The Strimbu Memorial Fund was founded in 1990 to honor Nick Strimbu, Jr. During his lifetime he developed a legacy of leadership, self–reliance, and service matched by few. It is his legacy which prompted the Memorial Fund to be established so that his unfinished work might continue. This year again, the Board of Directors announced that a Strimbu Memorial Fund Leader will be awarded to the outstanding high school senior who demonstrates leadership and self-reliance from all ten local school districts. In addition to receiving the scholarship awards each participant will receive a plaque commemorating the works of Nick Strimbu Jr. Below you will read an explanation of the message behind the plaque.
The Board wishes to thank the special Scholarship Committee form their efforts.
In 2008, a total of $19,000 in scholarships were awarded. Students who demonstrated the characteristics above received $1,000 to be used for higher education purposes. In addition, in celebration of the 19th anniversary, the overall leader was awarded
a $10,000 scholarship. These students and their parents or guardians were invited to the 2008 Strimbu Barbeque as guests of the Board of Directors. Below is a list of the 2008 winners.
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| 2008 Scholarship Winners |
Morgan Marie Bonekovic |
Brookfield High School |
| Erin Marie Puko |
Farrell High School |
| Joel Thomas Grover |
Greenville High School |
| Carly Rae Turk |
Hickory High School* |
| Jenna Rae Miller |
Joseph Badger High School |
| Jason Joseph Wolinsky |
Kennedy Catholic High School |
| Rachel M. McDonald |
Reynolds High School |
| Serina Marie Miller |
Sharon High School |
| Gianna Teresa Colella |
Sharpsville High School |
| Cassandra Lynn Byers |
West Middlesex Area High School |
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| * Overall $10,000 Winner |
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| Leadership Scholarship Award Commemerative Plaque |
The Strimbu Memorial Fund’s Leadership, Scholarship Award was created to honor and reward students for their leadership and self-reliance trait exhibited during their high school years. The Strimbu Memorial Fund and the Scholarship Award were created in 1989 after the passing of Nick Strimbu, Jr. (“Uncle Nick”).
The gazebo depicted on the plaque is located at the homestead of Mr. Strimbu in Brookfield, OH. The building is the site where meetings were held every Sunday to strategize and plan with community leaders, regarding the many dilemmas and projects of the time. It was the board meeting site for various organizations. It was also used for family functions and as a private meeting place to help anyone in need. The Barn in the background was built by Mr. Strimbu who had a fondness for agriculture. He was born and raised on a farm where he developed his strong work ethic. His love for the land kept him simple, grounded and approachable by all. Having served in World War II, the flag symbolizes his patriotism and his deeplove for his country.
The plaque was created to inspire individuals to rise to the occasion, by reminding us that one person's actions can help and touch hundreds and even thousands of people's lives. Our hope is that those who have earned the plaque will make similar contributions during their lifetime. |
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| History of Giving |
Since 1991, the Strimbu Memorial Fund has contributed $48,500 for the Newspapers in Education Programs that benefits all local school districts; $90,000 to the United Way; over $318,000 for local ecomonic development organizations; over $112,000 to the Shenango Valley Foundation Unrestricted Fund for a wide variety of charitable purposes; $140,000 to Buhl Park's projects and provided in excess of $228,000 in scholarship funds.
The contribution to these, other organizations, and families total more than $1.3 million. |
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