The Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce has been proudly recognizing the achievements of outstanding women in Guernsey County since the inception of the BREW (Boldly Recognizing Exceptional Women) Awards in 2017. The BREW awards highlight the contributions of local women who have made a significant impact on their community.

On October 24, 2024, the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Witch’s BREW Banquet, where 3 remarkable women will be honored for their work within the community. This event not only celebrates the accomplishments of these women but also serves as a platform to encourage future contributions and leadership among women in Guernsey County.

Since 2019, the Chamber has awarded a $500 scholarship to a non-traditional female college student as part of its commitment to supporting women’s education. In 2023, the Chamber and the BREW committee updated the scholarship criteria to expand their support. Thanks to the BREW College Fund and a generous donation from AMG-Vanadium, this year the Chamber will award four $750 scholarships to local women who are currently attending college or plan to begin their studies in the fall of 2025.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must live or work in Guernsey County, have completed or be enrolled in high school, and be registered for the 2024-2025 academic year. The scholarship recipients will be presented with their awards at the BREW Banquet on October 24, 2024.

Rachelle Schwartz is currently a student at Buckeye Trail High School and plans to attend either Ohio State University or Ohio Wesleyan University next fall, where she will major in psychology with a minor in literary arts. Her long-term goal is to earn a doctorate and pursue a career as either a psychiatrist or a professor. Having recently navigated her own mental health challenges, Rachelle is deeply committed to a career in psychology, driven by her desire to offer the same support and guidance that made a positive impact on her own life.

Kallie Yerian is currently a student at Meadowbrook High School and is exploring her options for college in the fall. While she has not yet decided on a specific school, she is committed to majoring in business with the goal of becoming a business owner. Kallie is highly involved in her school community, serving as a member of the National Honor Society, class government, FFA, student council, and the Brook Singers. In addition to her academic and extracurricular activities, she is employed at Bear’s Den Steakhouse. Kallie has a particular interest in aquaculture and aspires to own and operate a fish hatchery in the future.

Madison Peters is a senior at Cambridge High School with plans to attend Belmont College, where she will major in pre-law and publishing. She intends to continue to law school to become an attorney, with a passion for advocating on behalf of underprivileged individuals and amplifying the voices of those often unheard. A National Merit Semifinalist, Madison is also involved with the online tutoring platform Schoolhouse, where she has tutored students from across the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and Pakistan in SAT preparation. Additionally, she has accumulated over 250 service hours volunteering with The Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and assisting at OMEA competitions.

Tricia Nichols is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in School Counseling at Malone University. She is a 2006 graduate of Cambridge High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Muskingum University in 2010. Tricia serves as the Career Navigator at Cambridge High School, a role that has deepened her passion for supporting students. Her work has reinforced her dedication to guiding students through their academic and personal development, addressing their social-emotional needs, and helping them achieve their full potential. Tricia is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of the students she serves.

We are honored to present the BREW Scholarship to these four outstanding women, whose passion, focus, and determination to achieve their goals exemplify the very spirit of this award. Their dedication to personal and academic growth is truly inspiring, and we are proud to support them as they continue to make meaningful contributions to our community. Congratulations to each of them on this well-deserved recognition!