2018 – Ellie Ruby
Hi my name is Ellie Ruby and I am so honored to be able to be a recipient of this scholarship. I attended Wheelersburg high school all four years while there I played basketball volleyball and ran track. I obtained first team all soc, district in all three sports and second team all state in Volleyball, honorable mention in basketball and made it to the state meet all four years in track. Over my four years in high school I was a state champion twice in the long jump my sophomore and senior year. Along with athletics, I was in the national honors society and was at the honors banquet every year. While being in NHS I volunteered at 5k’s, the hospital and areas in our school. I attend faith baptist church as well and am an active member in that, I am very blessed to have received this scholarship. Thank you!!
2018 – Alyson Ferrara
Alyson Ferrara is a Portsmouth High School graduate, and is the daughter of Nick and Becky Ferrara and Erin Ferrara. Throughout high school, she was a varsity volleyball player, swimmer, and track runner. She was elected President of Key Club in her junior and senior years and also participated in mock trial, quiz bowl, physics club, and show choir. She was a 4.51 scholar during her high school career and was inducted into National Honor Society her junior year. She is honored to be the recipient of the Courtney Clifford Scholarship, and she will be attending the University of South Carolina to study nursing in hopes of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
2018 – Joseph Beckett
Joseph Beckett is a proud recipient of the 2018 Courtney Clifford scholarship. He is the son of the late Grant Beckett and Marian Beckett. While attending Notre Dame High School Joseph was a co-captain on the cross country, swim, and track teams. In the latter two he received All-Conference Honors as well as All-District honors. In addition to those sports, Joseph also participated in Key Club, “Red, White, and Youth”, Search for Christian Maturity, National Honor Society where he served as Vice President, quiz bowl, and mock trial where he was twice awarded an “Outstanding Attorney” Award. Joseph also was a 3 year participant and captain on Notre Dame’s team in the Department of Energy’s Regional Science Bowl. In 2018 his team was runner-up and in 2016 his team won the regional tournament advancing to nationals in Washington D.C. In his free time Joseph has earned the rank of Eagle Scout along with 4 additional palms with Troop 12 in the Boy Scouts of America while also serving with 2 week-long service trips organized by his church that serve the less fortunate in Scioto County. In 2017 he was awarded the “Golden Hammer Outstanding Youth Volunteer” Award by the Christ the King and St. Katharine Appalachian Project. Joseph graduated valedictorian of Notre Dame’s class of 2018 and will attend the University of Dayton starting in the fall of 2018 where he will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
2018 – Marissa Risner
My name is Marissa Risner, I am a 2018 graduate of Minford High School where I was a four year varsity member of the soccer and basketball team. I took part in Bible Club, Spanish Club, Red White and Youth and Math Club. I was the National Honor Society Secretary and was nominated to represent my class on the student council. I am now attending Ohio University in the Communication Science Disorders program and and plan to further my degree into the master program, Speech Language Pathology.
2018 – Brooklyn Price
Brooklyn graduated Valley High School class of 2018. During her time throughout school she has flown planes as a student pilot. Brooklyn has participated in various clubs including tennis for 1 year, cross-country for 3 years and track & field for 4 years. She has been a member of the VHS marching band for 5 years and has marched for 6 years overall. She has been the drum major for the past 3 years. Brooklyn has also participated in pep band and jazz band. She was a class officer for 3 years. She has attended Ohio Model United Nations for 3 years, one of those being an officer. Clubs she has been a member of include mock trial, Spanish club, green club, drama club, science bowl, quiz bowl, and choir. She participates in the Portsmouth Wind Symphony. Some of other community involvment includes honor bands at many universities including Ohio University, Marshall University, Morehead State University, and The Ohio State University. She has been selected for the Scioto County Honor Band Festival for 5 years. She has received leadership awards for both track and cross country, and been named a 1st Team All-SOC Women’s Track & Field athlete twice for distance events. Brooklyn is attending Miami University this fall to major in biology with a co-major of premed. She plans to become an optometrist and go abroad. Brooklyn is honored to have recieved this scholarship and is very grateful to uphold the legacy of Courtney Clifford.
2017 – Tyler Compton
Tyler is honored to be selected as Minford’s 2017 Courtney Clifford Outstanding Achievement Scholarship recipient. Tyler is the son of Bill and Michele Compton. Academically, Tyler has received the Minford Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Scholarship Award as well as the OHSAA Scholar Athlete Award for his educational accomplishments. He was selected to participate in the Herff Jones “Believe In You” Leadership Conference and Minford’s Drug Free Alliance. Tyler was a member of the Minford High School
Choir, All-Scioto County Honors Choir, and an Ohio Model United Nations debate team member. Athletically, Tyler earned 9 varsity letters through football, basketball, and track. He was voted captain of the football team and received several athletic awards such as Offensive Back of the Year, Most Valuable Player of the Year, All-Southern Ohio Conference, All-Southeastern District, Division II/Region 7 Qualifier, and All-State. Tyler will be attending Ohio University and working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
2017 – Nathan Riehl
Nathan Riehl is a graduate of Valley High School. While in high school, he was a varsity letterman in football for three years, in basketball for two years, and in track and field for three years. As an athlete, he was awarded an All-Conference award in football his senior year and competed in the regional track meet for track and field his senior year. As a student, Nathan finished 6th in his class behind 4 valedictorian’s and served as his class treasurer and the treasurer of the Lucas Chapter of the National Honors Society. Nathan participated in several academic programs including Buckeye Boys State, Ohio Model United Nations, Science Bowl, Quiz Bowl, Miami University Summer Scholars Program, and Miami University Bridges Program. He also received several honorable awards while in high school including the Wendy’s Heisman, OSU-Honda Math Medal, Outstanding Leadership Ohio Model United Nations, and the J.D. Merritt Memorial Award. Nathan is honored to receive a scholarship in the name of such an incredible woman as Courtney Clifford. He will be attending Wright State University and majoring in accounting.
2017 – Aaron Bazler
Being accepted into the University of Cincinnati’s Civil Engineering Program has brought me one step closer to reaching my career goals. I am particularly interested in developing environmentally sound energy resources. It is important to me to find ways to utilize our natural resources so we are not as dependent upon other nations. It is also important to me to find ways to help people help themselves. I plan to further my engineering degree with a Master’s Degree in Engineering with the ultimate goal to become a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer. I hope to gain significant experience through Cooperative Occupational programs (Co-Op’s) while earning my Bachelor Degree. This will afford me job experiences making me more employable. My long term goals involve bringing my education and professional experiences back to my hometown where I hope to own my own business and contribute to the success and “turn around” of the City of Portsmouth.
2017 – Bailey Horsley
After I graduate college, I wish to start my own business. I want to give the youth in Portsmouth something fun and unique to do. I have always had this goal, and hopefully, I will be able to achieve it with the knowledge I will gain in my four years of college. I also want to eventually earn my Master’s degree, which will both broaden my knowledge in my field and allow me to earn a higher income while still doing what I want to do. If I am successful in achieving these goals, I will be able to support myself, and hopefully the family I want to one day have.
2016 – Blake Howard
Blake Howard is a graduate of Valley High school. While at Valley, he was a letterman in football for three years, basketball for three years, and baseball for four years. As an athlete, Blake was award All-Conference honors in all three sports and All-District honors in football and basketball. He also volunteered at the school sponsored football and basketball camps for four years. From an academic standpoint Blake finished top ten in his class, and served as a National Honor Society member. Through National Honor society he has volunteered at several blood drives, yard sales, and elementary track & field events. Blake is honored to be a recipient of the Courtney Clifford Scholarship and plans to attend Shawnee State University with aspirations of obtaining a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.
2016 – Jayla Bowling
Jayla Bowling is the proud recipient of the 2016 Courtney Clifford scholarship. She attended Notre Dame High School where she was a volleyball player, swim team member, and track team member. In her swimming career, she was awarded “Most Outstanding Swimmer” and “Captain’s Award.” In between sports, Jayla also was a member of Key Club, Art Club, Pep Club, Cornerstone UMC Youth Group, and Red, White and Youth. Her honors also include being the President of National Honor Society, being awarded “Best in Show” and “First Place” in the 2015 and 2016 art shows, being picked to be the representative at the Ohio Southern Hugh O’Brian Youth leadership program, the Honda-OSU Math Medal award, and representing her school at WSAZ’s Best of Class. Jayla graduated valedictorian and president of the 2016 class at Notre Dame High School. She is very honored to be the recipient of the Courtney Clifford Scholarship and will attend Shawnee State University in the fall of 2016, where she will major in Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare, she will also minor in Deaf Studies
2016 – Lena Harvey
Lena Harvey is the proud recipient of the 2016 Courtney Clifford Scholarship. Lena graduated from Portsmouth High School. During high school, she participated in many extracurricular activities such as Key Club, National Honors Society, Physics Club, and Quiz Bowl. She also managed to uphold a position as class officer all four years. She was a 4-year varsity Track runner and was Captain her senior year. Lena was also the 2015 Wendy’s High School Heisman winner for her school. After high school, Lena plans to attend Shawnee State University and study a career in the Health Sciences.
2016 – Jared Alley
Jared Alley, is the son of Alan and Amy Alley. While at Minford, Jared excelled academically as well as athletically. He served as the class of 2016 President for four years. He was a member of the Butcher-Coriell National Honor Society where he served as President, Bible Club Vice-President, Spanish Club, Red, White and Youth and Student Council member. He was a four year scholarship award winner and was among the top ten in his graduating class. Jared was a four year varsity letterman in basketball. He helped lead the basketball team, in which he was a captain for two years, to three SOC championships, received All-SOC honors and All District Honors, and is part of the winningest class in Minford High School Basketball history. In baseball, where he was also a four year varsity letterman, he received the co- offensive player of the year his sophomore and junior year and co-MVP his senior year, All-SOC honors, All District Honors as well as All-Academic District Honors and helped to make Minford High School Baseball History for being the first team to ever make it to the regional finals. He also is an active member of his church and youth group at Word Alive Fellowship. Jared will be attending Shawnee State University to obtain a degree in Biology and then plans to pursue medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.
2015 – Kenton Gullion
Kenton Gullion is the son of Craig Gullion and Glenda Gullion. Kenton has been named team MVP of the golf team his freshman year and team MVP of the soccer team his senior year. He has received all-conference honors in soccer and basketball, as well as all-state honors in track and field. He holds the three point record at MHS in basketball. Kenton was the Vice President of his senior class and a member of the national honor society. Kenton was also a member of the Minford High School choir for 3 years, and the select choir for 2 years. Kenton has been secretary and Vice President of his youth group at RCC. Kenton will be attending Ohio Christian University in the fall where he will be high jumping for the track team and is planning on studying public service.
2015 – Madeline Clayton
Madeline Clayton is the proud recipient of the 2015 Courtney Clifford Scholarship. She attended Portsmouth High School where she was a 4-year varsity volleyball player, varsity tennis player, PHS cheerleader, mock trial member, show choir member, and key club member; also she was a 2-year varsity swim team member. During her junior and senior years of volleyball Madeline was team captain. Her mock trail team went to the state competition three times and received awards for being one of the top eight teams in the state. She served as the President of her class freshman and sophomore years and the Vice President her junior and senior years. Madeline was a 4.51 scholar throughout her high school career and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She is honored to be a recipient of the Courtney Clifford Scholarship and will attend Xavier University where she will major in Nursing.
2015 – Benjamin Justice
Benjamin graduated as valedictorian from Valley High School. While at Valley, he participated in Concert Band for four years, Marching Band for five years, Cross Country for four years, and Basketball for four years. He served as National Honor Society President for one year and Class President for four years. In addition, he has been involved with Prom Committee, Quiz Bowl, and Science Bowl. Outside of school, Benjamin has played in the Portsmouth Wind Symphony and a number of local Honor Bands. Also, through his involvement with the National Honor Society, he has volunteered his time to several blood drives and other community events. Benjamin is honored to have been awarded the Courtney Clifford Scholarship and will attend The Ohio State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
2015 – Jonathan Major
Jonathan is a proud recipient of the 2015 Courtney Clifford Scholarship. He is the son of Dr. Kimberly Umhoefer and John Major. He graduated Co-Salutatorian of his class. His academic honors include 4 years on the A honor roll, President’s Education Award, OHSAA Scholar Athlete Award, as well as attending honorable programs as Buckeye Boys State, the National Young Leaders State Conference, National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, and the Duke Talent Identification Program. Jonathan has also been apart of the Robert Holzmer Chapter of the National Honor Society where he served as Secretary, Ohio Model United Nations, Search for Christian Maturity where he was a leader, Quiz Bowl, Science Bowl, and also Student Council as class Vice President one year. Athletically, Jonathan has been involved for all four years of high school. He played football all four years, his senior season he was voted as a team captain, and also received the Edmund J. Schmidt award. He also played basketball all four seasons. Jonathan ran track and field his junior and senior years, where he helped his team win back to back Southern Ohio Conference Championships. Finally, Jonathan has been very involved in service as well. He was a four year member of Notre Dame’s Kiwani’s Key Club, where he served as Junior Class Representative and the Service Coordinator. He also took part in the Red, White, and Youth Program and volunteered and donated at several Red Cross Blood Drives. Jonathan will be attending Otterbein University in the fall, and taking part in the 3+4 Early Assurance Program in accordance with the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, majoring in Biology.
2014 – Nathan Compton
Nathan is honored to have been selected as Minford’s first Courtney Clifford Scholarship recipient. He is the son of Bill and Michele Compton. Nathan lettered in track 4 years, earning 1st team All-Southern Ohio Conference and reaching regional level competition. He lettered in football 3 years, earning numerous awards and honors. In powerlifting, Nathan is the 2014 Southeastern Ohio Regional Powerlifting Champion Overall, Champion Bench, Champion Squat, and he set a new 2014 meet record in bench in his weight class. He also holds the title of 2014 Ohio State Powerlifting Champion Over and Champion Bench in his class. Nathan has been a member of the Minford High School Choir for 3 years and selected for the All-Scioto County Honors Choir for 3 years. He has been and Ohio Model United Nations debate team member for 4 years. He has earned Honor Roll distinction every grading period throughout high school as well as the Minford Sophomore Scholarship Award. Nathan will be attending Morehead State University in the fall, and will major in Nursing.
2014 – Tanner Poage
Tanner is the son of Doug Poage and Jennifer Merb, and younger brother to Collin Poage. Tanner is a 4-year starter for the baseball team and earned First Team All District honors his senior year. He is a 4 year member of the 4.51 scholars and quiz bowl team. He was the President and Valedictorian of the class of 2014. Tanner is the 2014 SOMC Branch Rickey Award recipient and the OHSAA Scholar-Athlete recipient. He played football during his freshman and sophomore years, golf during his junior and senior years, and was captain of the the swim team his senior year. Tanner is a 2-year member of the Emily Ball Chapter of the National Honor Society. Tanner is a proud recipient of the Courtney Clifford Scholarship and will be attending The Ohio State University and will be be majoring in Chemistry.
2014 – Brandon Wedebrook
I am the son of Robbie and Kelly Bratchett. I was a 4-year varsity letter-man in baseball where I received All-SEOAL honors junior and senor year. I was a 3-year letter-man in football where I received captain honors my senior year and All-SEOAL honors junior and senior year. I also played basketball freshman year. I was vice-president of the class of 2014. I plan on attending Shawnee State University and to hopefully become an Ohio State Highway Patrolman.
2014 – Tori Danielle Harr
My name is Torri Danielle Harr, and I’m a 2014 graduate of Notre Dame High School. I am extremely honored and humbled to be named the 2014 Notre Dame recipient of the Courtney Clifford Outstanding Achievement Scholarship. My extracurricular activities include: 4 years varsity softball, 1 year tennis, 3 years volleyball, Key Club, Ohio Model United Nations (OMUN), Student Council, and Senior Service Volunteer. I have served as Senior Class Representative for Student Council, Service Coordinator for Key Club, SEARCH for Christian Unity leader and OMUN group leader. I have participated in 4H, receiving the 14 year award as a member of the Indian Clover Tribe, and serving as a 4H teen leader for 3 years. Awards bestowed upon me in softball are: 2013 SOC Pitcher of the Year, First Team District and SOC, 2012 First Team SOC and Second Team District, 2011 Second Team District. I also received the 2011 Outstanding student award in Religion, Algebra and Spanish I, and 2012 Outstanding student award in Geometry and Spanish II. My most prized award is receiving the Notre Dame Blue and Gold Leadership Award for 4 years which was voted upon by my peers/teammates. I have volunteered at the following: Catholic Social Services, STAR Workshop, Hillview Retirement Center, Southern Ohio Medical Center and Notre Dame Elementary. I am also privileged to provide child care services to many local families, which I hold dear to my heart. My short-term goal is to attend Shawnee State University and obtain my BSN degree, then pursue my long-term goal of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. I would like to thank everyone who has encouraged me tin my journey so far, and the scholarship committee who chose me to represent an amazing person, Courtney Clifford.
2013 – Katie O’Neill
Katie is the daughter of Paul and Susan O’Neill. She was a four year member of the varsity tennis team, reaching the state level her junior and senior year in doubles with her partner, Jessica Schmidt. She was also a four year member of the softball team. Katie was the salutatorian of her Notre Dame High School graduating class and a two year member of the National Honor Society, one of those years serving as Vice President. She was also a four year member of the Quiz Bowl team. Katie is attending Bellarmine University and will be majoring in Exercise Science. She is very honored to be chosen as a recipient of this scholarship!
2013 – Sarah Raies
Sarah Raies is the proud recipient of the 2013 Courtney Clifford Scholarship. Sarah is a 4-year varsity tennis player, swim team and show choir member. Sarah was class treasurer throughout high school as well as a 4.51 Scholar and a 2-year member of the quiz bowl team. She was an active member of Key Club member and was inducted into National Honor Society where she served as Vice President. Sarah is proud and excited to be attending The Ohio State University where she will be majoring in Health Sciences.
2012 – JW Horsley
JW is the son of Jeff and Beck Horsley, and older brother to Bailey Horsley. JW is a 4-year varsity letter-man in football where he received team captain honors. He is a 4 year 4.51 scholar member, and a 2-year National Honor Society member. JW played baseball his freshman year, ran track his junior year, and was a member of the state runner-up basketball team his senior year. JW was president of the class of 2012 his junior and senior year, along with being ranked salutatorian. He plans to be a pre-med student at Shawnee State University in the fall and hopeful ophthalmologist in the future.
2011 – Ali Shultz
Ali Shultz is a proud recipient of the Courtney Clifford Scholarship. She graduated Valedictorian from Portsmouth High School in 2011. Ali is attending her second year at Ohio University, majoring in Journalism at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. She is involved in the honors society Alpha Lambda Delta, based on her academic achievements. Ali is also a National Residence Hall Honorary. She enjoys writing for Ohio University’s fashion magazine, Thread. Ali is an active participant of her dorm’s Hall Council, and she was on the Dean’s List during her freshman year at Ohio University.