The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Megan Stockmaster, the 2026 recipient of the Noah Skylar Lear Scholarship award.
Megan, the daughter of Dawn Daubenspeck and David Daubenspeck, is a 2017 graduate of Colonel Crawford High School. She is attending University of Findlay and studying to be a Physician Assistant.
What is your favorite aspect of college life and why?
"My favorite aspect of college life is proving to myself that I can do hard things even while juggling everything that comes with being a mom, wife, and employee. Returning to college to finish my Masters degree was at first, an overwhelming goal; however, I have proven to myself that I can do this. I have great support from my husband and family as well as my professors. Without this village of support I would not have been able to make this happen. Time and time again I keep proving to myself that I can not only do the hard things, I can completely exceed the goals I set for myself."
What new interests or courses of study have you discovered at college?
"At college I have discovered an interest in Gerontology after taking a few courses to satisfy CORE+ requirements. At first, I did not think that this was a subject that I would particularly enjoy, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. The professor that taught the course was so passionate about her field of work and made the subject of Gerontology interesting and enjoyable. I ended up taking several of her courses because I ended up liking it so much."
In what way has the college experience changed/improved you?
"The college experience has improved me by constantly driving me to push forward no matter how difficult the road to success gets. There are days that it is extremely tough juggling my own schedule let alone my kids' schedules too. I do everything that I can do to be a great and present mom at home and still carve out time to focus on my studies. My kids are my "why" and the reason behind my pursuit of a higher degree. I have a great support group of classmates at school and family at home that help me stay focused on the end goal."
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
"My piece of advice to an incoming freshman would be to give as many compliments to your peers and classmates as possible. Spreading kindness has a ripple effect! You never know how much a few kind words can turn someone's whole day around."
What is one item on your bucket list and why?
"One item on my bucket list is to go on an elk hunt. This has been a dream since I was a little kid. There's no greater place than big sky country."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Megan!
To learn more about scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships
