![student holding Bearcats Bound UC sign](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2023/01/n21142136/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1674660369477.jpg)
Welcome to UC Clermont: Local students surprised on UC Decision Day
Batavia and West Clermont students receive scholarships
Two local high school seniors received a surprise welcome to UC Clermont on Monday as part of the University of Cincinnati’s annual Decision Day.
Student becomes teacher
From left: UC Clermont Dean Jeffrey Bauer, Justin Clark, Jennifer Clark, West Clermont student Sophia Clark and UC Associate Director of Admissions Blaine Kelley on UC Decision Day 2023. Photo/Danny Kidd
Sophia Clark, a senior at West Clermont High School in Union Township, Ohio, was the first to find out with fanfare that she’d been accepted to the college. Clark’s parents, UC Clermont Dean Jeffrey Bauer, and other UC and West Clermont representatives surprised Clark in her West Clermont Teacher Academy class. Clark, who has a 3.7 GPA, received a $2,500 UC Clermont Merit Scholarship and a $2,000 UC Grant toward her tuition.
“I chose UC Clermont because it’s close to home,” said Clark, who added that she was “overwhelmed” by the Decision Day surprise. “I’m excited to start classes in the fall and looking forward to the community and meeting new people.”
Clark plans to major in early childhood education and is getting hands-on experience now through the Teacher Academy, which places West Clermont High School students interested in education careers in middle and elementary school classrooms.
“I just want to make a difference for kids,” Clark said of her educational aspirations.
Teacher Academy instructor Michelle Dohrman said Clark has taken full advantage of being placed in a sixth grade classroom this year.
West Clermont student Sophia Clark was welcomed to UC Clermont by Blaine Kelley, UC associate director of admissions, as Dean Jeffrey Bauer looks on. Photo/Danny Kidd
“She’s teaching small groups, working with teachers and sharing with the class — she does everything and does it all with a smile,” Dohrman said. “Sophia has been phenomenal, and I’m so excited for her.”
Clark’s mother, Jennifer, said Sophia is a Type 1 diabetic who has even discussed the possibility of working in nursing education to help children when they are diagnosed with diabetes. Wherever Clark’s path leads, her parents are thrilled that UC Clermont will be her launchpad.
“My husband, Justin, and I are extremely proud of Sophia as she takes these next steps toward college and her future,” Jennifer said.
A healthy start
From left: UC Clermont Dean Jeffrey Bauer, UC associate director of Admissions, Batavia student Kristen Lammrish, Steve Lammrish, Elisa Lammrish and UC Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management Yosmeriz Roman. Photo/Danny Kidd
The second surprise of the day was for Kristen Lammrish, a senior at Batavia High School in Batavia, Ohio. Lammrish holds a 3.9 GPA and received a $3,000 UC Clermont Merit Scholarship and $2,000 UC Grant to help cover her tuition. The Decision Day caravan, complete with balloons and Dean Bauer, found Lammrish in her English class.
“I was so excited,” said Lammrish. “I chose UC Clermont because it’s so close to home and still within my Batavia community.”
Lammrish has been accepted into UC Clermont’s physical therapist assistant program, one of the college’s most selective majors. For Lammrish, a cheerleader who has been involved in acro dance and tumbling, the program felt like a natural fit.
“I’ve always been interested in fitness,” Lammrish said. “I thought about being a physical therapist, but when I learned what a PTA does, it seemed like a better option because I’ll get to work more directly with patients.”
I was so excited. I chose UC Clermont because it’s so close to home and still within my Batavia community.
Kristen Lammrish Batavia High School senior and incoming UC Clermont student, fall 2023
Batavia High School senior Kristen Lammrish was surprised on UC Decision Day with news of her admission to UC Clermont. Photo/Danny Kidd
Lammrish’s parents were on site for the surprise and said that as an athlete, Kristen was always intrigued by the treatment of injuries and influenced by a coach who worked in physical therapy.
“She has known from the beginning that this is what she wants,” said Elise Lammrish, Kristen’s mother. “UC Clermont was the only school she applied to, specifically for the PTA program.”
Batavia High School guidance counselor Felicia Grooms described Lammrish as a “dedicated and conscientious student” who is enthusiastic about her decision to attend UC Clermont.
“Kristen decided early in the process that she was committed to attending UC Clermont, and I believe it’s the perfect place for her to pursue a career in physical therapy,” Grooms said. “She is a future Bearcat who will make the University of Cincinnati proud to recognize as one of their own.”
Clark and Lammrish will be just two of the more than 3,000 students who attend UC Clermont, a regional college of UC that offers more than 60 academic programs, including bachelor’s, associate, transfer and certificate options. The college, which awarded more than $150,000 in student scholarships in 2022, offers the resources of a world-class university in an affordable, accessible package that meets a variety of student needs and pathways.
Application for fall semester 2023 will be accepted until July 1. Learn more and apply now at ucclermont.edu/apply.
Featured photo at top: Batavia High School senior Kristen Lammrish was surprised on UC Decision Day with news of her admission to UC Clermont. Photo/Danny Kidd
Related Stories
New sites available now on Bearcats Landing
April 29, 2021
Learn more about the new sites launched on Bearcats Landing, UC's new intranet.
Pollinator garden takes root at UC Clermont
April 16, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Clermont College Sustainability Committee has coordinated the planning and installation of a pollinator garden on the college’s Batavia campus, near the west parking lot.
UC garners sustainable, green campus success
April 19, 2021
University of Cincinnati Gold LEED certifications, student-involved energy-efficient programs and climate-friendly green technologies elevate UC to a national award-winning sustainable campus.
UC Clermont student wins university writing contest
April 22, 2021
University of Cincinnati Clermont College student Jacob Widanski has taken home the top prize for the research category in the 2020-21 UC Composition Writing Contest.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
UC Clermont baseball team takes second place in World Series
June 2, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Clermont College men’s baseball team has taken second place in the 2021 United States Collegiate Athletic Association Small College World Series.
Helping her hometown understand the world
June 7, 2021
Becca Costello’s path to on-air reporter for Cincinnati’s WVXU started as young child — sledding down the hill behind the University of Cincinnati Clermont College.
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.
Three additional days off for UC employees
July 14, 2021
President Neville G. Pinto announced that UC employees will receive three additional days off in 2021 for going 'above and beyond' during the pandemic. The time away will take place during Winter Season Days.
Duke Energy supports UC Clermont sensory, meditation rooms
June 30, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Clermont College recently received $10,000 from Duke Energy to enhance Accessibility Resources available to students.