Central Foundation grants scholarships

VW independent/submitted information

The 2018 recipients of the Central Insurance Companies Educational & Charitable Foundation scholarships have been selected. This scholarship program was created to reward and support graduates who are pursuing educational degrees that may eventually lead to careers in the property and casualty insurance industry. Central congratulates the following students who have been selected as recipients:

Abigail Bagley, a graduate of Crestview High School, plans to attend Wright State University majoring in accounting. While in high school, Bagley served as a member of the National Honor Society and captain of her varsity volleyball team. She also played an active role in the AWANA program at her church and volunteered in Honduras with her youth group. During high school, Bagley worked at The Bridge in Van Wert, as a coach at the volleyball skills camp, and as a babysitter. She is the daughter of Jeff and Kristy Bagley.

Briana Kesler graduated from Van Wert High School and plans to attend Ball State University majoring in finance, where she has been admitted into the Miller Honors College of Business. At Van Wert, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and was a field commander of the Van Wert High School Marching Band. She served as the German Club treasurer and Senior Class treasurer in Student Council. During high school, Kesler worked at Wild Willy’s Pizza in Van Wert. She is the daughter of Kent and Diane Kesler.

Garrett Laman, a graduate of Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, plans to attend Purdue University majoring in computer and information technology. At Lawrence North, Laman served as the auditorium light technician for theatrical and musical performances. He has already received numerous industry certifications such as “A+ Computer Tech Support Certification” and “TestOut PC Pro/Routing and Switching Pro/Server Pro Certifications.” During high school, he worked at Main Event Entertainment. He is the son of Rick Laman and Mary Behn-Laman.

Kara Landin is a graduate of Ottoville High School and will be attending Bowling Green State University majoring in business management. During high school, Landin was a member of the National Honor Society where she served as treasurer, and also served her senior year as the band president after participating all four years in marching, concert, and pep band. She was the school mascot for varsity boys’ basketball games, was a PCL scholar-athlete, and a NWOH Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Academic Award recipient. She worked at Ottoville Hardware & Furniture Company and as a babysitter. She is the daughter of Kevin and Amy Landin.

Cassidy Meyers graduated from Van Wert High School and plans to attend Eastern Michigan University majoring in geographical information science. At Van Wert High School, Meyers was a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, Service Pack, FCA, Junior Rotarian, and Student Council. She was a varsity soccer, basketball, and track athlete and served as track team captain for the past six years. She is also an active volunteer for the Salvation Army, Blessings in a Backpack, Humane Society, and the American Red Cross. During high school, Meyers worked at Laurie’s Naturescapes. She is the daughter of Jeff and Tracy Meyers.

Nicole Willey is a graduate of Southwick Regional School in Southwick, Massachusetts and plans to attend Western New England University majoring in management. While in high school, Willey was a member of National Honor Society (secretary), a four-year member of Student Council, and served as the captain of her varsity softball team, where she previously earned the Unsung Hero Award as a sophomore. She has volunteered at her local recreation center, provided support at the town hall, and has taught young children how to play softball. Willey worked at D&J’s Hash House as a waitress and at a local bakery. She is the daughter of Harry and Elizabeth Willey.

Renewal scholarships of $5,000 each were awarded to Emily Bair, Hannah Bowen, Maia Carisa Burgos, Nicholas Etter, Sarah Gehron, Micah Germann, Brandon Hernandez, Hannah Leary, Cora Millay, Meghan Moonshower, Tyler Ruger, Jonas Salcedo, and Braden Thatcher.

The Central Insurance Companies Educational & Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program provides up to $5,000 to each student, which may be used toward tuition, books, other related school fees, and room and board. It is an annual scholarship that may be renewed up to three additional years. Students were selected based on several criteria including:

demonstrated academic promise and good character with a minimum 3.0 GPA in high school,

completed an extensive application with a personally written essay and two letters of recommendation,

plans to attend an accredited two- or four-year post-secondary educational institution on a full-time basis by the end of 2018, and

pursuing a major with a specific use towards a career position within the Central Insurance Companies or the insurance industry.