Celebrating 16 Firelands Positive People

Tara Whaley didn't know when the abuse would end. The Sandusky High School senior and her siblings experienced verbal abuse their entire lives from their father. It seemed perpetual. "I felt like I couldn't get away from it," Whaley said. The abuse continued until December 2013, when her father passed away.While she suffered unnecessary abuse, Whaley credits her dad for gaining independence, as the emotional abuse was motivation to lead a more positive outlook on life and to "never give up."See more photos from the event HERE"I am the ultimate survivor," she said. "You can accomplish anything as long as you set your mind to it"Like Whaley, 15 other high school seniors told similar disheartening stories about divorce, death, battles with medical issues, and abuse. But they did not dwell on the negative aspect of their struggles — they instead focused on how they overcame them.The Firelands Positive People awarded scholarships to all 16 finalists at the 19th annual program at the Kalahari Resorts' Nia Center because they "have successfully overcame challenges in their lives with a positive outlook," the organization stated in a release.Bob Eirons, president of the Firelands Positive People board, made it clear there is a need to help teens going through tough times, which led the board to grant the largest amount of scholarships this year.Whaley will receive $4,000 over the next two years, which will go toward her college education. She plans to attend Ohio University to study nursing and become a pediatrician one day.Her "no quit" attitude will not sway anytime soon."I won't give up if things get hard in college" she said.BGSU Firelands also presented Lucy LaRose, of St. Mary Central Catholic High School, with an additional $500 while Terra State Community College also gave Christopher Akins, of Monroeville High School, and Jonathan Emmons, of Port Clintion High School, $500 apiece.Audience members were treated to special music by Norwalk High School finalist Adrian Go, who serenaded visitors with the sound of a professional concert violinist a few minutes before the program began.In his scholarship application, Go inspired people to "search for the silver lining"Firelands Positive People, founded in 1994, provided $13,000 as a result of community member donations. 2014 Firelands Positive People awards •Tara Whaley, Sandusky High School: $4,000 •Jasmine Debske, Margaretta High School: $3,000 •Bradley Wind, Vermillion High School: $2,000 •Lucy LaRose, St. Mary's Central Catholic High School: $1,000, $500 •Caitlynn Thompson, Danbury High School: $500 •Tyler Coble, Edison High School: $500 •Alexandria Wilgrube, EHOVE Career Center: $500 •Rose Walther, Firelands High School: $500 •Megan McCarthy, Huron High School: $500 •Christopher Akins, Monroeville High School: $500, $500 •Adrian Go, Norwalk High School: $500 •Ruthann Silvis, Perkins High School: $500 •Jonathon Emmons, Port Clinton High School: $500, $500 •Kristen Moore, St. Paul High School: $500 •Kathleen Smith, South Central High School: $500 •Kent Skrada, Western Reserve High School: $500Register photo/JASON WERLING Margaretta High School student Jasmine Debske embraces her grandmother Joyce Cole after receiving a scholarship during the Firelands Positive People breakfast and awards on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.Register photo/JASON WERLING Sandusky High School student Tara Whaley is overcome with emotion after being announced the winner of the top scholarship award during the Firelands Positive People breakfast and awards on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Whaley is flanked by Elaine Blackmore, left, and Lynne Eirons.Register photo/JASON WERLING Joy Berquist presents Jonathan Emmons an award for enthusiasm during the Firelands Positive People breakfast and awards on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Emmons attends Port Clinton High School and was one of 16 area students awarded scholarships at the annual program.Register photo/JASON WERLING Bob Eirons announces the scholarship winners during the Firelands Positive People breakfast and awards on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.Register photo/JASON WERLING Rose Walther, left, Alexandria Willgrube, center, and Tyler Coble are introduced during the Firelands Positive People breakfast and awards on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Walther attends Firelands High School, Willgrube attends EHOVE Career Center and Coble attends Edison High School.Register photo/JASON WERLING Norwalk High School's Adrian Go plays the violin to start the awards ceremony during the Firelands Positive People breakfast and awards on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Go was a recipient of a scholarship from the event.