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 2009 award winners were as impressive as their predecessors.
Emily Pifer of Canal Winchester High School
Emily has broken school records in four events, being named most valuable player and winning 610 WTVN’s Larry Larson’s Athlete of the Week Award.In her junior cross country season, she achieved All-Ohio at the State Championship by placing seventh in the Division II race and she lead Canal Winchester to a sixth place team finish. She received the “Runner of the Year” award for Division II from the Ohio High School Central District Board.
Not only is Emily a gifted runner and athlete, but she is an exceptional student. She maintains a 3.9 GPA, the 12th highest GPA in her class of 328; she is a member of the National Honor Society; and she participates in the Youth to Youth Club at her school where she raises awareness for teen issues such as drinking and drug use.
Jay McKenna of Hilliard Darby High School
In track, Jay was the District Champion in the mile and two-mile and currently holds the school record in the mile. Additionally, he qualified for the Nike Outdoor Nationals Freshman Mile, finishing in 8th place. In cross country, he currently holds the record for the second fastest time in school history and is the Team Captain.
Like Emily, Jay is well-rounded – whether it’s in his community service work, where he is an Eagle Scout and has been a tutor and Special Olympics running coach or in the classroom where he holds a GPA of 4.29 and ranks fourth out of a class of 447.
