GREENVILLE, Ohio — The Light Foundation, a nonprofit organization based at Chenoweth Trails in Greenville that provides young people with outdoor leadership experiences, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, awarding four $1,000 scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors who either attend a Darke County school or reside in Darke County.

The scholarship program reflects the Foundation’s mission of instilling responsibility, accountability, and hard work by investing in young people as they pursue their education beyond high school. Scholarships are open to students pursuing any form of post-secondary education, including two- and four-year colleges, universities, technical schools, trade schools, apprenticeships, and certificate programs.

This year’s recipients are:

• Mekedes Butsch, a graduate of Tri-Village High School, who will attend The Ohio State University to study Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish.
• Heidi Bell, a graduate of Tri-Village High School, who will attend Miami University to study World Languages and Cultures.
• Olivia Schmitmeyer, a graduate of Ansonia High School, who will attend the University of Cincinnati to study Marketing.
• Laine Flora, a graduate of Greenville High School, who will attend Wright State University–Lake Campus to study Mechanical Engineering.

“These students have demonstrated the character, determination, and work ethic that our Foundation strives to encourage in young people,” said Matt Light, co-founder of The Light Foundation. “We’re honored to support them as they take the next step in their educational journeys, wherever that path may lead.”

While the Foundation’s current scholarship program will continue to support students pursuing any type of post-secondary education, The Light Foundation is excited to announce that beginning next year, it will introduce a dedicated Trades Scholarship.

The new scholarship will be available exclusively to students who have participated in the Light Foundation’s Timber Frame Leadership Camp, a hands-on leadership experience that introduces high school students to timber framing, skilled trades, and teamwork. The camp is open to any student entering a high school grade level. By creating a scholarship specifically for trades education, the Foundation hopes to encourage young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades while continuing to support all educational pathways through its existing scholarship program.

The Light Foundation believes every student deserves the opportunity to pursue the future that’s right for them—whether that’s a university classroom, a technical school, an apprenticeship, or a career in the skilled trades.

For more information about The Light Foundation’s scholarships and youth leadership programs, visit www.mattlight72.com.