Knox Ruritan Club President Beckie Dean, center, who graduated in 1976 from West Branch High School, presented scholarships 50 years later to her great-niece Carley Riesen, far right, and Ciara Evans. (Submitted photo)

NORTH GEORGETOWN – The Knox Ruritan Club met June 18 at North Georgetown First Brethren Church. Each year at the June meeting, spouses of members along with scholarship winners and their parents are guests. The club presented two scholarships.

Club President Beckie Dean presented the scholarships on behalf of the club. “I graduated from West Branch in 1976 and am proud to be able to present these scholarships 50 years later,” said Dean.

Carly Reisen, the great-niece of Dean, received the Build Your Dollar Scholarship. Dean’s brother, the late Raymond Spencer, was Carly’s grandfather.

Reisen is the daughter of Deanna and Brian Reisen and will attend Kent State University in Salem.

She earned her STNA at age 16 and worked at St. Mary’s in Columbiana in the Alzheimer’s unit. Carly thanked the club and said she is entering the four-year Bachelor of Science Nursing Program at KSU. While at West Branch, Carly participated in musicals, Young and Alive and Concert Choir.

Ciara Evans received the Academic Achievement Scholarship. She is the daughter of Paul Yost and Laura Steed, and graduated Summa Cum Laude and received an honors diploma. Ciara will attend Baldwin Wallace College to study to become a physician assistant. Ciara was a member of National Honor Society and Ruriteens. Ciara was football homecoming queen, participated in the athletic training program and played soccer, basketball and softball. She thanked members for the scholarship and talked about her plans for the future.

A meal was served by Kathy Reichenbach.

The regular meeting was waived but Secretary Mel Albrecht stated the club is recognizing its 52nd anniversary.

Scholarships are made possible by various club fundraisers during the year. The pedal tractor pull and dunk tank will be at the Knox Township Festival from 3 to 6 p.m. on July 18 in North Georgetown.