Franklyn C. Ingram Spirit Award
Since 1996, the Spirit Award has benefited Central Ohio students in their first year at Penn State. The Scholarship is named in honor of the late Dr. Franklyn C. Ingram, PSU ’63 MEd, PSU ’66 DEd. Dr. Ingram was a long time chapter member and the driving force behind the Scholarship.
As of 2/21/26
Help us meet our 2026 goal!
Last year was a good year for the Scholarship fund!
The fund has nearly recovered from declines caused by the 2020 global pandemic. Proceeds from the PSU @ Ohio State pre-game mixer gave us the boost we needed to reach our 2025 goal. Our Lions won’t be back in Columbus for 4 years!
We need your help!
We’re looking forward to growing the fund this year so we can increase the amount we award to the selected students. We cannot achieve our goal without the generous support of our Alumni. Please visit our DonorBox page to donate to the Scholarship. Your tax deductible contributions will help a central Ohio student become a Nittany Lion Alumni!
Supporting Penn State students through scholarship activities
Each year, the Central Ohio Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association awards a scholarship to a deserving incoming freshman from the Central Ohio area. The scholarship is funded directly through support from local Alumni and friends.
The Central Ohio Chapter and Scholarship welcomes and appreciates all donations to the fund. All donations are tax deductible within the guidelines of Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Your donations help us to grow the fund which allows us to continue benefiting deserving students.
Those wishing to contribute to the scholarship using Venmo or Paypal, please follow this link to our donorbox.com page: https://donorbox.org/ingram-spirit-scholarship
If you would like to contribute using a personal check, please email us at psu.ingram.spirit.award@gmail.com for details.
Scholarship Qualifications
In order to qualify for a Spirit Award scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a full-time resident of the Central Ohio area
- Generally, this is Franklin County and the surrounding counties
- Be enrolled as a full-time student of the Penn State University
- Be a first year student
For more information, contact the Scholarship President at psu.ingram.spirit.award@gmail.com
2025 Recipients
Elyssa Dyzak graduated Summa Cum Laude from Olentangy Orange. She will be pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture degree at University Park.
Elyssa is the daughter of Rachel and Todd Dzyak. As a percussionist and sub-section leader in the Marching Band she participated in events from the Circleville Pumpkin Parade to the Los Angeles Christmas Parade and the Dublin, Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She was an original member of the Letters For Rose club, which provides cards, letters, and artwork to residents of local nursing homes.
Other achievements include, leader of the German and Baking Clubs, AP Scholar with Distinction, and gymnastics coach at a local gym.
Garrett Comerford was a member of the Student Council and Class Cabinet at Olentangy Orange. He will be pursuing an Aerospace Engineering degree at University Park.
Garrett is the son of John and Rachel Comerford. He was a Scholar Athlete as a member of the varsity soccer team. He completed an internship with the Ohio Athletics Conference and was an intern to Governor Kasich. Garrett is an avid skier and model rocket builder.
Additional achievements include, mentoring gifted elementary students, AP Scholar with Distinction, and volunteering at a local Goodwill.
2024 Recipients
Ashley Hoehn is Dublin Scioto High School’s 2024 Valedictorian. She will be pursuing an Advertising/Public Relations degree in the Bellisario College of Communications at University Park.
Ashley is the daughter of Deb (Psu 96) and Mike Hoehn. She was a 4-year varsity cheerleader, member of FCCLA, and Social Media Content Manager for her school’s Men’s Cross Country team. Ashley is also a Cheer and Tumbling Coach and website designer for a local business.
Congratulations Ashley!
Michaela Donoho graduated with Honors from London High School, where she was the Student Council Vice President. She is a first generation college student. She will be pursuing a Computer Engineering degree at the Berks Campus in Reading, PA.
Michaela is the daughter of Bobbi and Raun McCalla. She was in the Marching Band for 5 years and Concert Band for 6 years. She was a member of the Student-Superintendent Board since its inception 4 years ago. Michaela has already started her Penn State Journey as a member of the 9th Engineering Ahead cohort at PSU Berks.
Congratulations Michaela!
2023 Recipients
Maggie Beshuk, 2023 Valedictorian of Gahanna Lincoln High School has received the Scholarship’s top award. She will be attending Penn State’s University Park campus where she will pursue an Engineering Bachelors.
Maggie is the daughter of Steve and Wendy Beshuk. She was a varsity lacrosse player, President of the Women in S.T.E.M club, and President of the Environmental Club. Maggie is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and an AP Scholar with Honors.
Rex Kenyon, a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Jonathan Alder High School in Plain City, has received the Scholarship’s second award. He will be attending Penn State’s University Park campus where he will major in Cyber Security.
Rex is the son of John and Joy Kenyon. He has already completed CompTIA certifications for ITF+, A+, and Security+. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Marching Band, and Concert Band. Rex also volunteered at the Daily Needs Assistance Center in Plain City.
See all past recipients here.