HCECF introduces Leah Miller scholarship

The Holmes County Education Community Foundation has created a new scholarship in honor of Leah Miller, the longtime educator for Leadership Holmes County, which has been designed to aid young people exploring leadership roles within the community as they pursue furthering their education.

The Leah Miller Cultivating Leadership Scholarship became the newest addition to a growing number of scholarships available through the HCECF, and this one holds a special place in the hearts of those who have grown to know and appreciate Miller over the decades.

“It’s created to foster future leaders in our community, and we couldn’t think of a better person to honor in creating this scholarship than Leah,” said Tiffany Gerber, executive director of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. “There’s not a facet of Holmes County where Leah hasn’t made a major impact. She has shaped the landscape of Holmes County.”

Gerber said there are a multitude of leadership opportunities in Holmes County in business, nonprofit, education and more.

The Leah Miller Cultivating Leadership Scholarship is being seeded now through the chamber’s efforts, along with the HCECF, and Gerber said they are excited about the future of this scholarship.

Shasta Mast, executive director of HCECF, said the scholarship honors more than 50 years of Miller’s dedication to serving Holmes County through serving as commissioner, the chamber, Holmes County Economic Development Council member, Small Farm Institute and more.

“This scholarship will assist Holmes County residents and those employed in the county as they pursue leadership training,” Mast said.

To qualify for the new scholarship, recipients must be residents of Holmes County or work in a Holmes County-based business or organization. Applicants should demonstrate capable leadership qualities, possess a desire for community engagement, boast a strong work ethic and be of good character.

“These are all things that exemplify Leah,” Mast said.

Miller said while there is an established scholarship for educational and nonprofit leadership available through the HCECF, there hasn’t been one for the general population, and thus, she was honored to have one created and named on her behalf.

“It feels very good and I appreciate it very much,” Miller said.

The agreement for the scholarship was signed and put in place May 7, beginning the creation of a scholarship that will honor Miller’s legacy and create financial opportunity for those seeking to develop their leadership skills within the borders of Holmes County.

Gerber said the scholarship is now open to additional contributions as they grow it into an endowment fund so leadership can always take a central focus in Holmes County.

Mast said anyone wishing to contribute to the Leah Miller Cultivating Leadership Scholarship may do so by sending contributions to the Holmes County Education and Community Foundation, making a note on the check that it is designated funds for the Leah Miller Cultivating Leadership Scholarship.

Gerber thanked the chamber’s executive committee for taking the reins on creating this new endeavor.

HCECF is located at 114 N. Clay St. in Millersburg.