Scholar Spotlight: Aidan Kirk
A Valedictorian’s Educational Pursuit
Prior to serving as the valedictorian of Hillsboro High School’s Class of 2023, Aidan Kirk had already attained 46 hours of college credit through the College Credit Plus Program. He took classes for two years at the former Chatfield College and when it closed in 2022, Chatfield helped him transfer to Southern State.
In addition to taking college courses during high school, Aidan participated in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), an enrichment program aimed to helped students prepare for their futures. Through DECA’s programs and competitions, he earned several awards, including an International Award of Excellence, while gaining clarity and direction for his future.
Becoming Independent and Financing Education
Aidan made plans to attend Ohio University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics and Marketing, but he knew that financing his education would be among his greatest challenges.
“Even though I was valedictorian, I didn’t receive enough scholarships to pay for college,” he said. “I planned to pay for school independently but was coming up short, even with my scholarships and money saved from my job at Bob Evans.”
Aidan contacted The Chatfield Edge for assistance and with additional financial and mentoring support in place, he headed off to Ohio University in the Fall of 2023. This was an especially significant time for Aidan as it was the first time he lived apart from his identical twin brother, Ethan, also a Chatfield Scholar, who chose to pursue a degree in Resort and Attraction Management at Bowling Green State University.
“Having a twin is like having a built-in best friend because you always have someone to hang out with,” Aidan said. “It was an adjustment being away and really challenging at first. We still call each other every day.”
A Mentor Makes a Difference
Aidan found support from his Chatfield peer mentor, Justin, who was a few years ahead of him at a different university.
“He’s a college student and we’re both in student government. He offers guidance and helps me know what to expect. It’s nice to have someone support me on my level, rooting for me all through my educational journey,” he shared. “Mentors can really bridge the gaps that come up during college.”
Now midway through his second year, Aidan is fully immersed in campus life while keeping his eyes on the future. He works as a teaching assistant and resident assistant, using his leadership skills to support 35 freshmen students. Next summer, he plans to do an internship with Target and eventually hopes to move into management or possibly sales.
Scholarship support from The Chatfield Edge is bridging the financial gap and enabling Aidan to attain his degree independently and with as little debt as possible.
“I am grateful for The Chatfield Edge and all who are donating to support the next generation of college students. They are truly helping people like me get an education.”
If you are or know a student like Aidan who needs extra support to pursue educational goals, please talk to us. We are ready to meet you where you are to offer FREE support so you can gain success in life through education. Contact David Hesson at david.hesson@chatfieldedge.org or 513-875-3344 or visit our website at www.chatfieldedge.org today!
