Tuscarawas YMCA awards $14,000 to students

The Tuscarawas County YMCA awarded scholarships totaling $14,000 to nine area students for the 2026-27 school year.

The Thomas J. Patton Scholarship Fund was established in 1989 by Robert “Fizz” Miller to honor Tom Patton’s more than 40 years of service to the community through his work and leadership at the Tuscarawas County YMCA. Since its inception, 124 local students have received the scholarship.

The 2026 scholarship committee included Faith Patton-Settles, Meagan Shaheen, CEO; Mike Fredericks, president of the board of trustees; Orvis Campbell, vice president of the board of directors; and Nathan Vaughan, past president of the board of trustees.

“We are thrilled to support local students as they pursue their educational goals through the Tom Patton Scholarship. Investing in young people and helping them reach their full potential was something Tom cared deeply about throughout his life. We believe he would be proud to know that his legacy continues through the YMCA, creating opportunities for future generations and helping students take the next step toward achieving their dreams,” Shaheen said.

Lily Dallas is a first-year scholarship recipient. She is the daughter of Christopher and Jenny Dallas of Uhrichsville. Dallas is a 2026 graduate of Claymont High School and Buckeye Career Center, where she was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and was active in choir, Voltage a cappella, track and field, and esports. She also is a member of the Ohio Army National Guard. Dallas is a YMCA staff member and volunteer. She plans to attend Kent State University and major in studio art.

Heather Demuth is a first-year scholarship recipient. She is the daughter of Stephen and Jennifer Demuth of New Philadelphia. Demuth is a 2026 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and was active in jazz choir, student council, tennis and the Delphian Chorale. Demuth is a YMCA staff member and volunteer. She plans to attend Ohio University and major in nursing.

Brady Hart is a first-year scholarship recipient. He is the son of Shane and Desiree Hart of Dover. Hart is a 2026 graduate of Dover High School, where he was active in FCA and Varsity Club. He also was a scholar-athlete and a four-year member of the football and baseball teams, earning varsity letters in both. Hart is a YMCA staff member. He plans to attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University and major in finance and accounting.

Allie Yoder is a first-year scholarship recipient. She is the daughter of Brian and Holly Yoder of Dundee. Yoder is a 2026 graduate of Dover High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and was active in cheerleading and FCA. Yoder is a YMCA volunteer. She plans to attend Aultman College and major in radiography.

Jaycie Baker was awarded a second-year scholarship. She is the daughter of Jessica Baker of New Philadelphia. Baker attends Ohio University and is majoring in social work.

Leah Hamilton was awarded a second-year scholarship. She is the daughter of William III and Kaley Hamilton of Bolivar. Hamilton attends the University of Findlay and is majoring in animal sciences/pre-vet.

Katelynn Markle was awarded a second-year scholarship. She is the daughter of Chad and Renee Markle of Bolivar. Markle attends Walsh University and is majoring in exercise science.

Madeline Smith was awarded a second-year scholarship. She is the daughter of Zach and Natalie Smith of Sugarcreek. Smith attends Miami University and is majoring in biology/pre-med.

Jonathan Snyder was awarded a second-year scholarship. He is the son of Jason and Emily Snyder of Dover. Snyder attends Kent State University at Tuscarawas and is majoring in early childhood education.