-year Varsity Cross County and Track and Field athlete, she was also in Chess Club, a member of National Society of High School Scholars, a spirit leader and a team captain among many other achievements and activities while earning a 4.0 grade point average with Seton Home Study School. She earned all-academic honors in NAC and State, was a four-time All Ohio and State Qualifier and a Regional Champion in 2016.
Deidra Marrison of Geneva High School was awarded the girls track scholarship. She had a 4.1 grade point average, was a four-year letter winner in track, a National Honor Society Member, and an active volunteer in her community. She is a four-time national qualifier, two-year state qualifier and has set numerous records in track.
Paul Brunell of Edgewood High School received the boy cross country scholarship. He was a National Honor Society inductee, involved in youth ministry leadership and a had 4.0 grade point average. He was a four-year letter winner, named team MVP, team captain and 2-time qualifier for regionals. He was accepted into numerous colleges and has a bright future.
Joshua Leggett of Conneaut High School won the boys track and field scholarship. His coach stated that he excelled in every possible way with maturity, dedication and hard work. The coach even stated that if he had to choose someone for his own son to emulate, it would be this scholarship winner. He was ranked seventh academically in his class, a member of National Honor Society, and a member of youth Leadership and Youth philanthropy, as well as very generous with his volunteer hours throughout his community. He was a three-year letter winner, placed first in numerous track events and was a past regional qualifier.
