EAST LIVERPOOL – The Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center at the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame has named it recipients of the 2026 Life Improvement Scholarships. These awards support local students in the Ohio Valley who are continuing their education in the vocational field of study. (*Students with an asterisk were also selected to receive matching scholarships from their trade school.)

This year’s honorees are:

-Beaver Local

Robert Mara- Pittsburgh School of Aeronautics $7,500

Emily Moadus- Ohio Center of Phlebotomy Training $1,750

Madison Shreve- Youngstown State $1,500

-Brooke High School

David Wires- West Virginia Northern Community College $1,500

Nicollete Horstin- West Virginia Northern Community College School of Nursing $3,000

-Buckeye Local

Emerson Boyce- West Virginia Northern Community College $3,000

Melony Crane- Dennis- Elite Academy of Hair Design or Summit Salon Academy $1,500-3,000

Austin Fetty- Ohio State ATI $1,500

Cameron Rusnak- West Virginia Northern Community College $3,000

-East Liverpool School District

*Nathan Schwerha- Rosedale Technical College $7,500

-Oak Glen

*Emileah Schlotter- New Castle School of Trades $7,500

-Southern Local High School

Breena Frischkorn- Youngstown State $3,000

-Steubenville High School

Kashauna Crawford- Summit Salon Academy $7,500

Saracia Phsarce- Summit Salon Academy $3,000

-Toronto City School District

*Denali Blood- Rosedale or New Castle School of Trades $7,500

Chase Heckathorn – West Virginia Northern Community College $3,000

Tanner Newbold- West Virginia Northern Community College $1,500

For over 25 years, Holtz’s foundation has provided financial assistance to students who are committed to achieving their life goals and this year it has provided close to $65,000 in scholarships.

“We are proud to support the youth of the Ohio Valley as they take their next steps in their education,” stated Michelle Roberts, Director of Operations at the Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center.

A reception at the Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center will be held for the recipients and their families on June 10.

Scholarship applications for 2027 are available through school guidance counselors, at the Hall of Fame or online at Holtzscholarships@gmail.com.