Jezerinac Geers engineers Jonathan Spiker, left, and Andy Heigley, right, surround scholarship winner, Alyssa Hosom, second from left and Erin Schaad, John’s wife, second from right.

Founded by Jezerinac Geers in collaboration with his family, the first John A. Schaad Achievement Scholarship was awarded this spring to Alyssa Hosom, a recent graduate of Morgan High School who is attending Ohio University this fall.

John, a long-time, valued engineer with our firm, lost his courageous battle with cancer in 2013.

“It was important for us to honor John’s compassion for others, his work ethic, and the inspiration he provided to those who surrounded him,” said Richard Geers. “He was a big influence within our office, with a spirit that matched so doing something special to memorialize that character seemed essential to us.”

John and his wife, Erin, were both graduates of Morgan High School and benefited from local scholarships as they pursued their college degrees. It was John’s hope, with Erin’s support, that one day a scholarship would be established to give back to his school and the community he was proud to call home.

Scholarship recipients are selected based upon their leadership roles, participation in school and community activities, work and volunteer experiences and a short essay. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, full-time enrollment in undergraduate study are required, with preference given to students who studying engineering or a science-related field.

Alyssa has long-term plans to get her doctorate degree in physical therapy to help military personnel who have been wounded.

“While Alyssa met the scholarship requirements, what really stood out in her essay is her calling to selflessly help others – mirroring just one the traits that made John special,” Geers added.

Contributions to the John A. Schaad Achievement Scholarship may be made to the Morgan Education Foundation, P.O. Box 626, Malta, Ohio 43758. Your donation is tax deductible.