Clockwise starting at the top left: Gracie Minton, Lauren Gilstrap, Melanie Moorhouse, Kylie Hoerth

Top CNE seniors earn more than $1M in scholarships

By Dick Maloney

The acknowledgement and recognition was done virtually, but the accomplishments were certainly real.

Clermont Northeastern High School recognized members of its 2020 graduating class May 14, awarding a long list of scholarships funded by local groups. High School Principal T.J. Glassmeyer, Assistant Principal Scott Houp and counselor Amy Comisar “hosted” the ceremony, each taking turns at a podium set up in front of a CNE banner. They presented more than $20,000 in scholarships from more than 20 organizations. Overall, the class of 2020 earned more than $1 million in scholarships.

“These students represent a very special part of the Clermont Northeastern community and this event is a way for the community to come together in celebration of these students that make us all proud,” Comisar said. “Although the delivery of the event this year did not allow us to gather with the families and community members in celebration, I hope that the students still feel how exciting it is to represent our school and community in such a positive way as they prepare for their next steps into their postsecondary plans.”

To view the ceremony, go to https://bit.ly/2X51zS6.

Four seniors – Lauren Gilstrap, Kylie Hoerth, Gracie Minton and Melanie Moorhouse – had their names called a total of 20 times. Each of them answered questions about their awards, and their high school careers:


Lauren Gilstrap

Awards – Mercy Health Physicians ($2,000), Charlene Spahr Memorial ($400), CNE Board of Education ($575), McCollom Scholarship ($1,000).

In what activities/clubs/programs were you involved during your time at CNE?

“During my time at CNE, I was involved in cheerleading, National Honor Society, Link Crew, Student Senate and Leo Club.”

What are your plans for after high school?

“I’m going to Xavier University to pursue a biology major and go into medicine.”

Of the awards/scholarships that you won, which mean the most to you? Are there one or more that you think are really special? Why?

“Every scholarship that I was awarded truly meant so much to me. It showed me that other people believe in me and my future. The one that sticks out to me is the Mercy Clermont Physicians’ Scholarship Award. I still can’t believe I was one of the people chosen for this scholarship, out of everyone who applied in Adams, Brown, and Clermont counties. Medical staff read my essay about my dreams of being a doctor, and believed in me enough to invest in my future. I am beyond thankful for every scholarship I received, I still cannot believe it’s real!”

What will you most remember about your time at CNE?

“I will definitely remember the community at CNE. We have always been tight knit and willing to help one another. When someone needed help or extra support, the CNE community would always step forward. Even during these difficult times with the stay at home order, CNE and the community worked hard to help give us a special senior year. From trying to reschedule prom and graduation, to giving every senior a gift and 2020 yard sign. Everyone cares about each other, and that is so special.”


Kylie Hoerth

Awards – Hamar Masonic Lodge ($500), Larry Shircliff Memorial ($500), Charlene Spahr Memorial ($400), CNE Athletic Boosters ($500), Southern Ohio Association Realtors ($500), Northeastern Lions ($1,000), CNE Senior Citizens Luncheon ($600), Batavia Rotary ($1,000).

In what activities/clubs/programs were you involved during your time at CNE?

“During my time in high school, I was heavy on participation. I played soccer and softball for four years, ran cross country for three, and bowled for one. I was a member of our school’s marching band and Link Crew. I was president of the Northeastern LEO Club for two of my four years served. I was also class president this year for the third year, and my fourth year as a member of our school’s Student Senate. This was also my first year serving as secretary of our school’s National Honor Society.”

What are your plans for after high school?

“I plan to attend Northern Kentucky University to study and graduate with a bachelors in a Spanish major. From there, I would like to become a Spanish teacher!”

Of the awards/scholarships that you won, which mean the most to you? Are there one or more that you think are really special? Why?

“I was truly so grateful and thankful for all the scholarships I did receive. But of all the scholarships I did win, the one that meant the most was the Larry Shircliff Scholarship. Larry Shircliff was a father to one of my good friends, Promise. We grew up on the same softball team, and he was at every game. Even though I wasn't his own daughter, he was pushing me to do my best and encouraging me on the field. Not only was he helping me be a better softball player, but he was helping me become a better person. I saw him as an inspiration. His never-ending dedication to the Lord I admired. He was such a great man, and so influential to all those he came into contact with. He inspired me to be a good person and to always have faith in the good Lord. When we received the awful news of his diagnosis, we were all shocked. But not once did he ever give up his faith.

“After my friend Gracie Minton, and I threw the Workout to Conquer Cancer fundraiser for the family, it was clear that I was not the only person he influenced. Seeing all the other hearts he had touched was amazing. When they announced that Gracie and I had won the scholarship, I was so grateful. Hearing the heartfelt message from Promise had warmed my heart and made me tear up. This scholarship had truly been the most important one of them all, and I was so thankful.”

What will you most remember about your time at CNE?

“What I cherish the most about CNE is the memories and friendships I have made. The environment we were surrounded by was so positive and encouraging, I always felt comfortable to be myself. I made so many friends with people I never would have expected. I’ve built amazing friendships with those around me that I hope will last a lifetime! I also created relations with the teachers, and viewed them as my role models, and they helped guide me through high school. The memories will also never leave. Playing under those ‘Friday Night Lights,’ cheering in the stands, screaming at pep rallies, telling the corny ‘Joke of the Day,’ buying school lunches, and walking down the hallways everyday, are memories I will never forget. Going to high school at Clermont Northeastern was definitely the best experience I have ever had.”


Gracie Minton

Awards – Clermont County Bar Association ($3,000), Larry Shircliff Memorial ($500), Charlene Spahr Memorial ($400), Batavia Rotary ($1,000).

In what activities/clubs/programs were you involved during your time at CNE?

“During high school I was involved in National Honor Society, yearbook, Student Senate, Leo Club, Link Crew, softball, golf and marching band. 

What are your plans for after high school?

“I plan on attending Xavier University to major in political science and international studies with a minor in Spanish. I am also involved in the Philosophy, the Public, and Politics Honors Program at Xavier.”

Of the awards/scholarships that you won, which mean the most to you? Are there one or more that you think are really special? Why?

“I'm very grateful for all the awards and scholarships I've received, but if I had to choose one that was really special to me it would be the Larry Shircliff Memorial Scholarship for Athletes. I've grown up playing softball with two of the Shircliff's daughters and their family has always put love and heart into the games we play. Larry was always there cheering for us on the sidelines and always had confidence in us. This scholarship shows how much the family is willing to give and they always keep giving. I have so much love for the Shircliffs and I'm honored to receive the scholarship.”

What will you most remember about your time at CNE?

“CNE has given a lot to me over the years and I wouldn't change my high school career for any other school. I will always remember the teachers and the students I have grown up with. The staff at CNE puts so much work into their job and they care so much for their students. Any time I needed someone to talk to or help with anything school and life related they were always there to listen. I have learned a lot from the staff and I'm so grateful for all the dedication they put in. I will also remember the students at CNE because of how many memories I have made with them. I've had friends come and go, like many other high schoolers, but I still have so many great memories from freshman year to senior year. I know that all the students in my graduating class have so much potential and they are capable of great things. The Class of 2020 will always be special in my heart, and I will remember the amazing moments we shared.”


Melanie Moorhouse

Awards – Peg Rice Memorial CNE Education Foundation ($500), Owensville Historical Society ($500), CNE Middle School Staff Scholarship ($500), Clermont County Counselor’s Association ($500).

In what activities/clubs/programs were you involved during your time at CNE?

 “During my time at CNE I was involved in the school’s band and the drama department. I also played in the Land of Grant Honor Band. I was a member of school’s National Honor Society.”

What are your plans for after high school?

 “I plan on attending NKU to study elementary education.”

Of the awards/scholarships that you won, which mean the most to you? Are there one or more that you think are really special? Why?

 “I would say the CNE middle school staff scholarship was especially meaningful because it comes from teachers who have worked with me and know me as a student. My goal is to become a school teacher and to be awarded a scholarship by my past teachers is such an honor. I am grateful for their support and belief in me.”

What will you most remember about your time at CNE?

 “How my senior year ended is something that I will certainly remember. However, my best memories will be of my time in the marching band and drama productions. I loved showing school spirit and supporting the football team every Friday night. The drama program gave me the opportunity to meet new people and develop new skills.”


Award winners

Mercy Health Physicians ($2,000) – Lauren Gilstrap.

Clermont County Bar Association ($3,000) – Gracie Minton.

Peg Rice Memorial CNE Education Foundation ($500) – Melanie Moorhouse.

Hamar Masonic Lodge ($500) – Kylie Hoerth.

Larry Shircliff Memorial ($500) – Kylie Hoerth, Gracie Minton.

Charlene Spahr Memorial ($400) – Lauren Gilstrap, Kylie Hoerth, Gracie Minton.

CNE Athletic Boosters ($500) – Makayla Drewry, Alyssa Williams, Mackenzie Reece, Taylor Shumard, Kylie Hoerth.

Nicholas Erdy Foundation ($1,500) – Elizabeth Lindsley, Molly Stetson.

Southern Ohio Association Realtors ($500) – Kylie Hoerth.

CNE Board of Education ($575) – Lauren Gilstrap.

Owensville Historical Society ($500) – Melanie Moorhouse.

CNE High School Staff ($450) – Valerie Curran.

CNE Middle School Staff ($500) – Melanie Moorhouse.

Northeastern Lions ($1,000) – Kenady Brown, Valerie Curran, Kylie Hoerth, Tierra Tuneberg, Annie Welage.

Guy B. and Mabel Lykins ($500) – Kenady Brown, Sarah Francis.

Let Us Never Forget – Molly Stetson.

Clermont County Counselor’s Association ($500) – Melanie Moorhouse.

CNE Alumni ($1,000) – Valerie Curran, Elizabeth Lindsley.

McCollom Scholarship ($1,000) – Lauren Gilstrap.

CNE Seniors Citizens Luncheon ($600) – Kylie Hoerth.

Batavia Rotary ($1,000) – Kylie Hoerth, Gracie Minton.


Honors Diplomas                                       

Isaac Bosley, Kenady Brown,  Victoriana Clevenger, Valrie Curran, Makayla Drewry, Lauren Gilstrap, Kylie Hoerth, Elizabeth Lindsley, Audrey Meagher, Gracie Minton, Kayleigh Moore, Melanie Moorhouse, Alivia Sloan, Jacob Stone, Annie Welage, Alyssa Williams.


National Technical Honor Society

Abigail Averwater, Kathleen Beck, Victoriana Clevenger, Muhanad Muhamad, Taylor Shumard.