Cooper awards 6 scholarships

FINDLAY, Ohio — Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has awarded scholarships to six high school students — children of Cooper employees in the U.S. — who are pursuing higher education.

This year, the tire maker awarded the first-ever Roy V. Armes scholarship, in the amount of $5,000. The five Cooper Centennial Scholarships were awarded in the amount of $1,000 each.

The Armes Scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Mr. Armes, former Cooper chairman, CEO and president, upon his retirement. The scholarship is focused on high-achieving students who will attend a four-year institution of higher learning to pursue careers in business or engineering.

The first recipient of the Armes Scholarship is Ryan Stuckey, the 18-year-old son of Nick Stuckey, a lead engineer for Cooper's Global Technical Center, and his wife, Annette.

Mr. Stuckey is a graduate of Cory-Rawson High School in Mt. Cory, Ohio, and intends to study mechanical engineering at Ohio State University. He was a four-year member of the soccer team and basketball team, and participated in show choir, vocal jazz ensemble and student council. He was named a member of the National Honor Society and earned a spot on the All-A Honor Roll all four years of high school. Outside of school, he has served as president of his 4-H club and church youth group, and participated in mission trips and community service activities.

The Cooper Centennial Scholarship is in its third year and was originated to commemorate the company's 100th anniversary in 2014. The scholarship is available to the children of Cooper employees who are outstanding students and intend to pursue careers related to manufacturing at a technical school, college or university.

Centennial Scholarship recipients are:

• McClain Brown, the 18-year-old son of Doug Brown, channel development and national account manager, and his wife, Stephanie. Mr. Brown is a graduate of Van Buren High School in Van Buren, Ohio, and intends to study mechanical engineering at Miami (Ohio) University. Mr. Brown captained his school's Division III state runner-up golf team, was a dance captain for The Association show choir and pep club president. He also was president of the National Honor Society and took part in chorus and musicals. He was treasurer of the Findlay YMCA's Engage Program and volunteered at 50 North, The First Tee, Pheasants Forever and American Red Cross blood drives.

• Erica Cantrell, the 18-year-old daughter of Denieta Cantrell, human resources manager at Cooper's Tupelo, Miss., plant, and her husband, Chris. Ms. Cantrell is a graduate of Vina High School in Vina, Ala., where she was class valedictorian. She intends to study business and finance at the University of North Alabama. A four-year member of the softball team, Ms. Cantrell was the team's starting pitcher and leader. She was a member of National Honor Society and active in Future Business Leaders of America, the Student Government Association, Franklin County Junior Leadership, her church youth group and as a vacation bible school teacher.

• Zackary High, the 17-year-old son of Jeff High, Cooper quality engineer, and his wife, Kim. Mr. High is a graduate of Ingomar Attendance Center in New Albany, Miss., and intends to pursue a degree in civil engineering beginning at Northeast Mississippi Community College then transferring to the University of Mississippi. He was a four-year member, letterman and team captain of both the basketball and golf teams. He was a member of Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, math club and science club. Outside of school, he has taken part in Union County 4-H Shooting Sports, mission trips and church youth group.

• Emily Howard, the 18-year-old daughter of Marybeth Howard, Cooper customer service lead, and her husband, Doug. Ms. Howard is a graduate of Findlay High School and intends to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Toledo. She has earned academic honors as a member of the Distinguished Honor Roll and National Honor Society, and she received the Scholar Musician Award all four years of high school. She has taken part in Findlay High School choir and musicals. Emily volunteers in the community with Children's Mentoring Connection, Relay for Life and the Salvation Army.

• Jacob Schimmoeller, the 18-year-old son of Dale E. Schimmoeller, a lead engineer for Cooper's Global Technical Center, and his wife, Lisa. Mr. Schimmoeller is a graduate of Miller City High School in Miller City, Ohio, and intends to study mechanical engineering at the University of Toledo. He was a three-sport athlete throughout high school, earning accolades in golf, baseball and basketball, and also was active in marching band, concert band and a member of the National Honor Society. He also volunteered outside of school as a member of his youth group and as a Little League umpire.

Cooper's scholarship program is administered by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, an independent philanthropic agency that manages more than 350 funds, including over 100 scholarships. To be considered for these awards, each student is required to submit an application and essay. An independent committee then selects the winners. This year, six students were selected from among 33 qualifying applicants nationwide.