The Cover Down Fund has announced the 2026 recipients of the Purple Heart Gary Gutelius Memorial Scholarship.

Established in 2022 by former Trumbull County Veteran Services Commission Director Herm Breuer during his tenure as Commander of Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 606, the scholarship honors the legacy of Purple Heart recipient Gary Gutelius while investing in the future of local students. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $55,000 in scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education. This year’s total was $16,500, Breuer said.

Now administered by the Cover Down Fund Board, the scholarship recognizes academic achievement, community commitment and dedication to service — values that reflect both the spirit of the Purple Heart and the mission of the organization.

The recipients, all seniors who received $1,500 each, are:

• River Bryan of Niles McKinley High School who plans to attend Youngstown State University to study nursing.

• Emma Bundy of McDonald High School, who plans to attend Walsh University and major in education.

• Alexis Cornelius of Mathews High School, who plans to attend Kent State University and major in health.

• Olivia Hetson of Cardinal Mooney High School, who plans to attend the University of Kentucky or Miami University and major in pre-medicine.

• Ava Kuntz of McDonald High School, who plans to attend the University of Akron to study political science.

• Margaux Malloy of Poland High School, who plans to attend Ohio University and major in business.

• Dante Marsco of Howland High School, who plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in engineering.

• Addison Odille of Warren JFK High School, who plans to attend La Roche University and study X-ray technology.

• Sierra Ryan of Niles McKinley, who plans to attend Florida Atlantic University with a major in nursing.

• Ava Timko of Canfield High School, who plans to attend The Ohio State University to study pre-medicine.

• Daina Wagner of Warren G Harding High School, who plans to attend Kent State University with a major in allied health.

“These students represent the very best of our community,” Breuer said. “This scholarship is not just about financial support; it’s about recognizing potential, honoring service and investing in futures that will strengthen our communities for years to come.” Ten percent of all donations to the Cover Down Fund directly support the scholarship program, with a goal of adding an additional $20,000 in 2026 to expand its reach. In its first year, the Cover Down Fund already has made a meaningful impact across the Mahoning Valley by hosting a free performance of Modern Warrior Live at the Robins Theatre, providing more than $10,000 in food assistance to local veterans and continuing hands-on service efforts like decorating veterans’ graves at Pineview Cemetery for Memorial Day.

FUNDRAISING EVENT PLANNED

Building on that momentum, the organization is calling on the community to rally behind its largest fundraising effort of the year: America250 Golf and Celebration July 2 at Avalon at Squaw Creek in Vienna.

This signature event will bring together supporters from across the region for a full day of golf followed by an evening celebration honoring our nation’s founding and the veterans who defended it.

Registration for golfing will begin at 11 a.m., with a noon shotgun start. The evening celebration will be 6 to 9 p.m. with live music by French Blue, dinner, an open bar and a basket raffle.

Participants can register as golfers, attend the evening celebration or show their support through sponsorship opportunities. Proceeds from the event directly fund scholarships, emergency assistance and wellness initiatives for veterans throughout the Mahoning Valley.

Additional fundraising support will come from the ITAM 30 bocce tournament May 23 and 24.

For event registration, sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit coverdownfund.org or at hkbreuer2@gmail.com.