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:
2024 Scholarship Winners
Maria Goist
Badger High School
Scholarship sponsored by Miller Livestock & Peter Allen Inn
David Masirovits
Brookfield High School
Scholarship sponsored by Kirila Family Fund
Alec Yasnowski
Farrell High School
Scholarship sponsored by Flynn’s Tires & Huntington Bank
Lily Chapman
Greenville High School
Scholarship sponsored by Primary Health Network Charitable Foundation
Abby Gardner
Hickory High School
Scholarship sponsored by Matune/Basile Advisors
Phoebe Rusnak
Hubbard High School
Scholarship sponsored by Truck World, Inc.
James Brocklehurst
Kennedy Catholic High School
Scholarship sponsored by National Interstate Insurance
Brett Gottfried
Lakeview (OH) High School
Scholarship sponsored by Black Sheep Bacon Co. & Klaben Ford
Hailey Barrickman
Mathews High School
Scholarship sponsored by Ohio Steel
Ryan Broadwater
Reynolds High School
Scholarship sponsored by Reynolds Services, Inc.
Kylie Weirick
Sharon High School
Scholarship sponsored by JCL Development
Julia McConahy
Sharpsville High School
Scholarship sponsored by The Grandy Family in memory of Gary “Gus” Grandy
Ava Gilmore
West Middlesex High School
Scholarship sponsored by Hill, Barth & King
Alena Hemminger & Richard Preston
West Middlesex High School
Scholarship sponsored by Hill, Barth & King
The overall winner was Julia McConahy of Sharpsville, who received $10,000.00.
The $5,000.00 winner was Maria Goist of Badger.
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.