The Inter-Valley Conference (IVC) has officially announced the winners of its 2026 scholarship awards, celebrating the academic and athletic achievements of student-athletes across the conference. This year, the IVC is distributing a total of $11,000 in scholarship funds, with recipients selected through a detailed rubric system adopted by the conference's principals.

Leading the pack is Samantha Ward from Tuscarawas Valley, who takes home the top prize of $2,000 as the overall winner. In the divisional categories, Grady Kinsey from Indian Valley earns $1,000 for the Boys South Division, while Delilah Williams of Conotton Valley secures $1,000 for the Girls North Division. Evelyn Pfeffer from Sandy Valley rounds out the $1,000 winners for the Girls South Division.

Additional scholarship recipients include Abram McElwee (Tuscarawas Valley) for Boys South Division and Elena Price (Tuscarawas Central Catholic) for Girls North Division. The conference also recognized student-athletes from several schools, including Buckeye Trail's Tyler Harrell and Anna McVicker, Claymont's Ethan Fair and Abbey Lane Devore, East Canton's Kynsie Pero, Indian Valley's Haylie Menefee, Malvern's Kami Rayborn, Newcomerstown's Jaxson Mayo and Kenley Hayes, Ridgewood's Jace McQueen, Strasburg's Kylie McKenzie, and Tuscarawas Central Catholic's Dylan Dumermuth.

These scholarships highlight the IVC's commitment to supporting student-athletes who excel both in competition and in the classroom. As the conference continues to foster talent, these winners represent the bright future of high school sports in the region.