The Outstanding Women of Clinton County committee annually awards four scholarships — one each to senior students at Wilmington, Blanchester, East Clinton, and Clinton-Massie high schools.
The scholarship winners are normally recognized during the annual OWCC luncheon at the Roberts Centre, but the event was not held this year due to the pandemic.
This year’s scholarship awardees are:
Vanessa Addison
Upon graduation from Wilmington High School, Vanessa plans to major in Business Management and Accounting with an international focus. She would like to use her degree to pursue a career in IT project management or internal auditing. Vanessa hopes to include study abroad to provide insight into other cultures, which she can use then use in her future career.
Working as a volunteer with community members with developmental disabilities, Vanessa helped them prepare for summer league competitions. She also helped younger students improve their volleyball skills.
In addition, Vanessa helped to organize a cheering section for the 26th Mile Club elementary students completing the last mile of a marathon. This activity brought together representatives with diverse backgrounds to come together for the common goal of encouraging the young runners.
Through her community service she has learned that helping others can have a lasting impact not only on them but on those who volunteer.
Vanessa’s activities have included National Honor Society, Phi Delta Sigma Society, co-captain of the varsity volleyball team, student council, class treasurer and 4-H. She was awarded the Southern Buckeye Athletic Association Student Athlete Award and selected to represent WHS at Buckeye Girls State.
Vanessa is the daughter of Suzanne Addison and Chris Addison.
Marci Ellis
After graduation from East Clinton High School, Marci has set her sights on pursuing a degree in Agricultural Communications, which would include an internship and involvement in collegiate leadership activities. She has developed her extensive leadership skills through community service, school and 4-H activities.
Marci strongly believes in the importance of being a positive leader and the impact you can have on others. She has served as a camp counselor at both Project Trust and 4-H Camp. As a camp counselor she has planned and led team building activities which encourage youth to work together while building new friendships and understanding our differences.
Through the Clinton County Junior Fair Board Marci has helped to organize and lead Jr. Fair activities which include working with 4-H members and adult advisors.
Participation in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference reinforced Marci’s commitment to service and leadership. She has also participated in service projects through East Clinton Magnified Giving which holds fundraising events to support various non-profit groups.
She is a member of National Honor Society, FFA, Clinton County Junior Fair Board and an Operation Cherrybend volunteer. Her service projects have helped to support youth, non-profit organizations and veterans.
Marci is the daughter of Scott and Melissa Ellis.
Jenna Norman
Graduating from Clinton-Massie High School and completing an Associate of Arts degree from Sinclair Community College this school year is just the beginning of Jenna’s educational goals. She intends to pursue a double major in Political Science and Data Analytics with a concentration in Public Policy.
Jenna plans to then attend graduate school for a master’s in Public Policy or law school to obtain her Juris Doctorate. She wants to improve current policies to benefit the lives of others.
Jenna had a first-hand look at the inner workings of democracy this past summer while serving as an intern in the Clinton County Board of Elections. She helped with archives, records, setting up equipment for the election, creating social media posts to inform voters and helping on election day. She has used her newfound knowledge to inform others on registering to vote, voting absentee, polling locations and accurate election information.
As a member of the Leadership Clinton Youth Collaborative, Jenna helped to make and distribute sensory bags for children with disabilities in traumatic situations. They were able to make enough to put two in every fire station in the county.
Jenna’s activities have also included Clinton-Massie National Honor Society, student council, Class of 2021 officer, Murphy Theatre volunteer, and Ohio Attorney General Teen Ambassador.
Jenna’s parents are Tim and Kathleen Norman.
Ashleigh Osborn
After graduating from Blanchester High School, Ashleigh plans to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education at The Ohio State University. She would like to eventually earn her Master’s in Agricultural Education. Her goal is to become an Ag Educator and FFA advisor.
She also plans to minor in Vocal Training so that she may engage in her passion for music as a private vocal trainer.
Through her community service activities, Ashleigh has gained insight into the value of helping others. She has volunteered in the Wildcat Food Pantry packaging and delivering food boxes to families in need. She participated in Night to Shine partnering with a special needs student at the dance.
While representing her peers in FFA, she recognizes the diverse backgrounds of her chapter and the need to bring them all together to meet their common goals. Ashleigh plans to take the lessons she has learned through service into her future classroom so that all of her students feel safe and welcome.
Ashleigh has engaged in a wide variety of activities and leadership roles including Blanchester FFA, Drama Club, varsity tennis, student government, National Honor Society, Ohio Buckeye Hereford Association (Queen), and St. Columbkille Choir/Cantor.
Ashleigh is the daughter of Tim and Stephanie Osborn.
