Paulding Putnam is proud to recognize the outstanding students awarded scholarships this year. These scholarships honor the academic achievements and future aspirations of students whose families are Paulding Putnam members.

Children of Members Scholarship Winners

• Raeley Franklin, a senior at Antwerp High School, was awarded first place and a $1,000 scholarship. She is the daughter of Brad and Lindsay Franklin and plans to attend the University of St. Francis, where she will major in nursing. 
• Avery Ruhe, a senior at Miller City High School, earned second place and a $700 scholarship. She is the daughter of Greg and Beth Ruhe. Avery plans to attend Bowling Green State University to major in health sciences.
• Clay Stoller, a senior at Wayne Trace High School, received third place and a $500 scholarship. He is the son Reid and Amanda Stoller. Clay plans to attend Western Michigan University where he will major in biological/biomedical science as a pre-dental pathway.

Ten additional students received honorable mention scholarships of $350 each.

• Kyla Grime, a senior at Kalida High School and the daughter of Jamie and Beth Grime, plans to attend Wright State University and major in financial services.
• Madeline Liebrecht, a senior at Ottawa-Glandorf High School, and the daughter of Gregory and Christine Liebrecht, plans to attend the University of Findlay to major in physical therapy.
• Erica Sorg, a senior at Heritage High School, and the daughter of Roy and Jen Sorg, plans to attend Huntington University, where she will major in agribusiness with a dual focus in marketing and management.
• Aubrey Leopold, a senior at Ottawa-Glandorf High School and the daughter of Jim and Sue Leopold, plans to attend Bowling Green State University to double major in special education and primary education.
• Zach Hohlbein, a senior at Ottoville High School and Vantage Career Center is the son of Bob and Kim Hohlbein. He plans to attend Indiana Tech, where he will major in construction management.
• Maggie Minnich, a senior at Heritage High School, and the daughter of Chris and Kelly Minnich, plans to attend Huntington University, where she will major in animal science.
• Greta Liebrecht, a senior at Ottawa-Glandorf High School, and the daughter of Gregory and Christine Liebrecht, plans to attend the University of Toledo to major in nursing.
• Savanna Niese, a senior at Miller City High School, and the daughter of Amber and Bradley Niese, plans to attend Rhodes State College and major in physical therapy assistant.
• Jackson Bidlack, a senior at Continental High School, is the son of Toby and Jessie Bidlack.  He plans to attend Bowling Green State University and major in mechanical and manufacturing engineering.
• Sam Warnecke, a senior at Ottawa-Glandorf High School, and the son of Mark and Jenny Warnecke, plans to attend The Ohio State University to major in orthodontics.

Community Champion Scholarship Winners

The Community Champion Scholarship recognizes students who have made meaningful impacts in their local communities. This award was open to community-nominated students or applicants with a letter of recommendation.

• Trenton Manz, a senior at Paulding High School, has been awarded first place and a $1,000 scholarship. He is the son of Will and Joanna Manz and plans to attend Defiance College and major in education.
• Zaine McMichael, a senior at Antwerp High School, earned second place and a $500 scholarship. He is the son of Scott and Courtenay McMichael. Zaine plans to attend Wilmington College to major in agribusiness or education.
• Isabella Pittman, a senior at Miller City High School, received third place and a $300 scholarship. She is the daughter of Nicholas and Lynda Pittman. She plans to attend Ohio University where he will major in integrated social studies.

General Scholarship Drawing Winners

In addition to these scholarships, Paulding Putnam also awarded ten $250 scholarships during the co-op’s annual meeting broadcast on March 28. These scholarships were given through a random drawing open to members and their children who are enrolled in or planning to attend a college, trade, or technical program.

The 10 winners of the $250 scholarships are:

• Owen Whitaker of Hoagland
• Elizabeth Verhoff of Ottawa
• Lane Rellinger of Cloverdale
• Alana Branigan of New Haven
• Beau Reyna of Ottawa
• Emma Fuelling of Decatur
• Landon Verhoff of Ottawa
• David Westrick of Ottawa
• Abigail Bullinger of Paulding
• Landen Danberry of Paulding

Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Trade Scholarship

Alex Horstman, a 2025 graduate of Ottoville High School and the son of Brian Horstman was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. Alex is pursuing a career in electrical linework with the goal of becoming a lineman. 

This scholarship supports electric cooperative members and their dependents as they pursue certificates in accredited trade and technical programs, helping meet the growing demand for skilled workers across Ohio.

To learn more about Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, visit www.ohioec.org.

Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors!