2025 Belmont County scholarship recipients announced

Two students from Belmont County will each receive a $500 scholarship to help with expenses for their upcoming college year, thanks to Belmont County Farm Bureau. From the applications submitted, Payton Dudzik from Barnesville and Ella Pietranton from St. Clairsville were selected as the 2025 scholarship recipients.

Dudzik is the daughter of John and Danelle Dudzik.  Many people have inspired her, such as coaches, friends, teachers and most importantly her family.

“All of these people have played a role in helping shape who I am,” she said. 

Dudzik participated in various clubs and activities during her high school years such as softball, volleyball, FFA, Adopt a Shamrock, FEA, National Honor Society, and 4-H.  She will be attending Ohio University Eastern in the fall to obtain her bachelors degree in nursing.

Pietranton is the daughter of Dominic and Crystal Pietranton. She participated in various clubs and activities during her high school years such as volleyball, basketball, National Honor Society, class officer, homecoming court, FFA, FEA and more. 

“I am an active student, balancing athletic commitments with academic pursuits and involvement in extracurricular activities,” she said.  “My grandmother, Loretta Dunfee has always inspired me to work and be the best I can be. She is the hardest working person I know and she takes care of everyone.” 

Pietranton will be attending Ohio University Eastern in the fall to major in business.

Belmont County Farm Bureau congratulates Payton and Ella on their accomplishments and wishes all the best to our area graduates in their future endeavors.

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Ryanna Tietje

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Mary Smallsreed

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