Austin Nestor, 2015 Norton graduate, was awarded a $500 scholarship from Softball Players Association for his exceptional character and work ethics.
Nestor is currently an Akron University junior working towards a degree in Criminal Intelligence. He already has an Associates degree in Criminal Justice. In addition he is registered with the State of Ohio as a Pharmacist and works at the ACME pharmacy.
A workaholic , the Norton grad is working this summer as a landscaper with White Landscaping.
"My parents (David and Sharon) brought me up to believe hard work is the secret to success and I have followed their example," he said. "I am greatly appreciative of the SPA scholarship, it is really needed and I will show them they made the right decision in choosing me."
SPA is a national senior softball association located in Mustang, Oklahoma and this is the 65th scholarship awarded in the past 20 years and the fourth to a Norton-Barberton student. THEE BUCKEYE CLASSIC senior softball tournament is the local SPA representative.
Barberton's Tyler Owen received one in 2014 and in 2018 SPA along with the TBC donated $1,000 to the Barberton Karen Burnette Scholarship Fund.
"When I was 16 and didn't have money for college a local church donated $500 to my college education," SPA Executive Director Ridge Hooks said. "Since then I have tried to repay the Church and the Lord for how they helped me by helping others."
"And I believe this year Austin is the perfect recipient of the award.":