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 this legacy that prompted the Fund to be established so that Nick’s unfinished work might continue.
Below is a list of the most recent Strimbu Memorial Fund Scholarship winners:
2025 Scholarship Winners
Ella Berry
Badger High School
Scholarship sponsored by Miller Livestock
Jordan Hammond
Brookfield High School
Scholarship sponsored by Kirila Family Fund
Zoee Mishata
Farrell High School
Scholarship sponsored by Flynn’s Tires
Jaelyn Lewis
Greenville High School
Scholarship sponsored by Primary Health Network Charitable Foundation
Alivia Jones & Amber Rutledge
Hickory High School
Scholarship sponsored by Matune/Basile Advisors
Jordan Porter
Hubbard High School
Scholarship sponsored by Truck World, Inc.
Ian Odille
John F. Kennedy High School
Scholarship sponsored by Huntington Bank
Lochlyn Shimrack
Kennedy Catholic High School
Scholarship sponsored by National Interstate Insurance
Kennedy Bartlett
Lakeview (OH) High School
Scholarship sponsored by Advanced Auto Body
Ava Smith-Shugart
Mathews High School
Scholarship sponsored by Mohney Heating & Cooling
Patrick Lee
Reynolds High School
Scholarship sponsored by Reynolds Services, Inc.
Aalise Bartlett & Marley Frost
Sharon High School
Scholarship sponsored by JCL Development
Mia Labbiento & James Wilding
Sharpsville High School
Scholarship sponsored by Dalko Resources
Ella Bartholomew
West Middlesex High School
Scholarship sponsored by Hill, Barth & King
The overall winner was Ella Berry of Badger, who received $10,000.
The $5,000 winners were Aalise Bartlett of Sharon and Patrick Lee of Reynolds
Scholarship Award Commemorative Plaque
In addition to receiving the scholarship awards, each participant received a plaque commemorating the life of Nick Strimbu, Jr. The gazebo depicted on the plaque is located at the homestead of Mr. Strimbu in Brookfield, Ohio. The building is the site where meetings were held to strategize and plan with community leaders, regarding the many challenges 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 for 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, Mr. Strimbu had a deep love for this country, and the flag symbolizes his patriotism.
The plaque was created to inspire individuals to rise to the occasion by reminding us that one person’s actions can touch and help 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.