Lashutka Scholarship Award
The Lashutka Scholarship was unveiled at the 20th Anniversary of the Columbus Marathon to honor and recognize former Mayor Greg Lashutka's efforts on behalf of the marathon. Since then, 14 deserving high school seniors who excel in cross-country running, the classroom and leadership activities have received thousands of dollars in scholarship money.
The 2007 award winners were as impressive as their predecessors.
Worthington Kilbourne High School's Claire Durkin is among the state's best in both track and cross country. In June 2007, she won the Division I state title in the 3,200 meters and finished second in the mile. She's the school record holder in the mile, the 3,200 meter and 4 X 400 meter relay team. She has won six Ohio Capital Conference, four district and three regional championships in track since 2005. She also holds the OCC record, running two miles in 10 minutes and 59 seconds. After winning the district and regional championships in cross country in 2006, she finished third in the state. The school record holder in the cross country event, Claire also won the OCC championship in cross country in both 2005 and 2006.
Additionally, Claire is an excellent student and a National Merit Semifinalist and Thomas Jefferson Award winner.
John "Jack" Shannon is perhaps the best cross country winner in the history of St. Charles High School. He set the school record with a 5K time of 15 minutes and 53.38 seconds and is a two-year captain and MVP for the Cardinals. He's been an all-Central Catholic League selection three times, twice won all-district honors and qualified for the state meet this past year. In track, he's qualified for the state championships three times and holds the school record in the 3,200 meters.
