Firelands Positive People honors 13 students

HURON — Local students declared they won't let any troubles, including the pandemic, get in the way of their success. "Last year was tough — these kids have shown that life doesn't get easier or more forgiving, but we can become more resilient," said Bob Eirons, founder of Firelands Positive People. The local nonprofit, founded in 1994, recognized 13 high school seniors attending schools in Erie, Ottawa and Huron counties at Wednesday's banquet at Mesenburg Hall in Huron. The ceremony — back after COVID-19 canceled last year's event — honors students who have, during their school years, persevered through bullying, family tragedies, health issues, homelessness, among other hardships. About $19,500 in scholarship money was collected this year from community donations. Since the scholarship ceremony started 25 years ago, about 350 area students have received funding for their educational aspirations. Vermilion's Camryn Colahan received the top award. In 2018, Colahan was diagnosed with stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer affecting soft tissue. In 2019, after months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she was declared cancer-free and remains in remission. "I didn't allow anyone to see me cry," Colahan wrote in an essay. "This is the point in time where I really used my mental toughness. Now, I use my story to inspire others. Positivity is literally a key aspect in beating anything in life. A positive mindset is how and why I am still here today." Hannah Miller, a 2015 Huron High School graduate who also survived childhood cancer and received a Firelands Positive People scholarship, presented the award to Colahan. She acknowledged Colahan's enthusiasm and optimism during her journey to recovery. While Colahan underwent treatments, she and her family started Chimmy Challenge fundraisers to raise money for childhood cancer research, which is vastly underfunded by the federal government. "Once you go through something like pediatric cancer, you're never the same," Miller said. "I believe Cam's efforts will help to increase government funding and research for childhood cancer." Other wholesome moments included community member Brigette Swain receiving the Positive Impact Award for making a difference in Perkins High School student Tylan Edwards' life. During this speech, Edwards said Swain and her family took him in as one of their own children, including him on vacations and giving him his own bedroom. "Even though I'm sad to leave them for college, I know they'll always be there when I need them," he said. EHOVE Career Center student Ayrian Goble described how even though she grew up around drug abuse and endured an eating disorder, she never swayed from her goals. "I'm going to be something in life and nothing will drag me down," she said. 2021 Firelands Positive People winners • First place, $4,000 scholarship: Camryn Colahan, Vermilion High School • Second place, $3,000 scholarship: Ayrian Goble, EHOVE Career Center • Third place: $2,000 scholarship: Darik Hoyt, Port Clinton High School $1,000 scholarship finalists • Aerion Gipson, Danbury High School • Leo Schnellinger, Edison High School, Student Enthusiasm Award winner • Eiryn Smith, Firelands High School (also received the $500 Frank Fosco Inspirational Music Award) • Sophie Lee, Huron High School • Elizabeth Patrick, Margaretta High School • Lydia Landoll, Monroeville High School • Constance Graves, Norwalk High School • Tylan Edwards, Perkins High School • Jamaria Glover, Sandusky High School • Emma Livengood, St. Paul High School Positive Impact Award winner: Brigette Swain, community member Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood