City of Hillsboro presents $2,000 scholarships to 3 HHS seniors
From left, Hillsboro Mayor Justin Harsha presented scholarships to Blake Herdman, Addyston Knauff and Austin Bledsoe Thursday. Also pictured are council members Greg Maurer and Jason Brown. (HCP Photo/Caitlin Forsha)
The Thursday, May 15 Hillsboro City Council meeting saw the presentation of the city’s annual senior scholarships for Hillsboro High School graduates.
On behalf of the City of Hillsboro, Mayor Justin Harsha awarded scholarships to three graduating HHS seniors during the monthly meeting.
This year’s $2,000 scholarship award winners are Austin Bledsoe, Blake Herdman and Addyston Knauff. Each student received their own round of applause, as Harsha called them up individually for recognition.
“As always, the decision wasn't easy,” Harsha said. “We had the privilege of hearing from 10 applicants. Each one was a story of dedication, resilience and a deep connection to the city of Hillsboro. These students spoke with passion about their dream, their plans for the future and the values that guide them. Many shared how growing up in Hillsboro shaped who they are, the sense of community, the importance of hard work and the belief that they can make a difference.
“While the choice was difficult, three students stand out, not just for the academic excellence, but for their commitment to their goals and their visions for how they plan to give back to their community.”
This is the city’s sixth consecutive year of sponsoring scholarships to Hillsboro seniors, with the support of other generous donors. As previously reported, in 2020 — during the pandemic — the city established the scholarship program as part of an effort to partner with Hillsboro City Schools. Administrators made an announcement in April 2020 seeking participation from businesses or individuals, including offering perks for seniors or accepting donations for the scholarship fund.
Three $1,000 scholarships were presented to graduating Hillsboro High School seniors in 2020. The program continued in 2021, where two $1,000 scholarships and one $500 scholarship were awarded. In 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 the scholarships have increased to three $2,000 scholarships.
This year’s sponsors included The Alley Neighborhood Grille, Chad Abbott Signs, Dairy Queen, Harsha Monument Co., Highland Lanes, Holtfield Station, Horne Law Office, Merle Norman Cosmetics, The Porch Carryout & Grill and Twisted Violet Homestead.
“I'd like to thank the community members and businesses that make this possible as well,” Knauff said.
For more from Thursday’s meeting, see the stories at:
https://highlandcountypress.com/news/hillsboro-city-council-passes-ordi…
https://highlandcountypress.com/news/breaking-hillsboro-mayor-announces…
https://highlandcountypress.com/news/hillsboro-city-council-approves-pr….
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