Watson honors a friend through memorial scholarship

In a life that was far too short and ended far too soon, Morgan Hoxworth Reber touched the lives of many people in a positive way.

At this year’s Holmes County Fair, her longtime friend Rakayla Watson made sure Hoxworth Reber’s legacy and memory would forever continue to touch the lives of the county’s youth.

On Friday, Aug. 9 in the expo center’s main arena, Watson and others gathered to pay homage to Hoxworth Reber, whose life was cut short in an automobile accident this past November, and together they celebrated the newly created Morgan Hoxworth Reber Memorial Scholarship.

“Growing up, fair week was the highlight of summer for so many,” Watson said. “The Holmes County Fair will always hold a special place in the hearts of many of our youth because of the experiences and lasting friendships.”

One of those special relationships for Watson was with Hoxworth Reber, a relationship that meant so much to her that it was difficult to speak at the scholarship presentation.

“This past November friends, family, co-workers and the community lost a very special person,” Watson said. “Many people wanted to do something special for her to honor her memory, and I can’t think of a better way than through 4-H and the fair.”

Watson was honored to present this inaugural $400 scholarship to Holmes County 4-Her Laina Croskey.

The 4-H scholarship is designed to reward 4-Hers in the dairy program, in which Hoxworth Reber was heavily involved during her 4-H career. Eligible 4-Hers must be seniors in the dairy program who are heading to college.

A 2015 West Holmes High School graduate, Hoxworth Reber was heavily involved in 4-H, FFA and other activities. Watson said her friend was one of those people others were naturally drawn to.

“I know she had many passions in her life, but when I think of Morgan, I think of her as a selfless servant, in both her personal and what would become her professional life,” Watson said.

Hoxworth Reber worked at Grasshopper before going on to work at OneEighty and serving as a case manager at Goodwill Industries and had just begun pursuing her dream job of working as a probation officer in Wayne County.

In addition, she also loved working with animals.

“During her time in 4-H, you could always find her in the dairy barn, hanging out on the show boxes or curled up with her dairy feeder or dairy steer,” Watson said. “She was one of the most competitive people in the show ring, but regardless of placement, you always knew she gave it her best.”

Watson said it is in memory of Hoxworth Reber and her passion for the fair, 4-H, the dairy program and animals that she is proud to be part of creating this scholarship.

“She was a special person to so many,” Watson said.

According to Watson, donations are now being accepted on behalf of the Morgan Hoxworth Reber Memorial Scholarship.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Morgan Hoxworth Reber Memorial Scholarship may do so by making that donation in her name to any Killbuck Savings Bank location. Those with questions can call or email Watson at 330-204-7022 or rakayla_b@yahoo.com.