FINDLAY, Ohio (June 2, 2016) — The Cooper Tire & Rubber Foundation has selected five recipients for its Cooper Centennial Scholarships.
The students, chosen from 22 qualifying applicants nationwide, will receive $1,000 each, the Findlay-based tire maker said.
“This is an outstanding group of students who have not only excelled in the classroom, but have also devoted significant time and energy to volunteer with community groups while often holding part-time jobs as well,” Cooper Chairman, CEO and President Roy Armes said.
Each of the scholarship applicants submitted essays on the importance of manufacturing in the global economy and an independent committee selected the winners, according to Mr. Armes.
Scholarship recipients are:
• Kathryn Harry — A member of National Honor Society, Harry also has been listed on the distinguished honor roll for each of the last four years. She is an award-winning equestrian who has been active in extracurricular activities including marching band, bell choir and orchestra, while also volunteering for Project H.O.P.E, a nonprofit which provides equine-assisted therapy. Kathryn is the daughter of Cooper employees Paul Harry, financial controller for the technical group, and Ruth Harry, office assistant at the Cooper headquarters.
• Allison Kreinbrink — Ohio State University-bound, Kreinbrink intends to study biomedical engineering, according to Cooper. Throughout her high school career, she has been involved in number of clubs and extracurricular activities including Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT), National Honor Society, Honors Career Mentorship and her high school's “We the People” team. Kreinbrink participated in soccer as well as track and field and has community volunteer experience through Hancock County Youth Leadership the local Relay for Life event. Allison is the daughter of Rod Kreinbrink, manufacturing reliability senior manager, and his wife Heather.
• Alyssa Langhals — A graduate of Columbus Grove High School, Langhals will attend Ohio State University, where she intends to study electrical and computer engineering. As a high school student she participated in show choir, appeared in spring musicals and served as part of the colorguard. She was a member of the student newspaper and served on student council, holding the officer of class treasurer while also playing soccer and participating in track and field. Allison is the daughter of Cooper Corporate IT Manager Mike Langhals and his wife Kay.
• Mariah Waaland — Throughout her high school career, Waaland served three years on student council and was a member of National Honor Society. Outside of high school, she was an active in 4H, FFA, the Tri-State Rodeo Association and Junior Fair Board. In addition, she played active roles in her church youth group, church council and vacation Bible school. Waaland has volunteered with City Mission and participated in Hancock County Youth Leadership. She plans to attend Bowling Green State University, where she intends to study neurosciences. Mariah is the daughter of Cooper Findlay plant electrician John Waaland and his wife Beatrice.
• Kiersa Warwick — An accomplished pianist and recipient of the Girl Scouts of America's highest recognition — the Gold Award — Warwick plans to attend California Lutheran University to pursue a business degree. While in high school, she volunteered for the local Challenger baseball league, worked with special needs athletes and assisted at animal shelters, food drives and other organizations for those with special physical and mental challenges, Cooper said. Kiersa is the daughter of Chet Warwick, Western Region territory sales manager, and his wife Joyce.
This is the second year the foundation — the philanthropic arm of Cooper Tire — has awarded scholarships. The program was created to honor the company's centennial in 2014 and provide post-secondary education assistance to the children of Cooper employees.
Scholarships are administered through the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, an independent philanthropic agency that manages more than 350 funds, including over 100 scholarships.