Scholarships
Foundation Offers Annual Scholarships to Seniors
Get rewarded for your hard work! Thanks to the generous support of several planned giving donors, and the phenomenal success of the 2024 Great Gifts Dessert Auction, The Highland Foundation awarded 60 scholarships worth a total of $98,966 to graduating seniors and in renwals in 2025. To learn more about the selection criteria for each scholarship, click on the APPLICATION links below.
To Donate: If you are interested in establishing a memorial scholarship or exploring other planned giving options, please contact Theresa Wright, Executive Director, at theresa.wright@highlandfoundation.org.
The Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence Scholarship
In 2012, The Highland Foundation established a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded annually to a deserving high school senior. The scholarship is funded by The Highland Foundation as well as community funding activities throughout the year. The number of available scholarships offered each year varies, based upon donation dollars raised throughout the previous year. The annual recipient is selected based on the Projects Committee’s review of an essay that best exemplifies the mission of The Highland Foundation.
Available – Varies
Scholarship Amount – $1,000
Renewable – No
William O. Wagar Memorial Math & Science Scholarship
This scholarship is inspired by 1983 graduate Bill Wagar, who died quickly in 2000 of cancer. A $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a senior majoring in math or science-related field. Criteria for this scholarship include a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, school/community involvement, an essay and demonstration of financial need.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $1,000
Renewable – No
William L. Kubinski Student-Athlete Scholarship
Bill Kubinski was selfless, devoted, and perhaps the nicest person one could meet. He made time to talk, teach and coach anyone who wanted to listen. learn and improve. He truly believed in people and their potential. For him, it was, “the people who make the difference.” To further his life’s work, the Kubinski family will honor his commitment to education and athletics through the William L. Kubinski Student-Athlete Scholarship awarded to individuals who excel in the classroom and on the field of play. The $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to student-athletes of both Brunswick and Highland High Schools.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $2,000
Renewable – No
Baker Family Leadership Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Donald and Carol Baker as a renewable scholarship for a college-bound Highland senior graduating Summa Cum Laude, who has demonstrated exceptional academic and social leadership traits at school and/or in the community while a student at Highland Local Schools. The initial scholarship amount is $1,500, with the renewable amount of $1,500 annually for up to three years, provided the recipient remains in contact with The Highland Foundation and meets the renewal criteria set forth in the scholarship application.
Available -1
Scholarship Amount – $1,500
Renewable – Yes, up to 3 years.
George R. Ayres Memorial Achievement Scholarships
These two scholarships were created through the estate plan of long-time area resident George Ayres. These $3,000 scholarship awards are offered to college-bound Highland seniors graduating Summa Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude, who have demonstrated high achievement in their scholastic activities, have a record of performance in activities both in school and in the community, and who plan to pursue collegiate STEM studies.
Available – 2
Scholarship Amount – $3,000
Renewable – Yes, up to 3 years
George R. Ayres Memorial Opportunity Scholarships
These two scholarships were made possible through the estate plan of long-time area resident George Ayres. A self-made man, Mr. Ayres had a great appreciation for the opportunities extended to him during his life. These two $3,000 scholarship awards are available to Highland seniors in need of an opportunity of their own in order to pursue a professional/technical program, associate’s degree, or traditional college course of study. Applicants should have already completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and should explain what inspires them to learn and how this scholarship will impact their future educational and career opportunities.
Available – 2
Scholarship Amount – $3,000
Renewable – Yes, up to 3 years
Mike Kudla Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors the hard work, determination, kindness, and generosity for which Michael John Kudla was known and is remembered. Mike was a proud 2002 honors graduate of Highland High School and The Ohio State University. An honor student and four-year letter winner at both institutions, he was known for his strength on and off the football field. From overcoming the rare illness Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in 2003 and resuming his career with Ohio State to transitioning successfully to the NFL and then succeeding as an entrepreneur, Mike credited his success to his core values and educational experiences. This $1,000 scholarship shall be awarded to a college-bound Highland student who is passionate in their life goals, has the qualities needed to persevere through life’s obstacles and is determined to make a difference by helping others in the community.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $1,000
Renewable – No
Alyssa & Justin Haun Memorial Scholarship
The Alyssa and Justin Haun Memorial Scholarship was established as a means to give back to the community that gave so much to the Haun family during the aftermath of their tragic deaths on July 4, 2018. Alyssa was entering her junior year at Highland High School with aspirations to obtain advanced degrees in Chemical Engineering. Justin had completed his 8th Grade Year at Bedford Junior High School, in Temperance, MI, and was about to enter his freshman year at the Monroe County Middle College in Monroe with a focus on Life Sciences. He planned to become a neurosurgeon. Both had high expectations of changing the world in uniquely different ways. With their deaths, their parents have made it their mission to make sure that through Alyssa and Justin, lives can still be changed. This $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a college-bound senior, pursuing a STEM course of study and who has positively impacted others.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $2,500
Renewable – No
Steven J. Bilecky Memorial Scholarship
The Steven J. Bilecky Memorial Scholarship was established by the Bilecky Family in memory of their son, Steven, a 1988 graduate of Highland High School. In addition to demonstrating high academic achievement, applicants must participate in an interview before a faculty committee. This $1,500 scholarship is based on a 7th-semester minimum GPA of 3.5, school and community activities, and letters of recommendation.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $1,500
Renewable – No
Trooper James R. Gross
Memorial Scholarship
The Trooper James R. Gross Memorial Scholarship honors the life and service of Ohio State Trooper James R. Gross, who gave his life in the line of duty in 1996. Established by his widow, Veronica Godlaski, a teacher at Hinckley Elementary, and her husband Jason, this $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a graduating Highland High School senior who plans to pursue a career in civil service. Eligible fields may include law enforcement, criminal justice, education, social work, public safety, or public administration. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong character, perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to serving others. The award is renewable for up to three additional years for students who continue to meet renewal criteria.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $2,500
Renewable – Yes, up to 3 years.
Letha E. House Scholarship
Mrs. Letha House was a life-long resident of Medina County and was very interested in horticulture, specifically flowers and gardening. She had no family and donated her estate to a series of trusts. As a result of one of her trusts being terminated, the Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence received over $30,000, to be used to endow this scholarship, which is based upon the following criteria: 75% upon academic performance and science and 25% upon an interest in pursuing a career in horticulture or a related area. The scholarship awards $1,000 to a recipient.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $1,000
Renewable – No
Chorba Family “Give Where You Live” Scholarship
To honor their Highland education, Dale and Laura Chorba established the Chorba Family “Give Where You Live” Scholarship. Ever connecting people with their passions, Dale and his family created this two-year college scholarship that honors their legacy. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Highland senior with a 3.0 or better GPA, an athlete, band, or orchestra member and who is pursuing collegiate study in business and/or music. As a special honor to his alma maters, the scholarship award amounts will coincide with Dale’s graduation years: $1981, the first year, and $1985, the second year.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $1,981
Renewable – Yes, up to 2 years.
The Morrison “Hard Work Pays” Scholarship
The Morrison “Hard Work Pays” Scholarship shall be awarded to a hard-working, college bound Highland student who has been employed throughout his/her high school career in an effort to save for a collegiate STEM or Business pursuit.
Applicants must:
- have a need for financial assistance for higher education
- have completed the FAFSA
- have been employed during his/her high school career.
- have a 3.0 GPA or higher
- pursue a collegiate degree in STEM or Business
- provide prior year’s W2(s) and/or recent pay stub(s)
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $2,000
Renewable – No
Victoria Mackenzie Jackson Memorial Scholarship
The Victoria Mackenzie Jackson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2013 by parents Dr. Glenna and Mr. Mark Jackson in memory of their daughter, Victoria and her passion for high school life and music. From choir to band to marching band to voice lessons, Victoria immersed herself in music. Sadly, in December 2009, at age 16, she lost her life in an automobile accident. Victoria was known for her fashion, music, counseling, and strong faith. Her life, spirit and love for music are remembered through the annual selection of an outstanding music student to receive a $1,000 scholarship in her memory.
The High School Music Faculty & Staff select the recipient of this award. The criteria are three-fold:
- The student must be in two curricular music groups (band/choir, choir/orchestra, band/orchestra);
2. The student must have the highest points of those in two curricular music groups; and
3. Instrumental Music and Vocal Directors agree that the highest point value is reflective of outstanding accomplishment and contribution.
Lalitha Chada Scholarship
The Lalitha Chada Scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and recognizes a graduating Highland High School senior who has demonstrated strong academic performance, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to learning. This $2,500 scholarship is intended to honor the student who best exemplifies academic achievement, regardless of intended field of study.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $2,500
Renewable – No
Vickie Wanner Limbach
Lifelong Learner Scholarship
The Vickie Wanner Limbach Lifelong Learner Scholarship was established by Tim and Emily Limbach in honor of Vickie Wanner Limbach, a devoted Highland mother who believed deeply in personal growth and lifelong learning. This $3,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating Highland High School senior who demonstrates responsibility, hard work, and involvement in school, work, or community activities. The scholarship is intended for a well-rounded student with a weighted GPA between 2.8 and 3.6 who shows financial need and a genuine desire to continue learning beyond the classroom.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $3,000
Renewable – No
Max Muzyczka Memorial Scholarship
Maxwell J. Muzyczka, “Max,” was a beloved friend to all his classmates. He carried an energy and humor that buoyed his 2024 class and teammates alike throughout his years and beyond his passing in 2020. His spirit lives on with his gifts of life through organ donation and in the hearts of those who remember him. A scholarship bearing his name has been established to honor his larger-than-life personality, which will be missed by so many in the year that he would have graduated from Highland High School.
The Max Muzyczka Memorial Scholarship shall be awarded to a college bound Highland student of strong faith who champions others, plays a school supported or recognized team sport, participates in musical pursuits, and has a minimum 3.5 grade point average. The initial scholarship award amount will be $2,500, and the scholarship will be renewable in the amount of $1,000 annually for up to three years, provided the scholarship recipient remains in contact with The Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence.
Available – 1
Scholarship Amount – $2,500
Renewable – Yes, for $1,000 annually for up to 3 years
3880 Ridge Road
Medina, OH 44256
information@highlandfoundation.org
©2023. The Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence.