3/24/98

ATHENS, Ohio -- Bradley Kleparek of Chillicothe has been awarded the 1998-99 Jack G. and Sue Mathis Ellis-Manasseh Cutler Scholars Award, a four-year scholarship paying tuition, room and board at Ohio University.

The Manasseh Cutler Scholars Program, modeled on Oxford University's Rhodes Scholars program for graduate students, emphasizes development of recipients' leadership potential. The four-year, undergraduate scholarship provides full tuition, room and board and includes a stipend to cover structured summer internships and travel.

Kleparek is the son of Mark and Monica Kleparek. He is a senior at Chillicothe High School and one of 15 Cutler Scholars planning to attend classes on the Athens campus next fall. Kleparek is a member of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, the International Society of Thespians and is a student representative in the Chillicothe Area Artist Series. He also participated in Buckeye Boys State and the Ohio Capital Conference Leadership Conference.

Chillicothe High School was encouraged to nominate two to five students to be considered for the award. A committee of university alumni reviewed nominations and letters of recommendation, and the finalists were interviewed on the Athens campus by the Cutler Scholars Selection Committee.

"To be considered as a Cutler Scholar, one should be a serious student of physical vigor who exhibits a moral strength of character that is translated into scholastic pursuits and ultimately into community involvement," said Charles J. Ping, Ohio University president emeritus and executive director of the Cutler Scholars Program.

Jack G. Ellis graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1952 and his wife, the former Sue Mathis, graduated in 1954. Jack Ellis is an Ohio University graduate and Sue Ellis an honorary alumna. Mr. Ellis helped establish the Manasseh Cutler Scholars Program, and for these efforts he and his wife were honored with an award in their names.

"Sue and I had a wonderful education at Chillicothe High School and enjoyed the many friendships and opportunities during our years there," Jack Ellis said. "We are grateful to the Ohio University friends and colleagues who endowed the scholarship in our name and allowed us to determine where it could be designated."