Memorial scholarship honors ‘07 Poland grad killed in shooting

By Denise Dick

POLAND — The mother of a Poland Seminary High School graduate killed last year in an accidental shooting sees many similarities between her daughter and the first recipient of a scholarship in her name.

Marissa Plakosh, 18, a 2007 graduate, was shot and killed early the morning of Dec. 15, 2007, while in the living room of her Algonquin Drive home. The Ohio State University freshman was home for winter break.

“After Marissa’s death, one of her friends, Franki Kosec, and her mother suggested the idea” for a memorial scholarship in Marissa’s name, said Jeanne Plakosh, Marissa’s mother.

In her obituary, the family asked for contributions for a scholarship. People contributed about $5,000.

The first recipient, Kaitlin Seibert, the 2008 PSHS valedictorian, received $2,000 for her studies next year at Case Western Reserve University. They hope to continue the scholarship through the 2010 graduating class.

“There are a lot of similarities between Kaitlin and Marissa,” Plakosh said.

Both played on the school golf team, excelled in academics and exemplified maturity, she said.

“When we were going through the applications, we had a picture of Marissa and we said, ‘OK, Marissa, help us out,’” Plakosh said.

Several of Marissa’s high school friends worked with her to pick the recipient. Kaitlin’s application stood out, she said.

“It was unanimous,” Plakosh said of Kaitlin’s selection.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.