Zachary Davis Memorial Foundation awards scholarships

The Zachary Davis Memorial Foundation, dedicated to educating youth on the lasting effects and consequences of drugs, has awarded its annual scholarships to graduating seniors in the Tuscarawas County area.

The foundation provides financial assistance to students pursuing post-secondary education who are committed to careers related to combating addiction.

The scholarships honor the memory of Zachary Davis, who died of a drug overdose, and continue his wish to share the message “To Never Start Using Drugs.”

“It is an honor to pay it forward by investing in the future,” said Anita Davis, Zachary’s mother and the nonprofit’s founder. “It is another way that Zachary’s legacy will live on as we equip others with proper education to work with those who may be suffering from addiction in positions ranging from nursing to physical therapy to finance. These diverse fields of study each offer a unique perspective on the world that could help someone with addiction.”

Each year, the scholarship selection committee of the 501(c)(3) organization reviews applications based on completion, academic transcript, a letter of recommendation and a written statement of career goals. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the recipient’s school.

Recent award recipients include:

Nathaniel Basso, Dover High School

Basso will attend Ohio State University, where he plans to major in nursing. As a volunteer head tutor at Camp Imagine, which helps Spanish-speaking youth learn English, Basso learned he can flourish in a culture of engagement, advocacy and opportunity.

“At Ohio State, I can continue advocating for underrepresented individuals through clinical expertise and make them feel like they belong,” he said.

Hannah Dayton, Garaway High School

Dayton has been accepted at Ohio State University, where she will major in nursing, business and Spanish.

“As I pursue business, medicine and Spanish, I hope to use what I have learned about forming meaningful connections and helping others to fuel my education and create a pathway for a meaningful career,” Dayton said. “My overall goal in life is to touch as many lives as possible, and it is my hope that this next step will help me accomplish this.”

Maleah Dillon, Tusky Valley High School

Dillon will attend Stark State College and major in physical therapy.

“My long-term career goal is to work as a physical therapy assistant in a clinic with kids or in a rehabilitation building that is fit for kids under the age of 18,” Dillon said. “This is an important step in achieving the lifelong goal that I have always had — helping others when no one else can.”

Haley Swartzwelder, Dover High School

Swartzwelder has been accepted at Kent State University at Stark to study nursing.

“My passion for helping others has always been extremely important to me, and a career in health care will allow me to turn that passion into a lifelong purpose,” Swartzwelder said. “I am eager to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver compassionate care and make a meaningful contribution to the lives of others, striving to create a difference, one patient at a time. I am dedicated to providing care with empathy and kindness. I am committed to continuous learning and growth.”

Shelby Walton, Dover High School

Walton will attend Kent State University’s main campus, where she will major in finance.

“Since my childhood, I have always worried about money,” Walton said. “I took a class in finance last year, and it was eye-opening. I want to give my kids a life where they do not need to worry about how much money their family has.”