The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Kaya Capretta, a 2026 recipient of one of the 20 Doug and Renee Leuthold Scholarship awards, one of the nine Glen and Alice Beers Scholarship awards, and one of the 20 Margaret and Donald Wenner, MD Scholarship awards.
Kaya, the daughter of Sarah Capretta and Casey Capretta, is a 2023 graduate of Galion High School. She is attending University of Cincinnati and studying Mechanical Engineering.
What is your favorite aspect of college life and why?
"My favorite aspect of college life is the opportunity to build a community and develop a new sense of self away from my hometown, where people often had predetermined ideas about who I was. I enjoy being close to my friends and classmates, and even though school can be difficult, going through those challenges together creates stronger bonds and a sense of unity."
What new interests or courses of study have you discovered at college?
"Throughout my time in college, I have discovered several new interests, including salsa dancing, CAD modeling, and teaching/tutoring. This semester, I am a peer TA for a first-year engineering course, and my friends and I are trying to start a salsa club."
In what way has the college experience changed/improved you?
"College has helped me become more independent, confident, and open-minded. Meeting people from a wide variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds has exposed me to different perspectives and experiences, while pushing me outside of my comfort zone. It has helped me better understand myself and appreciate the diversity of the people around me."
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
"My biggest advice would be to get involved in as many clubs and activities as you can. College is one of the few times in life when you have the time and opportunity to try so many different things, so take advantage of it. You may discover new interests, meet some of your closest friends, and find communities you never expected to be a part of."
What is one item on your bucket list and why?
"One item on my bucket list is to travel to at least five different countries in my twenties. I think learning about other cultures is valuable and offers a chance to experience different ways of life, gain new perspectives, and better understand the world beyond my own community. So far, I have been to Spain and Italy, and would like to visit Greece or Turkey next."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Kaya!
To learn more about scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships
