Four Awarded OPRA Foundation Scholarships

Four Ohio students, all with experience working with OPRA member agencies, have been awarded scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year by the OPRA Foundation.

In announcing the winners, Foundation President Andy Collins said that the four students “represent the future of the profession. We were fortunate to have outstanding candidates for these scholarships and look forward to watching the careers of our recipients continue to develop.”

Stephanie Sercu will receive the John McComb Scholarship. Currently the Communications and Marketing Administrator for Miamisburg Parks and Recreation and is pursuing a Master’s Degree from Liberty University in Digital Marketing and Advertising. Stephanie loves to “foster relationships with our community and ensure they are informed in any way possible about the opportunities parks and recreation can offer them.”

Christopher Snyder is the recipient of the Don Schmidt Scholarship. A native of Rockbridge, Christopher is a student at West Virginia University in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Management. His volunteer experience includes work at ODNR and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Christopher says he enjoys “spending time outdoors and wants to play a part in improving the experience for others.”

Cassandra Weyer is the winner of the Jody Stowers Scholarship.  The current Parks and Recreation Director for Brimfield Township, Cassandra is pursuing a Master’s of Public Administration at Franklin University. Cassandra plans “to use my platform to mentor fellow women in parks and recreation and champion the need for accessible park services for patrons of all ages and abilities.”

Alexis Von Bargen is the winner of a General Scholarship. The Hamilton native is an Applied Biology student at Miami University and her volunteer experience includes work at the Hueston Woods Nature Center. Alexis says that “conservation has always been one of my greatest passions in life,” and she looks forward to educating the public about conservation efforts.

Scholarships are made possible because of the contributions of OPRA members to the OPRA Foundation. To donate, or learn more about the foundation, click here.