Mayfield High Student Wins Scholarship from Cavs, FirstMerit

Jessica Baker of Mayfield Village was one of 10 students to receive a $2,000 scholarship through the Cleveland Cavaliers/FirstMerit Bank Scholarship Program.

The Mayfield High School senior was handed the check during halftime of the Cavs game against the San Antonio Spurs. Scholarship recipients also were guests at a pre-game banquet.

Scholarships were based on academic achievement, extra-curricular activities and a 500-word essay about the most important lesson they've learned in life. Applicants also submitted letters of recommendation from a high school faculty member.

"We had 600 applicants," said Amanda Petrak, Cavs director of communications operations and service. "From there, the application committee selected a group of 20 finalists for interviews with the committee."

This is the 21st year for the scholarship program.

"We are honored to once again partner with the Cavs on this exceptional program and we are truly blessed to have so many talented students in northeastern Ohio,” said Julie Tutkovics, chief marketing officer at FirstMerit Bank. “We are excited to watch these bright young students head off to pursue their dreams, and hope that they come back here to Northeastern Ohio to begin their careers.”