Hi friends, meet Sarah Beam. She’s a 2016 graduate of Morgan High School in McConnelsville, Ohio, and is the recipient of this year’s John A. Schaad Achievement Scholarship. The scholarship honors John, a long-time, valued engineer with our firm, who lost his courageous battle with cancer in 2013.

Jezerinac Geers & Associates, Inc., along with John’s family, started the scholarship to honor his compassion for others, tireless work ethic, and the inspiration he provided to those who surrounded him.

John and his wife, Erin, both graduates of Morgan High School, benefited from local scholarships as they pursued their college degrees, and 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, and full-time enrollment in undergraduate study are required, with preference given to students who study engineering or a science-related field.

Sarah plans to study biomedical engineering when she heads off to The Ohio State University this fall, and very clearly exemplifies the inspiration that John symbolizes to others.

“Through her 4-H participation, Sarah understands the impact she and organizations like 4-H can make on the community. What’s unique is that as a young adult she also understands the personal growth opportunities that come with volunteer involvement,” said Dan Geers, president of Jezerinac Geers.

“There’s no doubt that Sarah will make a positive impact as she works to give back all that she has been given through her 4-H experiences,” Geers continued, “and that sentiment is what John would appreciate.”

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