OHIO Lancaster Awards Four Students with Charles Kilburger Scholarship

Ohio University Lancaster has awarded four incoming students with the Charles Kilburger Scholarship. The Charles Kilburger Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship open to Fairfield County residents.

Meet this year’s scholarship recipients…

Oksana Parks

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What are the key factors that lead you to pursuing your education with OHIO Lancaster?

There were many key factors that led me to OUL. Some of these were common factors such as location and tuition, but others were more uncommon. I discovered that there was a full ride scholarship that was available at OUL and it piqued my interest due to it not being completely sport or grade related. My mother, Alice Parks, also attended OUL and graduated from the school. I also was informed that the class sizes were smaller which gave a lot of comfort that I wouldn't get lost in the shuffle and would increase my chances of success.

What do you plan to major in, and what are your career aspirations?

I plan on majoring in Physical Therapy. After experiencing physical therapy for myself it really inspired me to help others. My career aspirations are to become a licensed physical therapist and maybe start my own practice one day. Helping people has always been something I love doing and find very fulfilling. I hope to be able to build personal relationships with my patients and be able to help encourage them and get them back on their feet.

Other than being awarded this scholarship, what is one of your greatest accomplishments?

My greatest accomplishment has been my silver award that was awarded to me by the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland. My partner Paige Gibson and I did a take action project at the Mount Pleasant Elementary School. My partner and I realized that while younger kids get exercise during the school through recess and gym class, during the summer they are more likely to stay inside on video games or watching TV. Our goal was to get them outside and active. We discovered that the school serves lunches through the summer and asked permission to do a small fitness camp there after kids ate lunch. We went around the houses near the school and gave out flyers with information on our camp and some exercise's kids could do at home. The camp was successful and we even made some friends doing it.

Who do you consider an inspiration or role model? Why?

I consider my mother a huge role model in my life. She has worked hard her entire life. She was one of the very few women to graduate out of her class at the Ohio State Patrol Academy. She worked in a predominately male profession for 30 years and excelled at it. She has always been able to support us even as a single mother. She always encourages and challenges me to do my best and push my limits. she has done a very good job at preparing me for the future by giving information and examples from her past experiences.

Malina Hunt

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What are the key factors that lead you to pursuing your education with OHIO Lancaster?

I’m pursuing an education with OHIO Lancaster because it’s a great place to start my college career. It’s close to home, I can save money, and it has the major I want to pursue.

What do you plan to major in, and what are your career aspirations?

I plan to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I want a career in speech pathology.

Other than being awarded this scholarship, what is one of your greatest accomplishments?

One of my greatest accomplishments was participating in a national honors choir through the Organization of American Kodaly Educators.

Who do you consider an inspiration or role model? Why?

Jesus is my inspiration. He provided the blessing of this scholarship and everything else in my life, and I am thankful for that.

Kayla Sharp

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What are the key factors that lead you to pursuing your education with OHIO Lancaster?

Ohio University Lancaster campus has a beautiful campus with a wonderful staff, passionate professors, and an affordable tuition. I have two older brothers that I very much respect and look up to. They have been examples for hard working college students that I aspire to be. They pursued their degrees first at Ohio University Lancaster campus and then moved on to Ohio University where they completed their education. I am now following in their footsteps and only hope to be as successful as my brothers.

What do you plan to major in, and what are your career aspirations?

I plan to major in Ohio University’s extraordinary nursing program. I have been very passionate about caregiving ever since a very young age. At the age of 6, I would perform fake surgeries, deliver baby dolls, and help to take care of any sick family member. I am overjoyed at the thought of having the opportunity to pursue my dreams. After I graduate college I plan to apply for a nursing position at a hospital in Ohio. I hope to begin my nursing career on a medical surge floor.

Other than being awarded this scholarship, what is one of your greatest accomplishments?

I feel absolutely honored to have been a recipient of such a wonderful scholarship. Other than being awarded this scholarship, an accomplishment that I am quite proud of is beginning a student lead mental health support group at my high school. I for one struggle with anxiety and I am aware that many surrounding individuals do as well. Not every student has the luxury of counseling sessions, medication, or supportive family members. My goal was to allow for students to feel comfortable and educated in whatever situation they were in.

Who do you consider an inspiration or role model? Why?

I have two role models that I look up to and they are my mom and dad. Some may say I have a different relationship with my parents because we are very close, comfortable, and honest with each other. We have mutual respect for one another. My mom inspires and reminds me every day to give grace to others, to do what I love, and to value my family and friends rather than any materialistic item. My dad also inspires me to have a hard work ethic. He pours his heart into every single job that he does, he will sacrifice anything for the people that he loves, and he has shown me from a very young age how of how I should be treated. I am beyond blessed to be raised by a village that I call my family. 

Carson Dum

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What are the key factors that lead you to pursuing your education with OHIO Lancaster?

As a child, when I went to Kids in College at Ohio University Lancaster, I couldn’t help but notice how inspiring the campus was. The campus was built in such a way that it made me want to return. So, now as I am entering into college, I am excited to feel that inspiration again, not only from what the campus gives, but also the professors.

What do you plan to major in, and what are your career aspirations?

I plan to major in Business Management and Accounting, while still having and making connection with people. With this degree I hope to get a job that not only allows me to give back to my local communities, but also the people within them. I am hoping I will be able to make a positive impact on my community as they made a positive impact on me.

Other than being awarded this scholarship, what is one of your greatest accomplishments?

My greatest accomplishment is being taught and learning valuable time management skills. Throughout my high school years with this skill I was able to accomplish being on Honor Roll all my high school career, be an active participant in my schools student council, help my elderly grandparents and neighbors with yard work, maintain a stable and good job, and keep good family relationships along the way.

Who do you consider an inspiration or role model? Why?

I don’t just have one, both of these people have given me support in my hardest times and made me who I am today. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Both of my parents have taught me skills that I wouldn’t know if they didn’t teach me. My dad has been here to show me hard work and determination, even while going though hardships and my mom has been here to show me how important it is to maintain strong relationships with not only the family, but also your coworkers and friends. I look up to both of them for advice and guidance because they have helped shape me into the person I am today.