Past Recipients
Each of our recipients embody the Five C’s
Courage - Compassion - Caring - Commitment to Learning - Community Service
The legacy left by Renee.
Zach Adkins
Trinity Faulkerson
Zach was our very first scholarship recipient in 2011. Awarding the first scholarship to Zach was very special; after the scholarship was awarded, his mother told us that she had graduated with Renee in 1974 and both sang in the Edgewood High School choir. Zach received his Musical Theater degree from Baldwin Wallace University in May 2015. He had a highly successful start to his acting/musical career. His credits include lead actor in “Love Story: The Musical” at the Cleveland Playhouse Square, the lead role in “Sweeney Todd” at the Great Lakes Theatre Festival. In the spring of 2015, Zach auditioned in New York City, landed a top agent and hit the open road with the first national tour of the Broadway show “Kinky Boots” as Richard and was the understudy for Charlie, one of the lead roles. Zach joined the cast of the New York City Broadway show “Anastasia the Musical." He resides in New York City.
Trinity was a recipient of the Renee Drefahl Scholarship from 2020-2023.
​Trinity graduated with Cum Laude Honors from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, and minors in biology and psychology.
She is currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, working full-time in hospital administration at Wellstar Medical Group. She is on track to graduate with an associate's degree in nursing from Chattahoochee Technical College in 2025. She will soon be applying to Physician Assistant school through Wellstars' tuition program.
Trinity is also newly engaged to be married and looking forward to the next chapter of her life and career. Congratulations Trinity!
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Joshua Sommers
Josh was a scholarship recipient from 2020-2023. He made many contributions during his time at Edgewood High School.
Josh graduated with a 4.0 and was a member and the president of the High School’ Band. One of Josh’s most notable accomplishments in high school was being the recipient of the President’s Award for Service and Volunteerism in November 2019 (he volunteered over 500 hours of time during his high school career!). In college, he auditioned into the University of Akron Symphony Band as third chair percussionist, performing with the University of Akron Marching Band, Orchestra, Steel Drum Band, Samba Bateria, Gyil Ensemble, African Drumming Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and various percussion ensembles. Josh attended Ohio University and majored in Music Education.
​Chloe Holcomb
Chloe was a 2021 recipient, attending Wright State University in pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree. Chloe maintained an impressive academic record in High School and served on multiple councils and was a member of many clubs, and made her mark in the community as a volunteer. Chloe seeks out ways to be of service to other people wherever she goes. She has a reputation for being diligent in all things, respectful, having caring heart and a smile that brightens the day of everyone she meets. We are excited to see what the future holds for Chloe, and we are excited to see what Chloe holds for the future.
Caitlyn Howe
Caitlyn was a 2019 scholarship recipient. Caitlyn is a talented musician, an athlete and earned a 3.7GPA in High School. She is a strong supporter of veterans, playing taps in their honor at memorial services. In High School, Caitlyn received varsity letters in swimming, track and field, and she was also a member of the marching, jazz and symphonic bands. She received the Edgewood High School’s Outstanding Musicianship award. Caitlyn attends Youngstown State University (YSU) in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in nursing. She earned a spot on the President’s and Dean’s List with a 4.0GPA. She joined the YSU marching and pep bands, playing at football and basketball games. Caitlyn was officially accepted into the YSU Nursing Program in Spring 2021. She told us she will do all that she can in her future career to show the love and compassion that Renee Drefahl did throughout her life.
Cassandra Burnham
Cassandra was one of our 2019 scholarship recipients. She made her mark at Edgewood with 3.9 GPA and an active member of the school band, choir, cheerleading squad and French Club. Cassandra leads with a true servant at heart and is known for her acts of kindness and commitment to volunteerism.
Cassandra studied at Ashland University with a double major in Relations & Strategic Communications and Religious Studies. She maintained an impressive academic record with a spot on the Dean’s List. She was also president of the Public Relations Student Society of America.
Cassandra looks forward to a career that encompasses both majors, in Public Relations for a Church or a Christian Camp or Missions’ program. Cassandra continues to strive to bring hope, love and the gospel to others while making a difference in the community.
Mollia Zezzo
Mollia was one of three 2019 scholarship recipients. Mollia was a true leader at Edgewood High School, graduating with a 3.97 GPA while making numerous contributions to school councils, athletic team, and as a community volunteer. In 2019, Mollia founded her own Christian apparel company “Follow the Son” and she donates all company proceeds to local non-profit organizations. Molly attended Ohio University (OU) as a Business Major and joined “Ohio Women in Business,” a group of 140 entrepreneurial women who combine business learning with philanthropy. Molly finished her education at OU in May of 2023 with a solid 3.8 GPA.
Kayla DeGeorge
​Kayla was a 2018 recipient of the Renee Drefahl Spirit of Life Scholarship. An excellent athlete and scholar, Kayla faced significant hardship life when cancer took her mother’s life. Among the hardship, she became determined to be all she could be, helping others and being successful in school and life. She was a straight “A” student at Edgewood and maintained the same academic success with a 4.0 GPA at Kent State University. After exploring various careers, Kayla chose physical therapy. She became a personal trainer at a ladies’ gym, one that is owned and operated by a physical therapist. Following her bachelor’s degree from Kent State, Kayla transitioned to Cleveland State University in pursuit a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT).
Brooke Myers
Brooke was one of three 2018 scholarship recipients. She was a stellar high school student at Edgewood with an incredible work ethic and talent in music and dance. Brooke was a member of the National Honor Society, graduated with over a 3.9 GPA and built an extensive volunteer resume. Brooke attended Kent State and graduated in December 2021. She carried a 4.0 GPA with a status on the President’s List. She will continue her journey in finance, accounting, and leadership. She hopes to own her own business one day where she can transfer and apply her education, skills, and volunteer interests to help those in need.
Matt Lilja
Matt was one of three 2018 recipients of the Renee Drefahl Spirit of Life Scholarship. In High School, Matt graduated with a 4.0 GPA, was a standout athlete, a member of the National Honor Society and involved in the community through numerous volunteer activities. and was recognized by the Ashtabula Touchdown Club as a Scholar Athlete. Matt attends the College at Mount Union. As a member of the football team, he was named Academic All Ohio Athletic Conference student-athlete in 2019. He has been active with numerous organizations and activities, including involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a men’s weekly Bible study. Matt was inducted into the Mount Union Chapter Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. His career goal is Construction Civil Engineering.
Amanda Amsdell
Amanda was a 2017 scholarship recipient and renewal awardee all four years. She graduating from West Virginia University in 2021 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. While in school, she was the president of a national service sorority and earned more than 150 volunteer hours.
Amanda is continuing her education as a second-year student at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. She is currently serving as secretary of Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH). It is an organization that arranges international trips to provide free eye-care and glasses to countries in need.
She is on track to graduate with a doctorate degree in Optometry in 2026. Once she receives her doctorate degree, she hopes to join a private practice and work with a team of other optometrists.
Taylor Katchur
Taylor was a 2017 recipient of the Renee Drefahl Spirit of Life Scholarship. She was an outstanding student, athlete and leader at Edgewood High School. Taylor was Student Council Treasurer, a member of the National Honor Society (Chairman her senior year), Captain of the Cross Country Team and participated on the Track and Field team. Taylor was an avid volunteer. Her contributions in the community include the Ashtabula County Youth Leadership Program, volunteering with the “Reach and Teach” program for autistic children and helping with the American Red Cross Blood Drive. Taylor attended Gannon University. Her passion and commitment to helping others carried over into her post-high school endeavors.
Taylor Roberts
Mason Lilja
​Taylor was a 2017 recipient of the Renee Drefahl Spirit of Life Scholarship. An outstanding student, athlete and leader at Edgewood High School. She attended Gannon University and was accepted into one of their unique medical school programs to study pre-med and then automatically matriculate to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She continued her athletic career as a member of the Gannon University cross country team. Taylor’s drive and love of helping others will be key factors in her success in college and career.
Mason was one of our 2015 scholarship recipients. He received his Chemical Engineering degree from Ohio State University in 2019. Mason is employed by INEOS as an Operations Superintendent. He is proud of getting the opportunity to manage operations of a chemical plant four years out of college. Mason’s job affords him ability to grow not only his technical and professional skills, but his personal skills as a result of being able to attend school and receive a degree in a field that offers so much opportunity. Mason said he plans on continuing to learn and grow as much as possible in his younger years so he can take his knowledge and experiences with him anywhere and make an impact both at work and outside of work.
Justine Bunnell
Justine was one of our 2015 recipients and 3-time renewal awardee. She graduated from Ohio State University in 2019 with a degree in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy, and a minor in Global Public Health. Being the first person in her family to earn a Bachelor Degree, she decided not to stop there. She is now pursuing a MA in School Psychology (will graduate in 2024) and an EdS in School Psychology (will graduate in 2026). She still has a passion for cultural affairs and after using her Eds degree in the US for a few years, she plans to work in international schools or the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Justine is also employed as a research assistant at the University of Toledo as she works toward her graduate degree.
We are excited to hear of Justine’s great success, contributions, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of children and around the globe.
Antoinette Jackson
Antoinette Jackson received the Renee Drefahl Spirit of Life Scholarship in 2014. Antoinette attended Edinboro University, Edinboro, Pennsylvania to pursue a degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Forensic Accounting, Finance, and Personal Financial Planning with a minor in Spanish. Antoinette is the second oldest of six children in her family and first in her family to attend college. Antoinette is truly a remarkable young woman destined to be successful in her chosen profession, as well as a leader in her community.
Abagail Pisano
Abby was a Renee Drefahl Spirit of Life Scholarship in 2013. She graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. She continued her education at Walsh University to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. Abby also completed a 12-week Corporate Wellness internship with Dicks Sporting Goods and NOVA Chemicals in Pittsburgh, PA. Abby believes that volunteering and being of service are the best ways to live your life. Occupational therapy allows her to fulfill her dreams while enabling her to impact the life of those she serves each day.
Sara Turner
Sara received the Renee Drefahl Spirit of Life Scholarship in 2013. Sara graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio in May 2017 with her Bachelors of Science in Biology. Sara continued her education at John Carroll to pursue a one year, school-based Masters of Education program. In June 2018 she started her first post-graduation teaching position at Hathaway Brown's Summer Camp (a private school in the Cleveland, Ohio area), doing science experiments with the children. Sara is hoping to teach in northeast Ohio, specifically at a public, suburban school. Who knows, she might even end up at Edgewood Senior High School.
Crystal Stewart
Crystal received the Spirit of Life scholarship in 2012. Crystal graduated in May 2017 from Cleveland State University and Mandel Honors College Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was extremely active in college as a leader and volunteer. She is living in the Cleveland, Ohio area and working as a Nurse at University Hospital’s Cleveland Medical Center on a cardiac and vascular unit.