(Stark and Carroll Counties, Ohio) April 28, 2021 – United Way of Greater Stark County’s Young Leaders Society (YLS) is excited to continue supporting local students with their Textbook Scholarship. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years with $1,000 each year to help offset the cost of books for college.
This scholarship initiative is part of the education focus that YLS members work to support in the community. The scholarship was open to any graduating high school student in Greater Stark County that would be a first-generation college student. This year’s recipient is Skylar Stephens.
Skylar, a soon-to-be 2021 graduate of GlenOak High School, is involved in many extracurriculars while staying committed to her education. Her work in the Social Justice Club and Teen Court has helped to shape her perspective and encouraged her to be the change she wants to see. “Skylar is a gifted young woman on a path to a successful future,” said Julie Filliez Werren, French teacher and Gifted Intervention Specialist at Plain Local School District. “Over the last three years it has been my pleasure to watch her develop into the dedicated student and responsible citizen she is today.” Skylar’s family, school support, and community continue to motivate her as she pursues a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications at an HBCU.
Beth Starrett, Chair of the YLS Scholarship Review Committee, exclaims “The ability to support even just one student from our community means so much to us. The past year has been difficult for so many, and we hope that we can continue to encourage local students as they pursue their dreams of higher education.”
For more information regarding YLS, contact Laura Prengaman, Assistant Director of Campaign at 330-491-9953 and [email protected].
About Young Leaders Society
United Way’s Young Leaders Society is a group of passionate young professionals who come together to educate, engage and inspire individuals across Greater Stark County. They harness their time and talents through mentorship, fundraising and volunteerism to activate education initiatives and build a better community. Education sets the foundation for the future, and it is the area where they believe they can make the greatest impact. As young leaders, their personal and professional success would not have been possible without support from mentors, teachers and advocates who helped them along the way. Now they’re paying it forward for the next generation. More information is available at uwstark.org/young-leaders-society.
About United Way of Greater Stark County
United Way of Greater Stark County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. By mobilizing the best resources. And by inspiring individuals to join the fight against their community’s most daunting social crisis. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our communities by leading in the development of solutions to critical social issues in the areas of health, education and financial stability. In order to live better, we must live United. For more information about United Way of Greater Stark County visit uwstark.org. Offices are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.
Identities of those pictured: Gayle Kimbrough, Emily Palmer, Heather Zapolnik, Skylar Stephens, Chicola Whitfield, Victoria Newkirk