Grant Winners - Foundation
Our group through its foundation offers four different book grants for college students.
The H.C.R.T. Foundation solicits, receives, and invests gifts of money and property of every kind. Memorial and Honorary gifts to the H.C.R.T. Foundation will encourage students majoring in Education or the Arts to achieve their dream.
The H.C.R.T. Foundation is a 501c3 organization. Your gifts are tax deductible.
The H.C.R.T. Foundation solicits, receives, and invests gifts of money and property of every kind. Memorial and Honorary gifts to the H.C.R.T. Foundation will encourage students majoring in Education or the Arts to achieve their dream.
The H.C.R.T. Foundation is a 501c3 organization. Your gifts are tax deductible.
Previous Grant Recipients
Where are they today?
By Becky Chamberlin
2020-03-25
Chad Warnimont
Thanks so much for the email. I hope you are staying healthy and safe. I graduated from Wright State with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. I also graduated from BGSU with an Educational Specialist and Doctorate in Leadership Studies.
I have been in education for 16 years. My career started at Toth Elementary with Perrysburg Schools. I taught 5th grade math, reading, and science for 7 years. My career then continued in Anthony Wayne when I became the principal at Waterville Primary. I was the principal there for four years. I then returned to Perrysburg Schools and became the principal at Frank Elementary. I was the principal there for four years.
This year I decided to transition to the secondary level to get some secondary experience. I am currently one of the Assistant Principals at Perrysburg Junior High. I am hoping to transition to a Central Office position at some point in the future.
2020-03-24
Michelle (Crawford) Leatherman
I graduated from BGSU in 1999 with a BS in Education, majoring in secondary communications education with a minor in Journalism. In 2000, I began my teaching career at Wauseon High School where I taught high school English, theater, speech and journalism for six years. In 2006, I transitioned to teaching middle school English language arts and for the next five years, I was an 8th grade reading and English teacher at Wauseon Middle School. During this time, I went back to school to pursue my master's degree in school counseling and earned that degree from BGSU in 2011. In the fall of 2011, I took a position as the school counselor for Wauseon Middle School, serving students in grades 6-8. In 2013, I made the decision to go back to school once again and began pursuing my Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from BGSU. I earned that degree in 2015 and that same year took my current position as Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment with Wauseon Schools. Last year, I completed my gifted endorsement, as I also serve as our district gifted coordinator. This year I will celebrate 20 years in education, all of which have been at Wauseon.
I live in Wauseon with my husband Keith, who is the Wauseon High School principal, and our two children, Jack and Marin. Jack is a freshman at Wauseon High School and Marin is a 6th grader at Wauseon Middle School.
2020-03-18
Wes Rickenberg –
I recently graduated in the winter of 2018 from BGSU with a degree in middle childhood education with specialization in ELA and Social Studies. I was a long-term substitute for the 2018/19 school year before being hired at Montpelier Exempted Village School District as the 7th grade ELA teacher. I am currently a middle school football coach as well as a varsity baseball assistant for the locomotives as well. I was married to my wife, Lauren (Dye) on December 28, 2019 and now live in Montpelier where we look forward to starting a family.
I personally wanted to thank the HCRT Foundation for the scholarship that I received in 2015. BGSU lead me not only to my new career but also my wife. If there is anything I can do on my part, please let me know!
2-13-2019
Madelyn Bishop
Madelyn Bishop graduated from Liberty Center High School in 2013. She continued her education at The Ohio State University and completed her degree at OSU-Lima. During her college experience she worked with students at West Broad Elementary School, an inner-city school in Columbus, The Ohio State Tutoring and Learning Center and tutored students from Liberty Center and St. Augustine. She received our Sherman Book Grant in 2016 and used these funds to expand her classroom library.
Madelyn is a K-1 Looping teacher in the Pike Delta York school district. She will remain with her students as they move on next year. She plans to participate in the Residency Teaching Program for second year teachers, coach a junior cheerleading squad this summer and expand her certification to include a generalist 4-5 endorsement. She enjoys working out and watching her brother play basketball for Trine University.
9-5-2018
Tori Meyer
Tori Meyer was active in track, gymnastics, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, and gymnastics at Patrick Henry High School - just to mention a few of her activities. She received the Griffith Family Book Grant and graduated from Patrick Henry in 2011.
Tori graduated from Kent State University with a degree in art education in 2015. She began her teaching career as a long-term substitute. She taught art at Springfield High School and last year accepted a teaching position at Anthony Wayne Junior High.
Tori coached track at both schools and is currently assistant track coach at Anthony Wayne. To enhance the school's art program Tori started a Junior High Art Club this year. She's still a very active young lady.
9-11-2017
Chandler Ashbaugh
Chandler Ashbaugh graduated from Napoleon High School in 2012. While a student at Baldwin Wallace University she was a member of the Teaching Together Society, Swimming Diving Team and received the Most Valuable Player Award in 2015. In 2015 she was our Sherman Book Grant winner. She graduated from Baldwin Wallace in 2016 with an Early Childhood Education degree - Generalist Endorsement 4-5.
Chandler lives in the Cleveland area and returns to her 4th grade classroom at Keystone Elementary School this fall. She is a Swim Coach, enjoys reading, hiking, camping, outdoor activities, and leading her students to their highest potential.
8-30-2017
Robert McMahan
Robert McMahan, the Roger King Music Book Grant winner of 2013 and 2014, graduated from Napoleon High School in 2011 and Indiana Wesleyan University in 2015. While a student at Indiana Wesleyan he was in Wind and Jazz ensembles, Pep Band, University Singers and Summer Musical just to name a few. After his university graduation he taught instrumental music grades 5-12 at Eastbrook Schools in Marion, Indiana.
Today Robert and his wife, Jenni, are CRU staff members at Bowling Green State University helping students meet new friends, learn about life and faith. He works in a variety of settings including one on one, small group, and large group gatherings. Robert serves on the church audio/technology team for worship. They like to travel and hike. While attending a staff conference in Colorado they stayed extra days to hike in the Rocky Mountains.
01-27-2017
Emily Schroeder
Emily Schroeder was awarded the Griffith Family Book Grant in 2010. She is a Patrick Henry High School graduate and went on to graduate from Bowling Green State University in 2013. Emily received her degree in Adolescent/Young Adult Integrated Education and moved to North Carolina. She is teaching 9th-12th grade students at Independent High School in Greensboro. Her future plans include graduate school with a degree in administration.
Emily enjoys playing tennis, going to the beach, and being outside. It was 70 degrees there on January 29th!
04-09-2016
Kristen Lauf
Kristen Lauf graduated from Napoleon High School in 2010. After high school she was awarded the 2013 Sherman Book Grant while at Northwest State Community College. She will complete her education at The Ohio State University with a major in Early Childhood Education and general education endorsement (preschool - 5th grade) this May. Kristen student taught in Lima while attending class at the OSU Lima campus.
Kristen is a busy gal with two part-time jobs, coaching Napoleon Cheerleading and serving as scorekeeper for the Kity Cats. She shared that her hobby centers around basketball as she also enjoys watching her brothers play.
09-21-2015
Zach Westoven
Zachary Westhoven graduated from Napoleon High School in 2008. He also received the Griffith Book Grant in 2008. Capital University was his next stop where he received the Sherman Book Grant in 2011 and a degree in Integrated Language Arts.
He enjoys working on a team of 5 English teachers at Dempsey Middle School in Delaware, Ohio. He's been teaching 8th grade language arts there for four years. He is the school newspaper advisor and Power of the Pen coach at Dempsey.
Zach shared that he has expanded his cooking techniques, enjoys traveling and hiking with a cute elementary music teacher - his wife Elizabeth.
05-08-2015
Lindsay Rohrs Bialorucki
2009 Sherman Book Grant Winner
Lindsay Rohrs Bialorucki graduated from Archbold High School in 2006. She was awarded the Lucille and Margaret Sherman Book Grant in 2009 while a student at Bowling Green State University. She graduated from BGSU with a major in Music Education in 2010. Substitute teaching kept her busy after graduation. She also worked part-time for the Rettig Music Stores and moved into a full-time position with them.
Lindsay meets Northwest Ohio's fifth graders at the five Rettig Store locations and helps them with their instrument selection. She teaches them how to handle and care for their instrument. Lindsay also handles instrument repair.
When attending a musical performance at Liberty Center or Archbold you will find Lindsay with the Pit Orchestra. She is a movie buff, enjoys knitting, playing the piano and her trumpet.
Lucky fifth graders have the opportunity to begin their musical voyage with an outstanding leader.
11-25-2014
Jennifer Westoven
2007 Sherman Book Grant Winner
Jennifer E. Westhoven graduated from Liberty Center High School in 2004. In 2007 she decided to submit the Sherman Book Grant application and received the grant while a junior at the University of Findlay. Jennifer's objective was to obtain a job as an Intervention Specialist in a school district that realizes the importance of helping all students achieve their maximum potential.
After graduating from the University of Findlay in 2008 and becoming Mrs. Jennifer Fryman, she found that job at Hardin Northern High School. This is her 6th year of inclusion and special English Study Hall Support there. She has completed post graduate work in the four core subject areas and is the head girls track coach at H.N.H.S.
Jennifer really enjoys teaching at this small school (even smaller than Liberty Center) and finds some time to relax at home with a good book.
11-4-2014
Shannon Meyer
2009 Griffith Book Grant Winner
In 2009 Shannon Meyer graduated from Patrick Henry High School and was awarded the Griffith Family Book Grant. She graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2013 with a K-12 Art Education degree.
Today we can find Shannon at Patrick Henry's Malinta School where she is an ADHD aide for the second year. This is one of her 3 part-time jobs. She is also a Patrick Henry Cheerleading Competition Coach.
Shannon's future plans include additional education and putting her Art Education degree to work.
Eric Michel Roth
2005 Sherman Winner
Upon graduating from BGSU, I plan to continue my education toward a master's degree in math education" and that's exactly what Eric Michael Roth did. He was awarded the Sherman Book Grant in 2005.
Eric graduated from Archbold H.S. in 2001, from BGSU with a bachelor's degree in 2006 majoring in Math Education, and in 2008 with a master's degree in International Ed. and Special Ed. Eric student taught in Rio de Janeiro and taught at the Ramoh Reservation in New Mexico. He is currently teaching H.S. Special Ed. Math at Coconino High School, in Flag Staff, Arizona and has been there 5 years.
I spoke with Eric when he was in Oklahoma and making his way back to Ohio. He returns to the Buckeye state every summer to help his dad with wheat harvest. . . . a very special event for him.
Zachary Westhoven
2008 Griffith Family Book Grant Recipiant
Napoleon High School graduate, Zachary Westhoven, was awarded the Griffith Family Book Grant in 2008. He graduated from Capital University in 2012 with a major in English Education.
This is Zach's second year of teaching 8th grade language arts at Delaware City Schools. He enjoys the challenge of teaching and experiencing something new each day. Zach resides in Delaware and considers it a great community. His interests and hobbies include travel, singing in the church choir, reading, writing, and cooking.
While at Capital, Zachary studied in London. He is planning a summer honeymoon there with his bride Elizabeth. Elizabeth is also a teacher and currently teaches elementary music (K-5) at Marion City Schools.
Zachary would like to thank the Henry County Retired Teachers Association for the Griffith Family Book Grant.
Emily Rees
2006 Lois Griffith Book Grant Recipient
Emily Rees received the Lois Griffith Book Grant in 2006. She is a Napoleon H.S. graduate. Emily attended Miami University and completed her degree in Education in 2010. Life Science was her major and she is currently teaching 7th/8th grade science at Hicksville Schools. She is looking forward to her second year of teaching.
When Emily isn't traveling she enjoys baking.
Ashley Bauman
2004 Margaret and Lucille Sherman Book Grant Recipient
Ashley Bauman received the Margaret and Lucille Sherman Book Grant in 2004. She is a Liberty Center H.S. graduate of 2002. Ashley completed her bachelor's degree at Ohio Northern and then completed her master's degree at the University of Dayton. This is Ashley's 8th year of teaching. She spent 7 years at Allen East and this will be her first year with the second graders at Bluffton Elementary School. Ashley and her husband enjoy riding bikes, community sports, and church activities. They have a special student at home - their 10 month old son Elijah.
Chad Warnimont
2002 Sherman Book Grant Recipient
Chad Warnimont was awarded the Sherman Book Grant in 2002. He completed his bachelor and master degrees at Wright State University. Chad taught 5th grade for Perrysburg Schools and completed his Education Specialist Degree and Doctorate at Bowling Green State University. Today you will find Chad in the principal's office at Waterville Primary in the Anthony Wayne School District. For fun Chad enjoys reading, movies, friends and Clear Lake.
Sarah Stobbe
2005 Griffith Book Grant Recipient
Sara Stobbe graduated from Napoleon High School and was awarded the Griffith Book Grant in 2005. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Intervention Specialist minor. In 2011 Sara returned to BGSU and completed her Master's in Reading Degree.
Today Sara is a Kindergarten teacher for Montpelier Schools. She resides in Napoleon and you might spot her walking her dog when she's not enjoying a good book.
Kara Rohrs Behnfeldt
2004 Griffith Book Grant Award Recipient
Kara Rohrs Behnfeldt was awarded the Griffith Family Book Grant in 2004. She graduated from the University of Akron in the spring of 2008 with a 3.9 gpa.
Kara and her husband live in the Lima area where she will begin her 5th year of teaching at Lima Shawnee High School this fall. She teaches History, freshmen World Studies and juniors American Government. She also enjoys coaching Junior High Girl's basketball and visiting family.
Kara, you make us proud!
Melanie Wilson
2000 Sherman Book Grant Recipient
The Sherman Book Grant 2000 recipient was Melanie Wilson. She is a Napoleon High School and Defiance College graduate. In August, 2001 Melanie began her teaching career at Defiance City Schools. Not only does she teach art there today, she is Art Dept. Head. In 2006 Melanie created and remains owner of Artistic Addictions by Mel. She has many interests with special interest in ceramics and painting, teaching on and off site.
Melanie recieved the NW Ohio Outstanding Art Teacher Award in 2008. Need a touch of artistic inspiration? Rub elbows with Melanie Wilson!
Mary Baughman
2002 Griffith Book Grant Recipient
Mary Baughman received the Griffith Book Grant in 2002. She graduated from Ohio State University in 2006 with a bachelor's degree, and in 2007 with a master's. She is married to a southern gentleman, Joe, and just finished her fifth year of teaching. Mary teaches in the Georgia Gwinnett County Public Schools in the Atlanta area.
This year she had 19 students in her second grade classroom, 17 of them with English as their second language. Mary is working on a specialized degree to add to her ELL (English Language Learners) and gifted degrees.
Megan Hoover
2001 Griffith Book Grant Recipient
Megan graduated from Ohio State University with a Middle Childhood Education degree certified in 4-9 Social Studies and Math.
She has taught for four years and is currently teaching in Perrysburg Schools. She is a 5th grade teacher there specializing in Social Studies and Math.
Megan received her Master's Degree from Ohio State in 2006 with a degree in Middle School Childhood.
She will soon be married to another Social Studies teacher and become Megan Hoover Kuns.
Megan Ashemier Little
1999 Sherman Book Grant Recipient
Megan graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education certified in K - 8. While a student at Xavier she was active in an after school inner city porgram for youngsters.
She has been teaching 2nd grade for ten years in Loveland, Ohio.
Megan received her Master's Degree from Wright State University in Educational Leadership.
Megan is interested in expanding her education in Montessori Education.
Where are they today?
By Becky Chamberlin
2020-03-25
Chad Warnimont
Thanks so much for the email. I hope you are staying healthy and safe. I graduated from Wright State with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. I also graduated from BGSU with an Educational Specialist and Doctorate in Leadership Studies.
I have been in education for 16 years. My career started at Toth Elementary with Perrysburg Schools. I taught 5th grade math, reading, and science for 7 years. My career then continued in Anthony Wayne when I became the principal at Waterville Primary. I was the principal there for four years. I then returned to Perrysburg Schools and became the principal at Frank Elementary. I was the principal there for four years.
This year I decided to transition to the secondary level to get some secondary experience. I am currently one of the Assistant Principals at Perrysburg Junior High. I am hoping to transition to a Central Office position at some point in the future.
2020-03-24
Michelle (Crawford) Leatherman
I graduated from BGSU in 1999 with a BS in Education, majoring in secondary communications education with a minor in Journalism. In 2000, I began my teaching career at Wauseon High School where I taught high school English, theater, speech and journalism for six years. In 2006, I transitioned to teaching middle school English language arts and for the next five years, I was an 8th grade reading and English teacher at Wauseon Middle School. During this time, I went back to school to pursue my master's degree in school counseling and earned that degree from BGSU in 2011. In the fall of 2011, I took a position as the school counselor for Wauseon Middle School, serving students in grades 6-8. In 2013, I made the decision to go back to school once again and began pursuing my Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from BGSU. I earned that degree in 2015 and that same year took my current position as Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment with Wauseon Schools. Last year, I completed my gifted endorsement, as I also serve as our district gifted coordinator. This year I will celebrate 20 years in education, all of which have been at Wauseon.
I live in Wauseon with my husband Keith, who is the Wauseon High School principal, and our two children, Jack and Marin. Jack is a freshman at Wauseon High School and Marin is a 6th grader at Wauseon Middle School.
2020-03-18
Wes Rickenberg –
I recently graduated in the winter of 2018 from BGSU with a degree in middle childhood education with specialization in ELA and Social Studies. I was a long-term substitute for the 2018/19 school year before being hired at Montpelier Exempted Village School District as the 7th grade ELA teacher. I am currently a middle school football coach as well as a varsity baseball assistant for the locomotives as well. I was married to my wife, Lauren (Dye) on December 28, 2019 and now live in Montpelier where we look forward to starting a family.
I personally wanted to thank the HCRT Foundation for the scholarship that I received in 2015. BGSU lead me not only to my new career but also my wife. If there is anything I can do on my part, please let me know!
2-13-2019
Madelyn Bishop
Madelyn Bishop graduated from Liberty Center High School in 2013. She continued her education at The Ohio State University and completed her degree at OSU-Lima. During her college experience she worked with students at West Broad Elementary School, an inner-city school in Columbus, The Ohio State Tutoring and Learning Center and tutored students from Liberty Center and St. Augustine. She received our Sherman Book Grant in 2016 and used these funds to expand her classroom library.
Madelyn is a K-1 Looping teacher in the Pike Delta York school district. She will remain with her students as they move on next year. She plans to participate in the Residency Teaching Program for second year teachers, coach a junior cheerleading squad this summer and expand her certification to include a generalist 4-5 endorsement. She enjoys working out and watching her brother play basketball for Trine University.
9-5-2018
Tori Meyer
Tori Meyer was active in track, gymnastics, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, and gymnastics at Patrick Henry High School - just to mention a few of her activities. She received the Griffith Family Book Grant and graduated from Patrick Henry in 2011.
Tori graduated from Kent State University with a degree in art education in 2015. She began her teaching career as a long-term substitute. She taught art at Springfield High School and last year accepted a teaching position at Anthony Wayne Junior High.
Tori coached track at both schools and is currently assistant track coach at Anthony Wayne. To enhance the school's art program Tori started a Junior High Art Club this year. She's still a very active young lady.
9-11-2017
Chandler Ashbaugh
Chandler Ashbaugh graduated from Napoleon High School in 2012. While a student at Baldwin Wallace University she was a member of the Teaching Together Society, Swimming Diving Team and received the Most Valuable Player Award in 2015. In 2015 she was our Sherman Book Grant winner. She graduated from Baldwin Wallace in 2016 with an Early Childhood Education degree - Generalist Endorsement 4-5.
Chandler lives in the Cleveland area and returns to her 4th grade classroom at Keystone Elementary School this fall. She is a Swim Coach, enjoys reading, hiking, camping, outdoor activities, and leading her students to their highest potential.
8-30-2017
Robert McMahan
Robert McMahan, the Roger King Music Book Grant winner of 2013 and 2014, graduated from Napoleon High School in 2011 and Indiana Wesleyan University in 2015. While a student at Indiana Wesleyan he was in Wind and Jazz ensembles, Pep Band, University Singers and Summer Musical just to name a few. After his university graduation he taught instrumental music grades 5-12 at Eastbrook Schools in Marion, Indiana.
Today Robert and his wife, Jenni, are CRU staff members at Bowling Green State University helping students meet new friends, learn about life and faith. He works in a variety of settings including one on one, small group, and large group gatherings. Robert serves on the church audio/technology team for worship. They like to travel and hike. While attending a staff conference in Colorado they stayed extra days to hike in the Rocky Mountains.
01-27-2017
Emily Schroeder
Emily Schroeder was awarded the Griffith Family Book Grant in 2010. She is a Patrick Henry High School graduate and went on to graduate from Bowling Green State University in 2013. Emily received her degree in Adolescent/Young Adult Integrated Education and moved to North Carolina. She is teaching 9th-12th grade students at Independent High School in Greensboro. Her future plans include graduate school with a degree in administration.
Emily enjoys playing tennis, going to the beach, and being outside. It was 70 degrees there on January 29th!
04-09-2016
Kristen Lauf
Kristen Lauf graduated from Napoleon High School in 2010. After high school she was awarded the 2013 Sherman Book Grant while at Northwest State Community College. She will complete her education at The Ohio State University with a major in Early Childhood Education and general education endorsement (preschool - 5th grade) this May. Kristen student taught in Lima while attending class at the OSU Lima campus.
Kristen is a busy gal with two part-time jobs, coaching Napoleon Cheerleading and serving as scorekeeper for the Kity Cats. She shared that her hobby centers around basketball as she also enjoys watching her brothers play.
09-21-2015
Zach Westoven
Zachary Westhoven graduated from Napoleon High School in 2008. He also received the Griffith Book Grant in 2008. Capital University was his next stop where he received the Sherman Book Grant in 2011 and a degree in Integrated Language Arts.
He enjoys working on a team of 5 English teachers at Dempsey Middle School in Delaware, Ohio. He's been teaching 8th grade language arts there for four years. He is the school newspaper advisor and Power of the Pen coach at Dempsey.
Zach shared that he has expanded his cooking techniques, enjoys traveling and hiking with a cute elementary music teacher - his wife Elizabeth.
05-08-2015
Lindsay Rohrs Bialorucki
2009 Sherman Book Grant Winner
Lindsay Rohrs Bialorucki graduated from Archbold High School in 2006. She was awarded the Lucille and Margaret Sherman Book Grant in 2009 while a student at Bowling Green State University. She graduated from BGSU with a major in Music Education in 2010. Substitute teaching kept her busy after graduation. She also worked part-time for the Rettig Music Stores and moved into a full-time position with them.
Lindsay meets Northwest Ohio's fifth graders at the five Rettig Store locations and helps them with their instrument selection. She teaches them how to handle and care for their instrument. Lindsay also handles instrument repair.
When attending a musical performance at Liberty Center or Archbold you will find Lindsay with the Pit Orchestra. She is a movie buff, enjoys knitting, playing the piano and her trumpet.
Lucky fifth graders have the opportunity to begin their musical voyage with an outstanding leader.
11-25-2014
Jennifer Westoven
2007 Sherman Book Grant Winner
Jennifer E. Westhoven graduated from Liberty Center High School in 2004. In 2007 she decided to submit the Sherman Book Grant application and received the grant while a junior at the University of Findlay. Jennifer's objective was to obtain a job as an Intervention Specialist in a school district that realizes the importance of helping all students achieve their maximum potential.
After graduating from the University of Findlay in 2008 and becoming Mrs. Jennifer Fryman, she found that job at Hardin Northern High School. This is her 6th year of inclusion and special English Study Hall Support there. She has completed post graduate work in the four core subject areas and is the head girls track coach at H.N.H.S.
Jennifer really enjoys teaching at this small school (even smaller than Liberty Center) and finds some time to relax at home with a good book.
11-4-2014
Shannon Meyer
2009 Griffith Book Grant Winner
In 2009 Shannon Meyer graduated from Patrick Henry High School and was awarded the Griffith Family Book Grant. She graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2013 with a K-12 Art Education degree.
Today we can find Shannon at Patrick Henry's Malinta School where she is an ADHD aide for the second year. This is one of her 3 part-time jobs. She is also a Patrick Henry Cheerleading Competition Coach.
Shannon's future plans include additional education and putting her Art Education degree to work.
Eric Michel Roth
2005 Sherman Winner
Upon graduating from BGSU, I plan to continue my education toward a master's degree in math education" and that's exactly what Eric Michael Roth did. He was awarded the Sherman Book Grant in 2005.
Eric graduated from Archbold H.S. in 2001, from BGSU with a bachelor's degree in 2006 majoring in Math Education, and in 2008 with a master's degree in International Ed. and Special Ed. Eric student taught in Rio de Janeiro and taught at the Ramoh Reservation in New Mexico. He is currently teaching H.S. Special Ed. Math at Coconino High School, in Flag Staff, Arizona and has been there 5 years.
I spoke with Eric when he was in Oklahoma and making his way back to Ohio. He returns to the Buckeye state every summer to help his dad with wheat harvest. . . . a very special event for him.
Zachary Westhoven
2008 Griffith Family Book Grant Recipiant
Napoleon High School graduate, Zachary Westhoven, was awarded the Griffith Family Book Grant in 2008. He graduated from Capital University in 2012 with a major in English Education.
This is Zach's second year of teaching 8th grade language arts at Delaware City Schools. He enjoys the challenge of teaching and experiencing something new each day. Zach resides in Delaware and considers it a great community. His interests and hobbies include travel, singing in the church choir, reading, writing, and cooking.
While at Capital, Zachary studied in London. He is planning a summer honeymoon there with his bride Elizabeth. Elizabeth is also a teacher and currently teaches elementary music (K-5) at Marion City Schools.
Zachary would like to thank the Henry County Retired Teachers Association for the Griffith Family Book Grant.
Emily Rees
2006 Lois Griffith Book Grant Recipient
Emily Rees received the Lois Griffith Book Grant in 2006. She is a Napoleon H.S. graduate. Emily attended Miami University and completed her degree in Education in 2010. Life Science was her major and she is currently teaching 7th/8th grade science at Hicksville Schools. She is looking forward to her second year of teaching.
When Emily isn't traveling she enjoys baking.
Ashley Bauman
2004 Margaret and Lucille Sherman Book Grant Recipient
Ashley Bauman received the Margaret and Lucille Sherman Book Grant in 2004. She is a Liberty Center H.S. graduate of 2002. Ashley completed her bachelor's degree at Ohio Northern and then completed her master's degree at the University of Dayton. This is Ashley's 8th year of teaching. She spent 7 years at Allen East and this will be her first year with the second graders at Bluffton Elementary School. Ashley and her husband enjoy riding bikes, community sports, and church activities. They have a special student at home - their 10 month old son Elijah.
Chad Warnimont
2002 Sherman Book Grant Recipient
Chad Warnimont was awarded the Sherman Book Grant in 2002. He completed his bachelor and master degrees at Wright State University. Chad taught 5th grade for Perrysburg Schools and completed his Education Specialist Degree and Doctorate at Bowling Green State University. Today you will find Chad in the principal's office at Waterville Primary in the Anthony Wayne School District. For fun Chad enjoys reading, movies, friends and Clear Lake.
Sarah Stobbe
2005 Griffith Book Grant Recipient
Sara Stobbe graduated from Napoleon High School and was awarded the Griffith Book Grant in 2005. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Intervention Specialist minor. In 2011 Sara returned to BGSU and completed her Master's in Reading Degree.
Today Sara is a Kindergarten teacher for Montpelier Schools. She resides in Napoleon and you might spot her walking her dog when she's not enjoying a good book.
Kara Rohrs Behnfeldt
2004 Griffith Book Grant Award Recipient
Kara Rohrs Behnfeldt was awarded the Griffith Family Book Grant in 2004. She graduated from the University of Akron in the spring of 2008 with a 3.9 gpa.
Kara and her husband live in the Lima area where she will begin her 5th year of teaching at Lima Shawnee High School this fall. She teaches History, freshmen World Studies and juniors American Government. She also enjoys coaching Junior High Girl's basketball and visiting family.
Kara, you make us proud!
Melanie Wilson
2000 Sherman Book Grant Recipient
The Sherman Book Grant 2000 recipient was Melanie Wilson. She is a Napoleon High School and Defiance College graduate. In August, 2001 Melanie began her teaching career at Defiance City Schools. Not only does she teach art there today, she is Art Dept. Head. In 2006 Melanie created and remains owner of Artistic Addictions by Mel. She has many interests with special interest in ceramics and painting, teaching on and off site.
Melanie recieved the NW Ohio Outstanding Art Teacher Award in 2008. Need a touch of artistic inspiration? Rub elbows with Melanie Wilson!
Mary Baughman
2002 Griffith Book Grant Recipient
Mary Baughman received the Griffith Book Grant in 2002. She graduated from Ohio State University in 2006 with a bachelor's degree, and in 2007 with a master's. She is married to a southern gentleman, Joe, and just finished her fifth year of teaching. Mary teaches in the Georgia Gwinnett County Public Schools in the Atlanta area.
This year she had 19 students in her second grade classroom, 17 of them with English as their second language. Mary is working on a specialized degree to add to her ELL (English Language Learners) and gifted degrees.
Megan Hoover
2001 Griffith Book Grant Recipient
Megan graduated from Ohio State University with a Middle Childhood Education degree certified in 4-9 Social Studies and Math.
She has taught for four years and is currently teaching in Perrysburg Schools. She is a 5th grade teacher there specializing in Social Studies and Math.
Megan received her Master's Degree from Ohio State in 2006 with a degree in Middle School Childhood.
She will soon be married to another Social Studies teacher and become Megan Hoover Kuns.
Megan Ashemier Little
1999 Sherman Book Grant Recipient
Megan graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education certified in K - 8. While a student at Xavier she was active in an after school inner city porgram for youngsters.
She has been teaching 2nd grade for ten years in Loveland, Ohio.
Megan received her Master's Degree from Wright State University in Educational Leadership.
Megan is interested in expanding her education in Montessori Education.