On May 24, 2018, Janet Piccirillo, Executive Director of GC3 and Cortlan Booker, Advertising Key Account Consultant for Enquirer Media, visited LaSalle High School to present a check for a $1000 scholarship to the winner of its Essay Contest. Congratulations to Senior Cameron Middendorf who wrote the winning essay Cameron’s essay was chosen from dozens submitted on the topic “Why I Want to Go to College in Greater Cincinnati and Start My Career Here”.
“How Cameron highlighted the numerous and excellent options for higher education in Greater Cincinnati really stood out. He talked about many of the highly rated programs through the GC3 colleges and universities and the need to go outside of the region for college just does not exist. Furthermore, Cameron did a fantastic job of tying the educational options to the economic growth and the potential for a great career in Greater Cincinnati” said Janet Piccirillo, GC3’s Executive Director.
Cameron’s Essay points out “This region has numerous colleges and universities that offer a first-class education in nearly any area of study, just like any big city, but with a small-town feel because of the friendly neighborhoods in the area. Students from all around the globe come to Greater Cincinnati to attend these highly rated programs, such as the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine and College of Law, Xavier University’s MBA program, Mount St. Joseph University’s Athletic Training and Physical Therapy programs, and The Athenaeum of Ohio’s Theology Studies, just to name a few. With so many renown academic opportunities right in our backyard, there really was no reason for me to attend college in any other region of the country.”
He continues “The economic opportunities here are also a reason that Cincinnati has it all. Because the region has experienced steady economic growth and has a low cost of living, Greater Cincinnati is a great place to begin (and continue) a career. Many Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in this region, such as Proctor and Gamble, The Kroger Company, and Fifth Third Bancorp. There is a diversified economic base in the area which allows for steady growth. This includes manufacturing, trade, finance, health care, education, and transportation. The health care systems in the area are of interest to me and they are experiencing economic growth as well.
While Cameron did consider other colleges outside of Greater Cincinnati, he chose Mount St. Joseph University. He intends to play soccer for the Lions beginning this fall, an experience supporting his goal of becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer.