Page 6 - Dresden Buzz 06/13/25

PAGE 6 | LOCAL NEWS JUNE 13 - 26, 2025
The Wilds celebrates grand Elliott Educational Endowment

opening of Hellbender RV Fund Scholarship June 15

Campground, a new hub for application deadline approaching

conservation and outdoor
Applications are now being accepted Mail application to:
for the Elliott Educational Endowment Business & Professional Women
adventure Fund Scholarship 2025 awards. The of Zanesville
Attention: Elliott Educational
goal of the Elliott Scholarship is to sup-
port those seeking to further education Endowment Fund Scholarship
by Nicolle Gomez Racey, VP of Communications and Marketing through collegiate or professional stud- P.O Box 695
ies. Zanesville, OH 43702-0695
Zanesville Business and Professional To email a PDF of the application
Women’s (ZBPW) focus is the promotion please send it to elliottscholarshipzb-
of equality for women in the workplace. pw@gmail.com.
Therefore, special consideration will be Incomplete applications will not be
given to non-traditional female students considered. Winners will be notified no
and/or family members of ZBPW, who later than June 30th and are requested
are working to obtain further skills or to attend an award presentation in July.
advancement in their chosen careers. Top applicants will participate in a face
However, everyone is welcome and en- to face interview with Elliott Trustees
couraged to apply.. Scholarship awards will be made pay-
To qualify applicants must be 21 or able to the appropriate educational in-
older and a resident of Muskingum stitution or reimbursement for eligible
County. Prior recipients are not eligible. expenses/classes with proper documen-
Applications can be found at tation.
www.mccf.org/Scholarship-Central. All Winners will have the option for a free
applications must be returned via mail one year membership to Business &
or e-mail and postmarked by June 15, Professional Women of Zanesville.
2025 to be considered.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held as part of the grand opening for the Hellbender RV Camground at
The Wilds. Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Muskingum County students
among Ohio Connections
SPORTS to Ohio’s premier conservation center: This campground is also the first step Academy’s Class of 2025
May 29 marks a momentous occasion providing a meaningful boost to regional
as The Wilds unveils its latest addition tourism.
Hellbender RV Campground. Named in in a bold master plan to create an “eco-
honor of the Eastern hellbender, North tourism corridor,” connecting The Wilds
America’s largest amphibian and an en-
with other iconic outdoor destinations
Public online school graduates earn more than
such as Salt Fork State Park, the Ap-
dangered species in Ohio, this new facil-
ity promises an unparalleled outdoor ex-
palachian Wildlife Area, Burr Oak State
$3.5 million in scholarships and awards
perience for visitors seeking to connect Park, and parts of the Buckeye Trail.
“The development of Hellbender RV
with nature.
Situated at the intersection of State Campground creates more opportuni-
Route 146 and Zion Ridge Road in ties for families to unplug, explore, and
Muskingum County, and adjacent to appreciate the incredible natural beau- submitted
More than 480 graduating seniors The following students from Musking-
The Wilds’ main property, Hellbender ty our world has to offer,” said Dr. Joe from 69 counties across the state re- um County are among Ohio Connections
RV Campground features 47 full-service Smith, vice president of The Wilds. “This cently received their high school diplo- Academy’s Class of 2025*:
RV sites, 26 primitive camping spots, isn’t just a campground—it’s a gateway mas as members of Ohio Connections • Tiarra Loughman, Mount Perry
scenic trails, a playground, camp store, to adventure and a powerful tool for con- Academy’s Class of 2025. There were • Jared McNerney, Dresden
and more. This expansive setup not only servation and ecotourism. By inviting 285 seniors who traveled to the Ohio • Ashton Mehl, Philo
caters to outdoor enthusiasts but also more people to experience southeast Expo Center in Columbus on June 7th to • Avri Mercer, Zanesville
underscores The Wilds’ commitment to Ohio’s landscapes and wildlife firsthand, participate in the online public charter The Class of 2025 is the 17th gradu-
conservation and environmental stew- we’re inspiring a deeper connection to school’s commencement ceremony. ating class for the tuition-free virtual
ardship. nature and building a stronger future for “While we are a non-traditional school, school for students in grades K–12. Ohio
“The opening of Hellbender RV Camp- the species and spaces we work so hard each year we look forward to the oppor- Connections Academy serves more than
ground is a proud moment for The Wilds to protect.” tunity to celebrate our graduates and 4,800 students across the state and of-
and for conservation in Ohio,” said Tom Following today’s ribbon-cutting cere- this academic milestone with a very fers a high-quality curriculum taught by
Schmid, president and CEO of the Co- mony, guests had the opportunity to ex- traditional ceremony,” said Ohio Con- state-certified teachers who specialize
lumbus Zoo and Aquarium and The plore the campground and engage with nections Academy Superintendent Ma- in virtual education, fostering meaning-
Wilds. “This project represents a major The Wilds leadership about the project’s rie Hanna. “These students came to our ful connections and a supportive learn-
milestone in our mission to help people vision, partnerships, and conservation school in search of a learning environ- ing environment.
build meaningful connections with na- impact. ment that met their individual needs. The 2025-26 academic year will mark
ture. By naming the campground after “Hellbender RV Campground is an in- This ceremony is not only a celebration the Ohio Connections Academy’s sec-
the Eastern hellbender—a species that vestment in Appalachia and a project of their achievement, but of their deter- ond year of its successful College and
depends on clean, healthy waterways— that ODNR is proud to support,” said mination to find an academic setting Career Readiness offering for middle
we’re shining a light on the importance ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Projects where they could succeed.” and high school students. Building on
of protecting biodiversity and the eco- like this are key to transforming lands More than 35 percent of Ohio Connec- last year’s foundation, this refined of-
systems we all share. It’s more than a impacted by mining, allowing new rec- tions Academy graduates indicated they fering integrates traditional academic
place to stay—it’s a place to be inspired.” reational opportunities for people to en- plan to attend a two or four-year college subjects with industry-leading, career-
The $7.7 million Hellbender RV Camp- joy newfound outdoor experiences in a or university including, Indiana Univer- focused options like IT, business, health
ground project is made possible thanks place that now boasts scenic beauty and sity, Ithaca College, The Juilliard School, sciences and marketing. This program
to the generosity of the Ohio Department wonderful habitats.” Miami University, The Ohio State Univer- equips students with durable skills like
of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Ohio The campground is projected to bring sity, Stanford University and the Univer- leadership, critical thinking and team-
State Legislature, Muskingum County, an estimated 35,000 guests annually, sity of Georgia. Additionally, 45 percent work. Students can participate in career
the Economic Development Adminis- increasing visitation to The Wilds by ap- of graduates plan to enter the workforce exploration and industry networking op-
tration, and donors to The Wilds Fund. proximately 18,000 guests each year, directly upon graduation, while others portunities to build confidence, make
Together, these partners have helped with a positive ripple effect on regional plan to receive vocational training, join connections and find direction to pre-
bring this first-of-its-kind campground businesses and job growth. the military or take a gap year. pare for their future.
to life—enhancing outdoor recreation, In 2025, The Wilds was recognized as Among Ohio Connections Academy’s Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school
supporting conservation education, and the Best Safari Park in Ohio, and ranked Class of 2025, there is a National Merit year is open and the school is hosting
#2 in the nation, by a USA Today 10Best Commended Scholar, a College Board online information sessions for families
poll, reinforcing its role as a national National Hispanic Recognition Award interested in learning more about virtual
leadership in conservation and wildlife Winner, two College Board National Af- education. For more information about
experiences. rican American Recognition Award win- Ohio Connections Academy or to begin
For more information about The Wilds, ners and 23 Governor’s Merit Scholar- the enrollment process, visit www.Ohio-
including tours, conservation initiatives, ship winners. Several of the graduates ConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-
events, and educational opportunities,
New Puzzles please visit TheWilds.org and follow The have earned full-tuition academic and 591-0251.
performing arts scholarships. Several
Wilds’ social media accounts on Face-
others have earned NCAA athletic schol-
on page 12! book, Instagram, and LinkedIn. arships. Overall, the Class of 2025 has
received more than $3.5 million dollars
in college scholarships and awards.