Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Clayman Family Foundation Scholarship winners: Brian Jones, Jr., Jacob Holloway, and Nathan Glassmeyer! Winners were announced during a small ceremony in the Niles McKinley High School library on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
The Clayman Family Foundation Academic Scholarship is one of Niles McKinley High School's most prestigious scholarships. Applicants are limited to seniors in the top five percent of their class. This year seven students were eligible to apply. In addition to the application, a student's GPA, ACT score, academic honors/awards, extracurricular activities, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and personal interview are considered in the selection process.
Rebecca (Clayman) Smith participated in the selection process and announced the winners on behalf of the Foundation, which her grandfather started. Just before announcing the winners she thanked the group for their diligence in completing the application process. “I really appreciate the time you took to secure your reference letters and the thought you all really put into your personal essays. I want you all to know that I take time to get to know you, I am honored to get to know you, and you should all be proud of what your hard work has allowed you to accomplish.”
ABOUT THE WINNERS
- 1st Place: Brian Jones, Jr. ($60,000) - “This is a testament that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it” Jones, Jr. shared after learning he was the first place scholarship winner! “This is a really big weight lifted off my shoulders. I achieved what I believed I could and it’s a good feeling. There was some tough competition this year - everyone here is deserving of this scholarship.” At McKinley High Brian is a member of the Mock Trial team, Speech/Debate team, Prep Bowl, marching band, and math fest. Following graduation, he hopes to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Ohio State University, Purdue University, or Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering.
- 2nd Place: Jacob Holloway ($40,000) - “This is kind of surreal right now,” Holloway said after learning he was the recipient of the second-place scholarship. “The amount of money this scholarship provides and what that means to my future plans is so exciting!” Holloway says his future plans include studying engineering hopefully at The Ohio State University. He should find out in mid-December if he is accepted. Meanwhile, here at McKinley High, Holloway was a member of both the football and soccer teams this fall, is President of the National Honor Society, President of Key Club, and a new member of Ski Club. He credits his parents for this achievement saying they are the ones who stressed the importance of hard work and dedication.
- 3rd Place: Nathan Glassmeyer ($20,000) - “I don’t know how to feel,” Glassmeyer said after his third-place award. “This is surprising, shocking. I feel like I’ve worked hard and it’s still crazy to win out of all of these people, there are so many good candidates here. Everyone works so hard, I am honored to receive this scholarship.” At McKinley High Glassmeyer is a member of the Golf team where he earned the Most Improved Award and an Academic Letter this season, Key Club, Students for the Environment, and Future Teachers of America. After graduation, he plans to study architecture at the New York Institute of Technology. He adds that he is grateful to the Clayman Family for this opportunity to further his education.
Scholarship recipients receive their monies in equal installments over four years. Other applicants included: Layton Busse, Lily Coupland, Ann Marie D’Urso, and Natalia Tate.
This is the 34th year the Clayman Family Foundation has presented scholarships to Niles McKinley High School students. The district is grateful for their continued support of our students. Again, congratulations to this year’s deserving recipients!