Altrusa awards 9 scholarships

FINDLAY — The Altrusa of Findlay club recently awarded nine scholarships at its annual president's dinner and installation of officers for the 2026-27 year. The Literacy and Service Scholarships are awarded to Hancock County graduates entering their junior or senior year of college and high school seniors pursuing a degree in education or a public service field. Proceeds from the annual purse bingo event go benefit the scholarship program. Co-chairman Deb Wickerham presented the scholarships to the following recipients: • Ava Hatch, daughter of Rob and Arika Hatch, is a junior at the University of Findlay where she is majoring in education. • Ally Hocanson, a 2026 Liberty-Benton High School graduate, plans to pursue a degree in echocardiography at the University of Findlay. She is the daughter of Cherie Hocanson. • Madison Ernst, daughter of Chad and Lori Ernst, graduated in 2026 from Arlington High School. She will attend Bowling Green State University and major in early childhood education. • A junior at Bowling Green State University, Shana Frankart is majoring in social studies education. Her parents are Mollie and Aaron Frankart. • Madeline Hudak, daughter of Joseph and Kristin Hudak, will attend Bowling Green State University and major in early childhood education. She is a 2026 graduate of Van Buren High School. • A 2026 Liberty-Benton High School graduate, Lily Mead plans to major in education at the University of Findlay. She is the daughter of Elisha Mead and Richard Mead. • Peyton Stateler, daughter of Anthony and Andrea Stateler, is a junior at Bowling Green State University. She is majoring in early childhood education. • Brayden Welty, a 2026 graduate of McComb High School, will attend the University of Findlay and major in social studies and physical education. He is the son of Mitch and Heather Welty. • Mercedes Martinez-Wilmoth, daughter of Carrie and Michael Wilmoth, will major in early childhood education at Bowling Green State University. She is a 2026 graduate of Findlay High School. Officers installed for the coming year include Heather Iliff, president; Krista Keeler-Watson, vice president; Nancy Beers, secretary; Gwen Pahl, treasurer; and Fran Williams, Ellen Passet, Luann Kaylor, Cindy Lininger and Deb Foster, directors. Eight past presidents who attended the dinner were recognized with white roses.