Introduction
Southern State Community College (SSCC) recently honored two outstanding students, Rebeca Roblero-Solis and Alicia Wagner, with the prestigious Dylan Philip Wilson and Nathan Paeltz Memorial Scholarships for the academic year 2024-2025. Established in 2006, this scholarship serves as a tribute to the memory of Dylan Philip Wilson and Nathan Paeltz, two friends whose lives were tragically cut short. The award commemorates their legacy by supporting high-achieving students from their local Ohio communities in their pursuit of higher education. For over a decade, this scholarship has provided financial assistance and motivation to students from Georgetown, Ripley Union Lewis Huntington, and Eastern Brown high schools, helping them to achieve their academic and career goals.
In this article, we explore the stories of this year’s scholarship recipients, the background of the memorial scholarship, its significance within the SSCC community, and the larger role of memorial scholarships in shaping lives and preserving legacies.
The Memorial Scholarship: Honoring Lives and Supporting Dreams
The Dylan Philip Wilson and Nathan Paeltz Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of two individuals whose friendship and dedication to their community left a lasting impact. Dylan, a 1993 Georgetown High School graduate, and Nathan, a childhood friend, shared a deep connection that endured through the years. Their sudden passing left a profound void in their community, and this scholarship stands as a means to honor their memory. Through this award, their families and friends aimed to transform their loss into an enduring source of support for young people with ambitions and the dedication to achieve them.
The scholarship is targeted toward students who have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0, embodying the commitment to excellence that Dylan and Nathan both valued. The scholarship is awarded to students from schools within the local community—Georgetown, Ripley Union Lewis Huntington, and Eastern Brown High Schools—reflecting the hometown pride and connection both men shared.
Jon Linkous, a close personal friend of both Dylan and Nathan, serves as the scholarship chair and is instrumental in managing the selection process. In his role, Linkous oversees the scholarship under the SSCC Foundation, ensuring that the values of hard work, community spirit, and compassion that defined both Dylan and Nathan continue to be celebrated. This scholarship does more than offer financial aid; it keeps their memory alive by fostering new generations of students who exhibit those same admirable qualities
Introducing the 2024-2025 Scholarship Recipients: Rebeca Roblero-Solis and Alicia Wagner
This year, the Dylan Philip Wilson and Nathan Paeltz Memorial Scholarship was awarded to two deserving young women who exemplify academic commitment, resilience, and a dedication to careers in healthcare—a field that continues to face critical workforce shortages.
Rebeca Roblero-Solis: A Rising Star in Nursing
Rebeca Roblero-Solis, a 2022 graduate of Georgetown High School, is currently enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at SSCC. Rebeca’s journey to the scholarship is marked by dedication to her studies, an ambition to make a difference, and a deep-seated passion for healthcare. Her academic performance and community involvement demonstrate the qualities the scholarship seeks to honor. Rebeca plans to further her education upon completing her degree at SSCC, with an eye toward specializing in anesthesiology—an area of healthcare that requires both technical proficiency and an acute understanding of patient care.
Rebeca’s aspirations align closely with the mission of the SSCC Foundation, which seeks to empower students who aim to make meaningful contributions to society. By awarding Rebeca this scholarship, the Foundation not only supports her financially but also validates her commitment to the healthcare profession and her potential to impact lives positively
Alicia Wagner: A Future in Registered Nursing
Alicia Wagner, also a 2022 graduate, hails from Eastern Brown High School and is currently in the Practical Nursing program at SSCC. Her ambition to further her career by becoming a Registered Nurse underscores her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. Alicia’s achievements, both academic and personal, reflect her dedication to the nursing field—a commitment that resonates with the legacy of Dylan and Nathan, both of whom were deeply invested in community and service.
In receiving this scholarship, Alicia not only gains critical financial support but also joins a lineage of scholarship recipients who embody the values of perseverance, compassion, and service. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others in her community and a testament to the scholarship’s ability to elevate individuals dedicated to impactful careers
The Broader Impact of Memorial Scholarships
Memorial scholarships like the Dylan Philip Wilson and Nathan Paeltz Memorial Scholarship serve a dual purpose: they provide financial assistance to students and help preserve the memory of those they honor. These scholarships are powerful tools that turn personal loss into lasting contributions that benefit communities. For SSCC, this scholarship has become a meaningful way to connect students with the values of dedication and community involvement, which Dylan and Nathan exemplified.
Addressing Financial Barriers to Education
One of the most significant benefits of memorial scholarships is their ability to remove financial barriers that often prevent talented students from accessing higher education. The financial landscape for college students has become increasingly challenging, with rising tuition costs making it difficult for many families to afford higher education. By alleviating some of this financial pressure, memorial scholarships enable students to focus more on their studies and less on financial constraints. For students like Rebeca and Alicia, this scholarship opens doors to educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, enabling them to pursue careers in fields where their contributions can have a lasting impact
Fostering a Legacy of Community and Service
Memorial scholarships are unique in that they help perpetuate the values and spirit of those they honor. Dylan and Nathan were known for their community involvement and dedication to helping others. By supporting students who exhibit similar values, the scholarship serves as a conduit for these young men’s legacies, reminding recipients and the wider community of the importance of compassion, resilience, and service.
This tradition of giving back creates a ripple effect; as scholarship recipients graduate and enter their respective fields, they carry forward the values that the scholarship promotes. For instance, as Rebeca and Alicia advance in their nursing careers, they will likely be drawn to roles that embody the same spirit of service and commitment to others that the scholarship celebrates
Building a Supportive Community for Future Generations
The community-driven nature of the Dylan Philip Wilson and Nathan Paeltz Memorial Scholarship also highlights the importance of local support networks. By focusing on students from Georgetown, Ripley Union Lewis Huntington, and Eastern Brown High Schools, the scholarship ensures that local talent is nurtured and that young people from these areas have access to the support they need to thrive.
This localized approach helps foster a strong community connection, creating a sense of pride and shared responsibility among residents. Alumni who have benefitted from scholarships like this often become role models for younger students and may even return to give back to their communities, either through mentorship, career service, or by supporting future scholarship funds
Southern State Community College’s Dedication to Empowering Students
SSCC, through its various scholarship programs and initiatives, demonstrates a commitment to making education accessible and fostering a culture of academic excellence and community service. Under the leadership of Dr. Nicole Roades, SSCC continues to expand its scholarship offerings, aiming to remove barriers to education and support students in achieving their goals. Dr. Roades has spoken about the importance of scholarships in shaping the college’s mission and helping students from diverse backgrounds find success in their chosen fields
The SSCC Foundation plays a vital role in this mission by managing scholarships and grants that reflect the college’s core values. Through partnerships with local businesses, alumni, and community leaders, the Foundation strengthens the college’s ability to provide opportunities for students who may not otherwise have the means to attend college. The Dylan Philip Wilson and Nathan Paeltz Memorial Scholarship is just one example of how SSCC’s scholarship programs are making a lasting difference in the lives of its students.
Conclusion: A Lasting Tribute to Dylan and Nathan
The Dylan Philip Wilson and Nathan Paeltz Memorial Scholarship is a powerful example of how loss can be transformed into a source of hope and opportunity. By supporting students like Rebeca Roblero-Solis and Alicia Wagner, the scholarship ensures that the legacy of Dylan and Nathan endures, touching the lives of future generations who share their commitment to community, service, and personal growth.
Through this scholarship, Southern State Community College not only honors the memory of two young men who left an indelible mark on their community but also affirms its dedication to empowering students. As recipients of the scholarship move forward in their careers, they carry with them the values that the scholarship stands for, impacting lives in ways that reflect the compassion, friendship, and dedication of Dylan and Nathan.
