North Ridgeville Student Jaina Cormack Named Ohio Nominee for National 4-H Roth Scholars Program

NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OHIO — Jaina Cormack, a student at North Ridgeville High School, has been named Ohio's 2026 nominee for the National 4-H Roth Scholars Program. The selection places the local teenager among a small group of students recognized for their leadership within the 4-H youth development system, specifically through her work with the Cuyahoga County 4-H chapter. The Roth Scholars Program is a relatively new initiative, established through a $1.1 million donation from Atlanta philanthropist Joel Roth. It operates under the 4-H Leadership Academy and focuses on teaching high school students specific "soft skills" that modern employers often look for, such as conflict resolution, professional ethics and social responsibility. According to the Ohio 4-H record, the program is currently a two-year pilot designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world career demands. Cormack's path to the nomination involved a balance of academic rigor and community involvement. At North Ridgeville High, she is known for her participation in music and various extracurricular clubs, while maintaining a focus on a future career in veterinary medicine. Her time in 4-H has been defined by more than animal projects. She has spent several years mentoring younger members and taking on leadership roles within her local club. As a nominee, Cormack will eventually receive a stipend to fund a research project aimed at solving a specific challenge in her community. This is not just an academic exercise, as the program requires students to use their stipend to implement their findings and create a tangible impact. This follows the model set by previous participants like Makenna Lybarger, who used her position in the program's first cohort to increase agricultural education access in Fairfield County. The selection process for the Roth Scholars is competitive, focusing on students who show a clear commitment to the 4-H values of head, heart, hands and health. Cormack's nomination is a significant achievement for the North Ridgeville City School District, which serves a growing population of students in Lorain County. Those interested in learning more about the specific requirements of the leadership academy can find details through the National 4-H Council. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.