Marlington alumni award $159,000 in scholarships

It was an enthusiastic group of Marlington Local School District students, their families, personnel, alumni and other supporters who gathered with the Marlington Alumni Association for its 2026 Annual Meeting and Scholarship Banquet. Their motto is “Planting Acorns, Growing Oaks.” The event was held May 4 at Hartville Kitchen, where dinner was served at 6:30 p.m.

Those attending the banquet gathered to celebrate an evening of tradition, recognition and community as the Marlington Alumni Association awarded scholarships, honored Walter Davis, Class of 1961 and the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, and recognized the 50th reunion Class of 1976 and the 25th reunion Class of 2001.

This year, the Marlington Alumni Association presented 73 scholarships to 53 students with a total value of $159,000. Since 1989, the organization has awarded more than $3.2 million in scholarships.

Scholarships were awarded to students pursuing higher education opportunities in areas including forestry, horticulture, agriculture, business, science and medicine, as well as students recognized for academic success, athletics, technical and trade programs, and perseverance through challenges.

Student recipients included Braylon Battershell, Julia Blake, Elizabeth Blasiman, Chloe Boy, Chloe Caldwell, Olivia Callahan, Quinn Cernansky, Yana Cherevko, Axtin Collins, Laney Cross, Jacob Danko-Zorger, Lily David, Brady Denham, Nathan Dipold, Mia Eltringham, Atlee Fish, Emma Foith, Carter Frank, Huckleberry Gainer, Braxton Gill, Gabriella Griggs, Rylie Hall, Mackenzie Hall, Andrew Hartzler, Cole Hunter, Hannah Imhoff, Matalyn Jarvis, Theresa Jones, Bryson Jones, Meghan Kirby, Jaiden Klausner, Isaac McIntyre, Gavin Milosevich, Madalynn Misch, Hayden Morgan, Kadence Odey, Mavric Parker, Natalie Price, Logan Redd, Gabriella Sampson, Noah Seaburn, Jaylee Shank, Jameson Sheen, Amiiah Sickles, Aleah Stauffer, Kendal Strawder, Jocelyn Sutton, Kaden Tucker, Mia Vigliotti, Nevaeh Ward, David White, Addison Wittensoldner and Brock Woods. Scholarship presentations were made by alumni Vondea Sheaffer, Mitchell Baxter, Austin Webb, Michelle Bakan and Josh Anstine.

Several alumni and friends who sponsored student scholars for the banquet were thanked for their support. Organizers said the gifts help defray costs and allow the association to focus on its primary mission of providing scholarships to deserving Marlington students.

Kevin Krabill led the annual meeting and presented the Outstanding Alumni Award to Walter Davis, a 1961 graduate of Marlington High School. Following high school, Davis earned a bachelor of civil engineering degree from The Ohio State University in 1967 and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California in 1971.

Davis built a career that blended engineering, military strategy, business leadership and education. He began working as a structural inspector for the Ohio State Department of Highways before entering the United States Air Force, where he served for more than 10 years and earned the rank of major with Top Secret NATO clearance.

After his military service, Davis moved into leadership roles in the entertainment and attractions industry. He later dedicated time to education and workforce development and now serves on the Ohio State Board of Education and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. During his remarks, Davis encouraged students to remain open to new ideas, continue learning and contribute wherever opportunities lead them.

The Marlington Alumni Association partners with alumni and community supporters to provide academic assistance to deserving seniors. Scholarship funds support categories including academics, agriculture and horticulture, business and sports, community service, education, foreign language, military service, music and fine arts, science and engineering, and technical and trade programs.

Association leaders also shared information about the upcoming Four Person Fun Scramble Golf Outing, scheduled for July 17 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Tannenhauf Golf Course.

Current officers of the Board of Trustees are Austin Webb, president; Mitchell Baxter, vice president; Heather Starkey, secretary; and Joshua Anstine, treasurer. New board members Linda Griggs and Lynn Francis were welcomed, while outgoing members Vondea Sheaffer, Marsha Graham, Danielle Bowlin and Andrea Williams were thanked for their service.