EAST LIVERPOOL — The Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center at the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame has announced the 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. This year’s honorees are:

• Brooke High School: David Wires, West Virginia Northern Community College, $1,500; and Nicollete Horstin, West Virginia Northern Community College School of Nursing, $3,000.

• Buckeye Local High School: 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; and Cameron Rusnak, West Virginia Northern Community College, $3,000.

• Oak Glen: Emileah Schlotter, New Castle School of Trades, $7,500 (plus matching scholarship from school).

• Steubenville High School: Kashauna Crawford, Summit Salon Academy, $7,500 ; and Saracia Phsarce, Summit Salon Academy, $3,000.

• Toronto City School District: Denali Blood, Rosedale or New Castle School of Trades, $7,500 (plus matching scholarship from school); Chase Heckathorn, West Virginia Northern Community College, $3,000; and Tanner Newbold, West Virginia Northern Community College, $1,500.

•Beaver Local: Robert Mara, Pittsburgh School of Aeronautics, $7,500; Emily Moadus, Ohio Center of Phlebotomy Training, $1,750; and Madison Shreve, Youngstown State University, $1,500.

• East Liverpool School District: Nathan Schwerha, Rosedale Technical College, $7,500 (plus matching scholarship from school).

• Southern Local High School: Breena Frischkorn, Youngstown State University, $3,000

For more than 25 Years, the Holtz 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.