7-29-2026 10:34pm

Little Miami Graduate Honored with Statewide Scholarship at Warren County Commissioners Meeting

Beth Callahan Editor

LEBANON, OH -- A Little Miami High School graduate was recognized Tuesday by the Warren County Board of Commissioners after earning a statewide scholarship from the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) Research and Educational Foundation.

Samantha Mason received one of five $2,000 Ohio County Scholarships awarded annually across the state. The scholarships recognize graduating seniors for academic achievement, leadership, community service and an essay highlighting the impact of county government on local communities.

Steve Caraway, managing director of enterprise and retirement services for the CCAO, presented the award during the July 28 commissioners meeting. He noted that Mason was selected as the Southwest Ohio recipient after being evaluated by county commissioners from across Ohio.

Caraway said Mason's application reflected an extensive record of involvement in school and community activities, including color guard, spirit squad, yearbook, improv club, select choir, National Honor Society, community theater and National Girls Ministries. He also praised her scholarship essay, which described how county services positively affected her family during difficult times.

In her remarks, Mason thanked her parents for encouraging her to pursue her goals and spoke about the assistance her family received through local resources, including food assistance programs. She said those experiences inspired her desire to give back through public service.

Mason announced she will attend Cedarville University this fall, where she plans to study pre-medicine and biology. She also intends to enroll in tCedarville's Air Force ROTC program through Wright State University with the goal of becoming a dentist in the United States Air Force.

Commissioners congratulated Mason on her accomplishments and praised her commitment to serving others. They noted that the scholarship program encourages young people to pursue careers in public service and said her story demonstrated how overcoming adversity can inspire future success.

The board also presented Mason with a proclamation recognizing her academic achievement, leadership and service. Commissioners officially declared July 28, 2026, as "Samantha Mason Day" in Warren County, honoring her accomplishments and future aspirations.

Following the presentation, Mason posed with commissioners and CCAO representatives for photographs, including one with the ceremonial scholarship check commemorating the award.