Local students earn Thomas J. Patton Scholarships

The Tuscarawas County YMCA announced six local students received scholarships in 2019 totaling $10,000 from the Thomas J. Patton/YMCA Scholarship Fund. This fund was established in 1992 by Robert (Fizz) Miller to honor Tom Patton for his 40 years of service to the people of Tuscarawas County through his work with the YMCA.

Joseph “Hunter” Armstrong is a first-year recipient of the Patton Scholarship. He is the son of Ryan and Edie Armstrong and a 2019 graduate of Dover High School. He is attending West Virginia University, majoring in elementary education.

Armstrong was active on the Dover High School swim team, was a team captain and competed in the USA Junior Nationals. He volunteered at the Y in swimming and after-school programs and was active in Dover High School music, art and theater programs.

Brayden Billman is a first-year recipient of the Patton Scholarship. He is the son of Greg and Amanda Billman and a 2019 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. He is attending Malone University, majoring in middle/high school education.

Billman was active on the YMCA Silver Streaks swim team, was a team captain and attended the YMCA Zone championship swim meet. He also was active in baseball at New Philadelphia High School and on travel teams.

Shaylee Shepherd is a first-year recipient of the Patton Scholarship. She is the daughter of Kevin Shepherd and Dyana Bleininger and a 2019 graduate of Indian Valley High School. She is attending the Ohio State University, majoring in marketing.

Shepherd was active on the YMCA gymnastics team for many years, was active in 4-H, and assisted in basketball, volleyball and cheerleading camps.

Lane Moore is a second-year recipient of the Patton Scholarship. He is the son of Doug Moore and Natalia Layman and a 2018 graduate of Dover High School. Moore attends Ohio University, where he is majoring in journalism.

Kailey Russell is a second-year recipient of the Patton Scholarship. She is the daughter of Matt and Nadine Russell and a 2018 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. Russell is attending Buckeye Career Center, where she is taking phlebotomy classes.

Drew Sexton is a second-year recipient of the Patton Scholarship. He is the son of Shane and Beth Sexton and a 2018 graduate of Dover High School. Sexton attends the University of Cincinnati, where he is a business major.

Recipients of the Tom Patton/YMCA Scholarship are recognized for their contributions to the Tuscarawas County YMCA through volunteer and staff leadership and service, as well as their academic achievement and community involvement.

Since its inception in 1990, the Patton/YMCA Scholarship Fund has provided 119 scholarships totaling $185,400 to 75 local youth involved with the YMCA as staff and volunteer leaders.