The Future Isn't Waiting: Marietta Community Foundation Celebrates the Second 25 Under 25 Class
L-R: Back: Grant Huffman, Sophia Parlin, Clark Dye, Zack Holman, Sophie Boothby, Addison Place, Shyanna Miller, Jackson Estes, Byrce Saltzwedel, Chase Cline, Wyatt Kerns, Nathan Soffian & Hayleigh Chidester. Front: Annalyn Warner, Levi Reynolds, Benjamin Nguyen, Alexis White, Peyton Offenberger, Lillian Westbrock, Jocelyn Arnold, Eli Miller, Miles Miller, & Shaylea Perine.
Washington County - Fifty years is a milestone worth celebrating, but for Marietta Community Foundation, it also became the beginning of an important conversation.
After spending 2024 reflecting on five decades of strengthening Washington County through philanthropy, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, Foundation leaders began looking ahead. They asked a very important question: Who will lead the next 50 years? Rather than simply asking the question, the Foundation decided to invest in the answer.
That vision became 25 Under 25, a recognition program created to identify and encourage young people who are already making a difference in their schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. Every other year, community members have the opportunity to anonymously nominate young leaders whose service and leadership deserve to be recognized. Those nominations are thoughtfully reviewed by a dedicated selection committee at MCF, which selects 25 honorees whose impact is already being felt throughout Washington County.
On Tuesday, August 4, the Foundation welcomed nearly 80 guests to the Elizabeth Sugden-Broughton Community Building to celebrate the second 25 Under 25 class.
25 Under 25 Class of 2026
Addison Place, Alexis White, Annalyn Warner, Benjamin Nguyen, Bryce Saltzwedel, Chase Cline, Clark Dye, Eli Miller, Faith Treadway, Grant Huffman, Hayleigh Chidester, Jackson Estes, Jocelyn Arnold, Josiah Jones, Levi Reynolds, Lillian Westbrock, Miles Miller, Nathan Soffian, Peyton Offenberger, Shaylea Perine, Shyanna Miller, Sophia Parlin, Sophie Boothby, Wyatt Kerns, and Zack Holman.
The Class of 2026 reflected just how much talent exists across Washington County. Honorees ranged in age from 12 to 23 and represented communities from nearly every corner of the county. They included students, entrepreneurs, volunteers, first responders, caregivers, coaches, nonprofit leaders, and young professionals.
Although each story was different, together they painted a picture of a community with a bright future.
“There was a moment when I looked around the room and just thought, ‘Wow.’ twenty-five incredible young individuals, surrounded by the people who have believed in them every step of the way. ..We often talk about investing in the future, but for one evening, we had the opportunity to celebrate it. If these young leaders are any indication of what’s ahead, I couldn’t be more excited for the future of our community.””
As the evening came to a close, one message was impossible to miss. The next generation of leaders is not waiting for an opportunity to make a difference. They are already doing it, strengthening their schools, workplaces, organizations, and communities one act of leadership at a time.
Since its founding, Marietta Community Foundation has served as a trusted philanthropic partner, helping individuals, families, and organizations turn generosity into lasting impact. Powered by the strength of local giving, MCF has awarded more than $37 million in grants and scholarships, supporting nonprofits, empowering students, and enriching communities across Washington County. Today, with more than $78 million in assets and over 400 funds, the Foundation continues to connect people, passion, and purpose to build a stronger, more vibrant future. Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.
