Olmsted Township grad receives KNR’s Redick Memorial Scholarship

Ella Young of Olmsted Township was the recipient of the 2025 Robert Redick Memorial Scholarship, a $5,000 honor awarded annually by Kisling Nestico & Redick, LLC, a personal injury law firm with a dozen offices across the state.

Young, a 2024 graduate of Olmsted Falls who is a freshman at the University of Cincinnati majoring in fine arts with a minor in art history, was selected for the honor that was established in 2018 and renamed to honor KNR founding partner Robert Redick following his death at age 57 in 2020. It is given to a creative student who demonstrates exceptional artistic talent through a standout billboard design, according to a news release.

The award helps honor Redick’s life work advocating for the injured, promoting safe driving and supporting education within communities, according to the release.

“Robert was passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, both through his work and through giving back to the community,” John J. Reagan, managing partner at KNR, said in the release. “This scholarship continues his mission by helping students further their education while raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.”

Young is pursuing a pre-art and design education licensure certificate with the goal of earning a master’s degree in art education and becoming an art teacher.

“I have always found immense joy and meaning in the creative process, and I want to share that same sense of wonder and passion both by creating art and teaching about it,” Young said in the release. “Safe driving has always been very important to me. I try to set a good example for my younger siblings by not driving distracted. I am extremely grateful to Kisling, Nestico & Redick for not only granting me the opportunity for the Robert Redick Memorial Scholarship, but also drawing attention to the issue of unsafe driving.”

Young is also a volunteer with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Freestore Foodbank, Seven Acres Senior Living Home, UC’s Public Safety Department and IT Proud, and campus leader who participates in the Mountaineering Club and Knits Clubs, where she helps create handmade clothing and blankets to donate to organizations in need.

Young’s winning billboard will be displayed along Interstate 75 south and state Route I74 to remind motorists of the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.

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