Kim Curlis, sister of the late Jim Lantz, presents Layla Platfoot with the 2025 Jim Lantz Memorial Scholarship.
Photos submitted by Sidney-Shelby County YMCA
Dean Weinert, YMCA Foundation board president, presents Audrey Flaute with the 2025 Lee E. Schauer Memorial Scholarship.
Photos submitted by Sidney-Shelby County YMCA
SIDNEY — The Sidney-Shelby County YMCA honored two high school graduates during a scholarship reception held on Thursday, May 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA. The event recognized the 2025 recipients of the Jim Lantz Memorial and Lee E. Schauer Memorial Scholarships.
Layla Platfoot, a graduate of Lehman Catholic High School and daughter of Chad and Jenni Platfoot of Sidney, was awarded the Jim Lantz Memorial Scholarship, a one-time $1,000 award. Platfoot plans to attend Wright State University this fall to pursue a degree in nursing.
Audrey Flaute, a graduate of Anna High School and daughter of Randy and Lisa Flaute of Maplewood, was named the recipient of the Lee E. Schauer Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is the largest non-governmental scholarship in Shelby County, valued at $12,000 and awarded over four years. Flaute plans to study aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati.
Sidney-Shelby County YMCA believes that both recipients have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic achievement and a deep commitment to service. Platfoot has volunteered with the Bethany Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Agape Distribution and Wilson Health, while also holding multiple leadership positions at Lehman Catholic. She participated in varsity basketball, volleyball and softball, earning 12 varsity letters. She has been praised for her servant leadership, energy and compassion.
Flaute has volunteered with the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, Shelby County 4-H Camp and the McCartyville Producers 4-H Club. In addition to her academic accomplishments — including award-winning science fair projects — she has been active in marching band, Buckeye Girls State and multiple sports teams. She is known for her creativity, strong values and commitment to making a difference.
“On behalf of our board and staff, we are honored to recognize these two inspiring young women,” said David O’Leary, CEO of the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA. “Layla and Audrey exemplify the spirit of these scholarships and the values of our YMCA. We are grateful to the Lantz and Schauer families for continuing to invest in the future of our youth.”
To learn more about the Jim Lantz and Lee E. Schauer Scholarships, visit www.sidney-ymca.org/college-scholarships. For information on establishing a scholarship in memory of a loved one, contact David O’Leary at 937-492-9134 or [email protected].
