The Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, awarding $15,000 to students across Ohio whose lives have been impacted by a parent's or guardian's breast cancer journey.

This year, the Foundation received a record number of applications. Each submission shared a unique story of resilience, perseverance, compassion, and hope. For many of these students, breast cancer has meant accompanying loved ones to treatments and appointments, taking on additional responsibilities at home, navigating uncertainty, and learning firsthand the strength it takes to face life's unexpected challenges. Despite those experiences, they have continued to pursue their educational goals with determination and purpose.

The Foundation is especially proud to recognize Elizabeth Ferko a 2026 graduate from Perry High School as the recipient of the 2026 JBMF Four-Year Renewable Scholarship. Selected from an outstanding pool of applicants, Elizabeth will receive a $1,000 scholarship each year for the next four years to support her educational journey. Her application stood out for the strength of her character, her accomplishments, and the way she has allowed adversity to shape her into a compassionate and driven young woman. We look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the years ahead.

In addition to the four-year renewable scholarship, the Foundation awarded eight one-time scholarships of $1,000 and six one-time scholarships of $500 to deserving students throughout Ohio. As well as our outstanding four-year renewable scholarships to past recipients.

2026 JBMF Scholarship Recipients

Four-Year Renewable Scholarship Recipient

• Elizabeth Ferko, Perry High School

One-Time $1,000 Scholarship Recipients

• Zachary May, GlenOak High School

• Jenna Devine, Archbishop Hoban High School

• Natalie Sawicki, Canfield High School

• Emma Greene, Copley High School

• Victoria Parish, Revere High School

• Jackson Gaskell, Hoover High School

• Kelsey Dillon, Bio-Med Science Academy

• Matthew Rekstis, GlenOak High School

One-Time $500 Scholarship Recipients

• Maria Wadley, Hoover High School

• Ezra Jones, Avon Lake High School

• LaNiya Chatman, Groveport Madison High School

• Jayden Boles, Early College @ Lehman, McKinley Senior

• Caroline Jang, Orange High School

• Andrew Harold, GlenOak High School

Since awarding its first scholarship in 2011, the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation has distributed more than $70,000 in scholarships to students whose educational journeys have been shaped by a loved one's breast cancer diagnosis. Beyond scholarships, the Foundation has provided more than $2 million in financial assistance to Ohio families facing breast cancer, helping ease the burden of everyday expenses during treatment and recovery.

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Each year, the Foundation awards a $1,000 renewable scholarship (for up to four years) to a Northeast Ohio high school senior whose parent or guardian has been affected by breast cancer. This scholarship is more than financial support, it’s a reminder that your community stands beside you, every step of the way.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026. Click here to read more and apply.

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Join us for your favorite signature event, an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and purpose. Mark your calendars now for the 2027 Wind Chime Ball, happening on Saturday, February 27, 2027.

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The room was full of energy and people who believe that no one should face cancer alone. Every bid, donation, sponsorship, and volunteer hour helped make this impact possible. To everyone who joined us in person or supported the event from afar, thank you. Your presence and your generosity make the mission of the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation possible.

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