ASHLAND — A Hillsdale High School graduate received a scholarship from the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) during an Ashland County commissioners meeting on Thursday.
Michael Telakowicz, a 2023 graduate, received a $2,000 academic scholarship. The money will help in offsetting tuition costs at Akron University, where he will study computer science.
CCAO’s Research and Educational Foundation launched the scholarship program earlier this year. Five students received the scholarships after a panel of commissioners from around the state evaluated the applications.
CCAO works to improve county government efficiencies through legislation, education, training, technical assistance and research, among other services. Ashland County and all three commissioners are members of the association.
Steve Caraway, CCAO’s service corporation manager, said Telakowicz had “a long list of extracurricular activities and community services” that stood out to him.
“He was in student council, the National Honors Society, a student representative, history club, Spanish club, track and field, tech crew — and these are just a few,” he said.
Applicants are graded on their involvement in the community and at school, and they are also required to write an essay. Caraway read a part of Telacowicz’s essay that stood out to him.
“‘Overall, county governments are improving the lives of their citizens in many ways that most people do not even realize. If we did not have the county helping us, our lives would be very, very different,’” Caraway read.
After Caraway’s presentation, he handed Telacowicz a ceremonial giant check and they posed for a photo.
Commissioners Denny Bittle, Michael Welch and Jim Justice congratulated Telcowicz.