Several Youngstown State University students received scholarship money during a special luncheon at the YSU foundation building. 

The Watson-Reese Scholarship has awarded its 2023 scholarships to nine outstanding students who are furthering their education at Youngstown State University. 

The Watson-Reese Briarfield Scholarship resulted from a collaboration between the Youngstown State University Foundation and Briarfield Healthcare Centers in recognition and appreciation of the caregivers at Briarfield Manor in Austintown.

Each scholar was carefully selected based upon academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular activities, as well as their affiliation to Briarfield. 

The scholarship program awarded $9,000 this year to several participants. 

Jackson Linko is currently a dietary aide at the Inn at Ironwood, and will be pursuing a degree in Information Technology in the fall. While Attending Canfield High School, Jackson participated in the Canfield Marching Band, Choir, and the Drama Club. Jackson was the president of both the Drama Club and the Chamber's Ensemble Choir. Jackson volunteers his time as a youth leader for the Greenford Christian Church.

Alexander Schneider is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Youngstown State. Alexander, a dietary aide at The Inn at Ironwood, has been an employee for two years. Alexander volunteers his time by working at the St. Michaels Church Fish Fry during the Lent season. Alexander is the son of Stacy Schneider, who has been a Briarfield employee for thirteen years.

Dana Hackney is pursuing a degree in Long-Term Care Administration. She has been a Briarfield employee for five years. Dana began her career as a resident assistant at The Inn at Poland Way, and is currently a social service designee at Briarfield at Ashley Circle. She has been employed at Briarfield since she graduated from Beaver Local High School, and has continued to work while also being a full-time student at Youngstown State.

Jersey Tucker is pursuing a degree in Middle School Education. Jersey is a cheerleader for the Youngstown State Penguins, and participates in intermural volleyball. Jersey volunteers her time in her community by being a judge in local cheer competitions and assisting with a charity walk to support children with autism. Jersey is the granddaughter of Sue Shaffer, an STNA at Briarfield Manor who has been with Briarfield for twenty-one years.

Bryanna Tarr will be pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice this fall. While attending Austintown Fitch High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society, President of French Club, and a member of Link Crew. Bryanna volunteers her time with Catholic Charities, and at The Inn at Poland Way. Bryanna is the daughter of Kathy Tarr, an employee at The Inn at Poland Way for six years.

Taylor McClish is pursuing a degree in Nursing at Youngstown State. During her free time, she enjoys participating in professional 4-wheel racing. Taylor enjoys volunteering in her community by assisting at her local church with Bible School. Taylor is the daughter of Michelle Peterson, who has been a Briarfield employee for thirteen years.

Ryan Schneider will be pursuing a degree in Engineering in the fall at Youngstown State. While a student at Canfield High School, Ryan participated in several extracurricular activities, which include the football and basketball teams, National Honors Society, and Chamber Choir where he was the Vice President. He enjoys volunteering his time by tutoring peers after school and working at a local fish fry. Ryan is the son of Stacy Schneider, an employee of Briarfield for thirteen years.

Karlee Kluchar is currently pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy and will be graduating in December of 2024. Karlee enjoys participating in intramural soccer at Youngstown State. She also volunteers her time with the Parkinson's exercise class at St. Joe's at the Eastwood Mall.

Emily Kluchar will be pursuing a degree in Exercise Science at Youngstown State. While a student at Austintown Fitch High School, she was a member of the volleyball team and the National Honors Society. Emily spends her time volunteering with youth volleyball camps, selling basketball programs at Austintown Fitch, and assisting with the concession stands during athletic events.

"All of our recipients show great potential in leading the next generation," said Diane Reese, President of Briarfield. "We are so grateful to be able to support them and Youngstown State University."