Katie Eberhardt of Valley City Ohio, is the recipient of the Barb& Rod Knight Citizenship Award Scholarship for 2025. Since 1974, the Valley City Community Group and its predecessors,have presented this scholarship to a graduating Buckeye senior residing in Liverpool township. The $2000 Scholarship is annually awarded by the Valley City Community Group and funded by proceeds from Valley City festivals and events. The scholarship is given to the individual who best represents an ideal Buckeye student who is not only academically proficient, but balances school activities, assists others, and participates in community projects.
In addition to her academic proficiency, Katie has been a freshman mentor at her school for the last 3 years by helping incoming freshman transition into high school and navigate their way through.
Katie has also been a D.A.R.E. mentor for 3 years, teaching first, third, and sixth graders how to be safe and how to handle challenging situations. She is also a leader to other D.A.R.E.mentors.
Community involvement is special to Katie. She has beenvolunteering as Valley City’s mascot, first as Mayor Ribbit and then Mayor Froggington for the last 5 years. Being the mascotinvolved walking in community parades and participation in Valley City events. As the mascot, she enjoyed lots of interaction with the public and making people smile.
Katie also enjoyed being a Buckeye cheerleader for all 4 years of high school. As a cheerleader, her enthusiasm and spirit lead students and fans in supporting Buckeye during football and basketball games, in addition to school pep rallies.
VCCG Directors, family, and the Buckeye Guidance Office,surprised Katie at her home on April 30, 2025, where she was presented with a scholarship check and a plaque with her name to be added to the Buckeye Academic Showcase. She also received a commemorative yard sign and a personal memento. The formal award presentation of the check was given on May 1, 2025 during the Buckeye “Night of Excellence” ceremonyheld at Grace Baptist Church in Brunswick.
Katie will be attending Ohio University where she will be majoring in Early Childhood Education.
