As a high school senior, Avery Dillaha, realized three important life lessons from her decade of participation in basketball and volleyball. By playing a team sport, Avery learned the importance of dedication, time management and working well with others. She plans to exemplify these lessons throughout her life. Because of this foresight, she is the recipient of the 2017 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.

Avery is now studying Early Childhood Education at Kent State University and she very clearly exhibits the spirit of life that John symbolized to others.

“Avery’s ability to transfer the lessons she learned throughout a decade of sports to how she envisions life as working professional will take her far,” said Dan Geers, president of Jezerinac Geers.

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 will be tax deductible.