Alliance, Ohio Chamber Awards 8th Annual ATHENA Scholarship to Zaire Wood

The Alliance, Ohio Woman of the Year and Athena Leadership Award recipients proudly presented their 8th annual scholarship to Zaire Wood.  Zaire is a 2021 graduate of Alliance High School and is attending the University of Mount Union this fall, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in middle childhood education.  The scholarship seeks to recognize the efforts of a graduating female senior who exemplifies community service, academic achievement and leadership potential.  The scholarship is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Greater Alliance Foundation, the Alliance (Ohio) Area Chamber of Commerce, and the recipients of the Woman of the Year or Athena Leadership Award.

Gloria Whiteley-Magrath, 2003 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, presents Zaire Wood with the scholarship.

Wood's application included recommendations from two of her high school teachers.  To quote one of her teachers, "There are times when a student...touches our core.  In their life, you not only see potential, but greatness."  Another teacher stated, "I have no doubt she will become an educator who will leave a positive impression in the classroom."  In her own words in her application essay, Zaire wrote, "I believe I helped many younger students learn how to be better to themselves and to others".....in the Summer Explorers program.  Gloria Whiteley-Magrath (2003 Athena Leadership recipient), who presented this year's scholarship, was quick to affirm that Zaire left a positive impact on the Summer Explorer participants.  "Zaire did an exceptional job both as a teen leader and as a role model for the younger students in the Explorers program, which is designed to mitigate summer learning loss."  She went on to address Zaire directly, "The Explorer family including the Greater Alliance Foundation, partners (the Alliance YWCA and YMCA, Alliance City Schools, Rodman Public Library and the University of Mount Union), staff, parents and children join me in being absolutely delighted for you."  Zaire thanked the Woman of the Year and Athena Leadership award recipients for their assistance and for the opportunity to further her education.

The presentation of the Athena Scholarship to Zaire was made during the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting held on August 26th at the Alliance Country Club, in Alliance, Ohio.