Story Highlights

• Two York High girls' basketball players have earned $38,000 in scholarship money.
• Jae Fitch has earned a $20,000 award, while Adrionna Harris has an $18,000 award.
• The awards were made through the Gretchen Wolf Swartz Sportsmanship Fund.

. (Photo: .)

Two York High senior girls' basketball players have earned $38,000 in college scholarships.

The Gretchen Wolf Swartz Scholarship Fund awards were presented on Tuesday evening to Jae Fitch ($20,00) and Adrionna Harris ($18,000).

Each year, a Gretchen Wolf Swartz Sportsmanship Award goes to both a York-Adams League boys' and girls' basketball program in recognition of outstanding sportsmanship.

The winning programs are determined by a vote of York-area basketball officials after observing the season-long conduct of players, fans, faculty, students, managers, coaches and cheerleaders from the junior high through varsity levels. Each winning school receives a traveling trophy in recognition of its accomplishment.

This past season marked the first-ever team win for the York High girls in the 19-year history of the scholarship program.

Seniors from each winning program then become eligible to win Gretchen Wolf Swartz Scholarship Awards. Winners are determined by the fund's board of directors after reviewing applications and transcripts and conducting candidate interviews.

The number of awards and dollar amounts presented are determined each year by the board members.

Fitch will attend York College of Pennsylvania, while Harris plans to attend Florida State College at Jacksonville.

New Oxford High School was this year's winner on the boys' side. It's the second time in the past three years that the New Oxford boys have been honored. The individual Colonials to be honored are scheduled to be announced Wednesday night.

Gretchen Wolf Swartz was a York County basketball official from 1981 to 1995. Following her death from leukemia in 1997, her fellow officials created the memorial team awards and a scholarship fund to honor her.

When South Western earned the first Swartz award in 2001, only one $1,000 scholarship was awarded. More than $300,000 in scholarship money has since been awarded.

Covington High School had its awards night May 8.

The following is a list of the awards and scholarships given.

Vincennes University - Project Excel: Savanah Abernathy, Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Ty Bever, Sam Brewer, Molly Buesing,

Shiley Claypool, Alyssa Doss, Colton Dreher, Ethan Engle, Payton Fletcher, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Maggie Fowler,

Keaton Fye, Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Sydni Koch, Skylar Krepton, Brooklyn Long, Caitlin Murray, Logan Myers, Corrissa

Remter, Jakoby Richardson, Caroline Robinson, McKenna Royce, Sara Saliji, Bradley Slider, Gabby Steward, Shyanne Steward,

Luke Taylor, Kierstin Turpin, Seth Williamson

Ivy Tech - Pre-Cal/Trigonometry: Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Ty Bever, Sam Brewer, Molly Buesing, McKenna Chapman,

Shiley Claypool, Colton Dreher, Marissa Duprey, Gavin Emery, Ethan Engle, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Keaton Fye,

Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Sydni Koch, Skylar Krepton, Brooklyn Long, Caitlin Murray, Logan Myers, Corrissa Remter,

Jakoby Richardson, Caroline Robinson, Sara Saliji, Gabby Steward, Shyanne Steward, Luke Taylor, Kierstin Turpin

AP US History: Sierra Fletcher, Tyson Kline

AP Statistics: Tyson Kline

Salutatorian: Sierra Fletcher

Valedictorian: Tyson Kline

Indiana Academic Honors: Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Ty Bever, Sam Brewer, Esther Bridwell, Molly Buesing, McKenna

Chapman, Shiley Claypool, Colton Dreher, Marissa Duprey, Ethan Engle, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Maggie Fowler,

Keaton Fye, Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Sydni Koch, Skylar Krepton, Sheyanne LaMeau, Brooklyn Long, Caitlin Murray,

Logan Myers, Corrissa Remter, Jakoby Richardson, Caroline Robinson, McKenna Royce, Sara Saliji, Gabby Steward, Shyanne

Steward, Luke Taylor, Kierstin Turpin, Seth Williamson

Indiana Technical Honors: Gabriel Batley, Ty Bever, McKenna Chapman, Colton Dreher, Gavin Emery, Maggie Fowler, Keaton

Fye, Sheyanne LaMeau, D.W. Lancaster, Maci Lock, Logan Myers, Chastain Purple, Corrissa Remter, McKenna Royce,

Bradley Slider, Dolton Story, Luke Taylor

Magna Cum Laude: Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Sam Brewer, Molly Buesing, Shiley Claypool, Marissa Duprey, Sierra Fletcher,

Logan Foster, Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Skylar Krepton, Caitlin Murray, Logan Myers, Caroline Robinson, Gabby Steward,

Dolton Story, Kierstin Turpin

National Honor Society: Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Sam Brewer, Shiley Claypool, Ethan Engle, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster,

Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Skylar Krepton, Logan Myers, Caroline Robinson, McKenna Royce, Sara Saliji, Gabby Steward,

Wabash River Technical Honor Society: Savanah Abernathy, Shelby Farren, Keaton Fye, Jonae Hensler, Sheyanne LaMeau,

Chastain Purple, Hartlie Reed, McKenna Royce, Dolton Story, Luke Taylor

WRC Academic All Conference: Sam Brewer, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Madison Karrfalt, Logan Myers, Dolton Story

Scholastic Excellence Award: Sierra Fetcher, Tyson Kline

Semper Fidelis: Shyanne Steward

Distinguished Athlete Award: Ethan Engle, Madison Karrfalt

Ball State University - Scholars Award: Logan Foster

Bradley University - Dean's Scholarship and Out-of-State Scholarship: Ethan Engle

DACC Foundation - Casper Platt Memorial Scholarship: Alyssa Doss

Grace College - Miller Merit Award: Brooklyn Long

Indiana State University - Academic Merit and Laptop Award: Hartlie Reed

Purdue University - Presidential Scholarship: Madison Karrfalt

University of Indianapolis - Uindy Discovery Scholarship and Room Award: Luke Taylor

University of Southern Indiana - David L Rice Merit Scholarship: Caitlin Murray, Gabby Steward, Shyanne Steward

Academic Honors Diploma Scholarship: Sydni Koch

Technical Honors Diploma Scholarship: Chastain Purple

Wabash College - Indiana Freedom Choice Award and Alumni Award: Ty Bever

Covington Citizen's Scholarship Fund: Gabe Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Ty Bever, Sam Brewer, Molly Buesing, Colton Dreher,

Marissa Duprey, Ethan Engle, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Maggie Fowler, Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Skylar Krepton,

Sheyanne LaMeau, DW Lancaster, Brooklyn Long, Caitlin Murray, Logan Myers, Hartlie Reed, McKenna Royce, Sara Saliji,

Gabby Steward, Shyanne Steward, Dolton Story, Kiestin Turpin

Senior Play Scholarship: Payton Fletcher

Ceres Solutions: Logan Myers

FFA Scholarship: McKenna Chapman, Logan Myers

Covington Volunteer Firefighter's Assoc. Scholarship: Ethan Engle, Chastain Purple

Leonard R. Orr Memorial Scholarship: Ty Bever, Corrissa Remter

Dr. Clarence & Martha Davan Scholarship: Seth Williamson

Covington Alumni Assoc. Scholarship: Shelby Farren

Elmer & Leona Barker Scholarship: Logan Myers

Marvin H & Gretchen V Cook Education Trust: Sam Brewer, Kierstin Turpin

Martin Jacob Scholarship: Gabriel Batley, Gabby Steward

Raymond E & Helen Ricketts Scholarship: Logan Foster, Caitlin Murray

Sentry Roofing Scholarship: Skylar Krepton, Logan Myers

Covington Youth Soccer Scholarship: Ethan Engle, Logan Foster, Tyson Kline, Hartlie Reed

MuEpsilon Lambda English Award: Tyson Kline

Indiana Blood Center Scholarship: Shyanne Steward

Indiana Sheriff's Association Scholarship: Sheyanne LaMeau

National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship: Logan Myers

WYXY Classic - Exceptional FFA All Stars: Logan Myers

Nucor Steel: Jakoby Richardson

Tri Kappa Scholarship: Gabe Batley, Logan Myers

Covington Community Foundation Scholarship:

Brandon Simmons Memorial Scholarship: Payton Fletcher

Christine Brunner Educator Award: Tyson Kline

Covington Music Boosters: Shyanne Steward

Covington Book Reimbursement: Gabe Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Sam Brewer, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Madison Karrfalt,

Tyson Kline, Skylar Krepton, Logan Myers, Gabby Steward, Kierstin Turpin

Covington Faculty & Staff: Gabby Steward

Don & Georgeanna Ford Volleyball: Madison Karrfalt

Dr. Malcolm Spencer MD Scholarship: Hartlie Reed

Fountain County Instructional Materials Assistance: Gabriel Batley

Helen VanDorn Shelby Scholarship: Luke Taylor

Herman & Genevieve Simmons: Sheyanne LaMeau, DW Lancaster, Brooklyn Long, Aubrey Messmore

Hoffman-Aesculapian Scholarship: Ethan Engle, Hartlie Reed, McKenna Royce

Hoffman-Trojan Scholarship: Ty Bever, Skylar Krepton

Ian Claypool Hero Scholarship: Sierra Fletcher

Jack Hunter Memorial Scholarship: Colton Dreher

Jeff "Chappy" Chapman Scholarship: Dolton Story

Jessica Coats Memorial Scholarship: Maggie Fowler

Jim and Martha Wallace Scholarship: Marissa Duprey

Joshua E Witsman Memorial Scholarship: Keaton Fye

Judith Woodrow: Jakoby Richardson

Kevin & Marilyn Woodrow Scholarship: Logan Foster

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship: Shiley Claypool

Marvin & Dorothy Bodine Scholarship: Jakoby Richardson

Nathan T. Allen Memorial Scholarship: Keaton Fye

Richard Ashton Scholarship: Tyson Kline

Rick Williams Memorial Scholarship: Logan Myers

Robert L Buser Service & Leadership Award: Gabe Batley

Steel Grip Scholarship: Chastain Purple

VFW Post 2395 Scholarship: Maggie Fowler

Covington High School had its awards night May 8.

The following is a list of the awards and scholarships given.

Vincennes University - Project Excel: Savanah Abernathy, Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Ty Bever, Sam Brewer, Molly Buesing,

Shiley Claypool, Alyssa Doss, Colton Dreher, Ethan Engle, Payton Fletcher, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Maggie Fowler,

Keaton Fye, Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Sydni Koch, Skylar Krepton, Brooklyn Long, Caitlin Murray, Logan Myers, Corrissa

Remter, Jakoby Richardson, Caroline Robinson, McKenna Royce, Sara Saliji, Bradley Slider, Gabby Steward, Shyanne Steward,

Luke Taylor, Kierstin Turpin, Seth Williamson

Ivy Tech - Pre-Cal/Trigonometry: Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Ty Bever, Sam Brewer, Molly Buesing, McKenna Chapman,

Shiley Claypool, Colton Dreher, Marissa Duprey, Gavin Emery, Ethan Engle, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Keaton Fye,

Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Sydni Koch, Skylar Krepton, Brooklyn Long, Caitlin Murray, Logan Myers, Corrissa Remter,

Jakoby Richardson, Caroline Robinson, Sara Saliji, Gabby Steward, Shyanne Steward, Luke Taylor, Kierstin Turpin

AP US History: Sierra Fletcher, Tyson Kline

AP Statistics: Tyson Kline

Salutatorian: Sierra Fletcher

Valedictorian: Tyson Kline

Indiana Academic Honors: Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Ty Bever, Sam Brewer, Esther Bridwell, Molly Buesing, McKenna

Chapman, Shiley Claypool, Colton Dreher, Marissa Duprey, Ethan Engle, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Maggie Fowler,

Keaton Fye, Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Sydni Koch, Skylar Krepton, Sheyanne LaMeau, Brooklyn Long, Caitlin Murray,

Logan Myers, Corrissa Remter, Jakoby Richardson, Caroline Robinson, McKenna Royce, Sara Saliji, Gabby Steward, Shyanne

Steward, Luke Taylor, Kierstin Turpin, Seth Williamson

Indiana Technical Honors: Gabriel Batley, Ty Bever, McKenna Chapman, Colton Dreher, Gavin Emery, Maggie Fowler, Keaton

Fye, Sheyanne LaMeau, D.W. Lancaster, Maci Lock, Logan Myers, Chastain Purple, Corrissa Remter, McKenna Royce,

Bradley Slider, Dolton Story, Luke Taylor

Magna Cum Laude: Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Sam Brewer, Molly Buesing, Shiley Claypool, Marissa Duprey, Sierra Fletcher,

Logan Foster, Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Skylar Krepton, Caitlin Murray, Logan Myers, Caroline Robinson, Gabby Steward,

Dolton Story, Kierstin Turpin

National Honor Society: Gabriel Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Sam Brewer, Shiley Claypool, Ethan Engle, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster,

Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Skylar Krepton, Logan Myers, Caroline Robinson, McKenna Royce, Sara Saliji, Gabby Steward,

Wabash River Technical Honor Society: Savanah Abernathy, Shelby Farren, Keaton Fye, Jonae Hensler, Sheyanne LaMeau,

Chastain Purple, Hartlie Reed, McKenna Royce, Dolton Story, Luke Taylor

WRC Academic All Conference: Sam Brewer, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Madison Karrfalt, Logan Myers, Dolton Story

Scholastic Excellence Award: Sierra Fetcher, Tyson Kline

Semper Fidelis: Shyanne Steward

Distinguished Athlete Award: Ethan Engle, Madison Karrfalt

Ball State University - Scholars Award: Logan Foster

Bradley University - Dean's Scholarship and Out-of-State Scholarship: Ethan Engle

DACC Foundation - Casper Platt Memorial Scholarship: Alyssa Doss

Grace College - Miller Merit Award: Brooklyn Long

Indiana State University - Academic Merit and Laptop Award: Hartlie Reed

Purdue University - Presidential Scholarship: Madison Karrfalt

University of Indianapolis - Uindy Discovery Scholarship and Room Award: Luke Taylor

University of Southern Indiana - David L Rice Merit Scholarship: Caitlin Murray, Gabby Steward, Shyanne Steward

Academic Honors Diploma Scholarship: Sydni Koch

Technical Honors Diploma Scholarship: Chastain Purple

Wabash College - Indiana Freedom Choice Award and Alumni Award: Ty Bever

Covington Citizen's Scholarship Fund: Gabe Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Ty Bever, Sam Brewer, Molly Buesing, Colton Dreher,

Marissa Duprey, Ethan Engle, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Maggie Fowler, Madison Karrfalt, Tyson Kline, Skylar Krepton,

Sheyanne LaMeau, DW Lancaster, Brooklyn Long, Caitlin Murray, Logan Myers, Hartlie Reed, McKenna Royce, Sara Saliji,

Gabby Steward, Shyanne Steward, Dolton Story, Kiestin Turpin

Senior Play Scholarship: Payton Fletcher

Ceres Solutions: Logan Myers

FFA Scholarship: McKenna Chapman, Logan Myers

Covington Volunteer Firefighter's Assoc. Scholarship: Ethan Engle, Chastain Purple

Leonard R. Orr Memorial Scholarship: Ty Bever, Corrissa Remter

Dr. Clarence & Martha Davan Scholarship: Seth Williamson

Covington Alumni Assoc. Scholarship: Shelby Farren

Elmer & Leona Barker Scholarship: Logan Myers

Marvin H & Gretchen V Cook Education Trust: Sam Brewer, Kierstin Turpin

Martin Jacob Scholarship: Gabriel Batley, Gabby Steward

Raymond E & Helen Ricketts Scholarship: Logan Foster, Caitlin Murray

Sentry Roofing Scholarship: Skylar Krepton, Logan Myers

Covington Youth Soccer Scholarship: Ethan Engle, Logan Foster, Tyson Kline, Hartlie Reed

MuEpsilon Lambda English Award: Tyson Kline

Indiana Blood Center Scholarship: Shyanne Steward

Indiana Sheriff's Association Scholarship: Sheyanne LaMeau

National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship: Logan Myers

WYXY Classic - Exceptional FFA All Stars: Logan Myers

Nucor Steel: Jakoby Richardson

Tri Kappa Scholarship: Gabe Batley, Logan Myers

Covington Community Foundation Scholarship:

Brandon Simmons Memorial Scholarship: Payton Fletcher

Christine Brunner Educator Award: Tyson Kline

Covington Music Boosters: Shyanne Steward

Covington Book Reimbursement: Gabe Batley, Caitlyn Bell, Sam Brewer, Sierra Fletcher, Logan Foster, Madison Karrfalt,

Tyson Kline, Skylar Krepton, Logan Myers, Gabby Steward, Kierstin Turpin

Covington Faculty & Staff: Gabby Steward

Don & Georgeanna Ford Volleyball: Madison Karrfalt

Dr. Malcolm Spencer MD Scholarship: Hartlie Reed

Fountain County Instructional Materials Assistance: Gabriel Batley

Helen VanDorn Shelby Scholarship: Luke Taylor

Herman & Genevieve Simmons: Sheyanne LaMeau, DW Lancaster, Brooklyn Long, Aubrey Messmore

Hoffman-Aesculapian Scholarship: Ethan Engle, Hartlie Reed, McKenna Royce

Hoffman-Trojan Scholarship: Ty Bever, Skylar Krepton

Ian Claypool Hero Scholarship: Sierra Fletcher

Jack Hunter Memorial Scholarship: Colton Dreher

Jeff "Chappy" Chapman Scholarship: Dolton Story

Jessica Coats Memorial Scholarship: Maggie Fowler

Jim and Martha Wallace Scholarship: Marissa Duprey

Joshua E Witsman Memorial Scholarship: Keaton Fye

Judith Woodrow: Jakoby Richardson

Kevin & Marilyn Woodrow Scholarship: Logan Foster

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship: Shiley Claypool

Marvin & Dorothy Bodine Scholarship: Jakoby Richardson

Nathan T. Allen Memorial Scholarship: Keaton Fye

Richard Ashton Scholarship: Tyson Kline

Rick Williams Memorial Scholarship: Logan Myers

Robert L Buser Service & Leadership Award: Gabe Batley

Steel Grip Scholarship: Chastain Purple

VFW Post 2395 Scholarship: Maggie Fowler

COLUMBUS - Each year, the Ohio AgriBusiness Association Educational Trust scholarship program awards scholarship dollars to students enrolled in an agriculture-related field attending The Ohio State University and Ohio State's Agricultural Technical Institute, Central State University, Clark State Community College and Wilmington College.

This year, OABA awarded $28,000 in scholarship dollars to the following individuals.

-Central State University:Dazjuan Britman of Columbus and Destiney Cooper of Chicago.

-Clark State Community College: Hayden Toops of South Vienna, Ohio, and Melinda Dugan of South Charleston, Ohio.

-The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute: Katlynn Fuller of Oakwood, Ohio; Caley Legg of Willard, Ohio; and Austin Tallman of Oak Harbor, Ohio.

-The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences: Mary Buehler of Anna, Ohio; John Gilson of Wooster, Ohio; Andrea Krendl of Continental, Ohio; Mackenzie McNeely of Toledo; Meredith Oglesby of Hillsboro, Ohio; Megan Ritter of Findlay, Ohio; Ellyse Shafer of Bellville, Ohio; Christopher Shoup of Orrville, Ohio; Riley Steiner of Rittman, Ohio; Rose Vagedes of Fort Recovery, Ohio; Emily Witker of Xenia, Ohio; and Logan Woodyard of Richmond Dale, Ohio.

-Wilmington College: Logan Dyer of Waynesville, Ohio; Sam Richer of Wauseon, Ohio; and Cody Volz of Corner, Ohio.

Greenleaf

This year, the George Greenleaf Agri-Industry Endowment awarded $8,500 in scholarship dollars to the following individuals.

-Clark State Community College: Kohlson DeWitt of Plain City, Ohio.

-The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute: Caitlyn Corrigan of Norwalk, Ohio, and Chloe Myers of Lancaster, Ohio

-The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences: Brady Bergefurd of Wilmington, Ohio; Austin Schaffner of West Unity, Ohio; and Cody Tegtmeier of West Salem, Ohio

-Wilmington College: Bailey Barber of Blanchester, Ohio, and Kendra Stahl of New Washington, Ohio

Endowed

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association Endowed Scholarship Fund awarded $4,000 in scholarship dollars to the following individuals.

-The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute: Tallman.

-The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences: Geoffrey Norris of Wooster; Brandon Palmer of Amherst, Ohio; and Felicia Rocco of Parma, Ohio.

(5/22/2019) - Keaira Hardge is the first in her family to go to college.

Thanks to hard work and a great support system she won't have to worry about how to pay for it.

"I wanted to get as many as I could," Hardge said.

The list of colleges where the Arthur Hill High School senior has been accepted kept growing -- and so did the money.

"I found out last Thursday during our Senior Recognition Day that I had actually met like a million," Hardge said.

That $1 million in scholarship offers came from 25 different schools.

"It's crazy. It's pretty cool," Hardge said. "It makes me feel cool walking around school. People are like, 'Oh your that girl with the million dollars.'"

Alex Houpis, who is Hardge's guidance counselor at Arthur Hill, said she worked hard for every dime of the million dollars.

"She is one in a million -- one in a million dollars in scholarships," Houpis said. "She has grit and a drive that you don't see in many students."

Hardge decided to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to study film. But she won't be taking $1 million with her.

"I liken it to a gift card. I can't use a Target gift card Kohl's," Houpis said.

But the scholarship offers from the University of Michigan and other organizations will be more than enough to pay for her entire education there.

"My mom talks about it all the time," Hardge said. "They brag about me. They're really proud of me."

She's planning to get an early start on her college education by taking classes this summer.

ISLAMABAD, May 23 (APP):The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has extended the date of 'Allama Iqbal Scholarships' till May 31 for as many as 1000 Sri Lankan students to study in the best higher educational institutions of Pakistan.

According to the HEC official on Thursday, the scholarships would be provided under the Pak-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme.

The Scholarship offers full tuition fee of the Programme for study in Pakistani universities, accommodation allowance, study allowance, books allowance, and one-time return air-ticket, sources informed.

The official further informed that the scholarships were spread over next five years and provided an excellent opportunity for 1000 Sri Lankan students to visit Pakistan and pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs in Engineering Science, Basic and Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.

The programme aimed to promote an effective exchange of knowledge and better understanding of cultures and tradition between Sri Lankan and Pakistani students, he added.

The selected candidates will study in top-ranked Pakistani universities, learn about Pakistani society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate fellow Pakistani students and community groups about their country and culture, he said.

The Allama Iqbal Scholarships were part of HEC's internationalization initiative to encourage international students to study in Pakistan. The women candidates were highly encouraged to apply for these scholarships.

Kaitlyn Beiler, Morgan Long and Coleman Smith are the 2019 Hazleton Rotary Memorial Scholarship recipients.

"We are pleased to announce the following students have been selected as the Rotary Club Scholarship winners for 2019," said Dr. John Madden, project chairman.

"Coleman Smith will receive a scholarship of $2,000 per year for a total of $8,000 for four years. Kaitlyn Beiler and Morgan Long will each receive a scholarship valued at $1,250 a year for a total of $5,000 for four years."

Coleman is the son of Laura and Keith Smith and attends MMI Preparatory School, Freeland. He plans to attend Penn State University, State College, with an intended double major in nuclear and electrical engineering.

"Winning the Hazleton Rotary Club scholarship will be an immense help to me and my family as I progress through my college education," said Coleman. "Penn State, the college I am attending, has a high tuition rate, so every dollar I can save for college counts. With this scholarship, I can pursue my dream of studying nuclear engineering so that I can power the future."

Coleman attained the rank of Eagle Scout of Troop 473, Minsi Trails Boy Scouts, for his restoration work on the greenhouse at the historic Coxe House, Drifton.

He is also a volunteer for the White Haven Food Pantry, St. Patrick's Church and the Lehigh River Cleanup, all in White Haven.

He was co-captain and MVP of the MMI varsity cross country ream and member of the varsity track and field team.

He received the John Whatahovich Service Above Self Award, George Washington Book Award and National German Exam Gold Award.

He was also in the MMI Drama Club, Future Business Leaders of America and the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. He was in the National Social Society as well as honor societies for German, science and mathematics.

Coleman has been employed at The Powerhouse Eatery for four years and was a grass cutter for White Haven Borough.

All applicants were asked to write an essay on "how volunteering makes a difference."

Part of Coleman's essay reads: "One of the easiest ways to directly make a tangible, positive difference on a community is volunteering. Volunteering doesn't just improve the world around us, it also improves us internally. Few opportunities in life provide the physical and mental rewards of volunteering in such an accessible way. The experience of volunteering enriches, humbles and encourages further action simply by doing it."

The daughter of Keang and James Beiler, Kaitlyn Beiler is first in her Hazleton Area High School Class of 782 students.

She was a three-year letter-winner and record holder on the track and field team and captain and four-year letter winner on the varsity soccer team.

She was Student Council president this year and a regional and state award winner in Future Business Leaders of America.

She was also a member of the Hazleton Junior Leadership Class of 2019.

Beiler is a volunteer peer counselor in high school, English teaching assistant at the Hazleton One Community Center and a student representative for the Hazleton Area School Board of Education.

"Volunteering serves more than just a cause. To the people it has reached, it has brought closure, aid and hope. However, volunteering also changes and inspires ourselves. From my experiences, I found purpose, passion and the power of outreach. Volunteering makes a difference because one person's small actions can amount to changing the lives of many others," said Beiler.

She will major in electrical engineering and/or computer science at Cornell University.

"Being selected as one of the Hazleton Rotary Memorial Scholarship recipients has helped me take another step on my path to a college education," said Beiler. "Nowadays, college is expensive. This support will allow me to focus wholly on my academic career. Not only will this scholarship help me financially, but also serves as proof that my community cares and that hard work pays off."

Morgan Long of MMI Preparatory School is the son of Theresa and David Long.

He will attend Lehigh University as a member of the computer science and business dual degree honors program.

He is a summer employee of Drs. Kathleen and Anthony Veglia, Hazleton.

He was on the student board of directors for Hazleton CAN DO, an FBLA member earning various honors and participated and placed at the state and regional levels for various Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science projects.

He was a varsity starter for the MMI Preparatory School golf team, serving as team captain in 12th grade and was named MVP in 11th grade.

He has also earned a black belt in karate.

Long was also on the MMI mock trial team for four years, receiving the Best Lawyer Award and competed at the mock trial state competition for two years.

"Volunteering is an eye-opening opportunity that encourages dynamic growth and expansion of communities in need of help," said Long. "It proves that an individual can make a difference. Best put, volunteering makes a difference because it not only changes the world for the better, but also the lives of the individuals involved in the process.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to be a 2019 memorial scholarship recipient. This award recognizes my commitment and dedication to improving the community I live in and care deeply about. I will continue to look for volunteering opportunities with the goal of improving and enriching the lives of others and myself. The scholarship will help me purchase the textbooks I need for class each year in college."

Long, Smith and Beiler will be guest speakers at a Hazleton Rotary Club meeting sometime this summer.

"We congratulate our scholarship recipients on all their wonderful achievements and are happy to offer them this fantastic opportunity to further their education," said Madden. "Their parents, family and schools should be very proud of them and their many accomplishments."

The scholarships commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots

The recipients of the Yankees Stonewall scholarships | Photo: New York Yankees

The world famous New York Yankees baseball team has announced the winners of a Stonewall scholarship.

Last year, the Yankees announced it would not only celebrate its first Pride at New York this year but would also give financial assistance to young LGBTI people. The scholarships commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

The Stonewall Riots triggered the global LGBTI rights movement. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York.

'Through this initiative, we are proud to recognize the profound historical impact of Stonewall and celebrate the many meaningful contributions of the LGBTQ community,' Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said last year.

About 260 students applied for the $10,000 scholarships, with the Yankees choosing five recipients, NBC news reported.

'We at the Yankees are very conscious of our place in New York City. As part of NYC, we always try to recognize our responsibility to give back to the community,' said Yankees president, Randy Levine.

'We noticed it was the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and we wanted to do something, not only to just celebrate, but to do something more meaningful by giving back and creating legacy so that this anniversary is remembered, that people learn from it and to create great leaders as a result of it.'

A helping hand

The five students each represent a different New York City borough.

Alex Rosado a trans student from Manhattan couldn't believe the cost of college tuition.

'Even with all the scholarships that I got from the college and the need-based aid, I was still short 10 grand for each year,' Rosado told NBC News.

'I was really surprised that after all the work I did in high school, I didn't even get enough scholarships to cover the basic cost of tuition, so because of this [Yankees-Stonewall] scholarship, I'm going to be able to go to this very expensive college.'

Got a news tip? Want to share your story? Email us .

Lockport Community Television, the Lockport Community Cable Commission and Spectrum Cable has awarded $14,800 in scholarships to 14 area residents.

Winners of this year's Gaskill/Roeseler community service award are Lockport High School students Andrew Putnam, Ethan Menges, Hannah Sobieraski, Riley Auten, Mara Spero, Zach Schneider, Mikaela Ventura, Kathleen Matthies and Luke DiFato; and Newfane High School student Madison Edwards. Gaskill Roseler awards go to outstanding students who volunteered their time to the community.

Winners of the Thomas Riley Memorial Scholarship are LHS students Veronica Orton, Loren Wulf, Victoria Zarate and Bethnany Sielski. Riley awards are for students entering the communications field.

Applications for 2020 scholarships will be available this fall at the LCTV studio on Niagara Street, online at www.lctv.net, and through local high school guidance departments. For more information, call scholarship coordinator Greg Larson at 434-1733.

Ministry of Human Resource Development, MHRD, has invited application from eligible candidates for Italian Government Scholarship 2019-20. The last date to submit scholarship application is May 30, 2019. The scholarship will be provided to Indian Nationals for pursuing courses at Italian Universities and institutions. The grants would be provided for a period of 6 or 9 months. Scholars studying a multi-year degree course and whose academic progress is satisfactory may apply for renewals. Grants for Italian language and Culture Courses would be awarded for a period of three months only.

The Italian Government Scholarship 2019-20 will be awarded to study the following courses:

• Master's Degree Program
• Courses of Higher Education in Art, Music and Dance
• Ph.D. Program
• Research under Academic Supervision
• Italian Language and Culture Courses

The scholarships would be provided in any of the following disciplines: Biology, Architecture, Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Nanotechnologies, Chemistry, Art, Music, Dance and Italian Language and Culture.

Eligibility Criteria

Master's Degree: applicants must hold the Bachelor's degree in the applicant's country of origin and must not be over 28 years old as on May 30, 2019.

PhD Program: Applicants need to meet the entry requirements and academic qualifications established by the Italian University/Institute and arc required to provide a letter of acceptance on behalf of the relevant Italian University/institute. The applicant must not be over 30 years old as on May 30, 2019

Research under academic supervision: applicants must submit the letter of admission on behalf of the host University/Institute and must not be over 40 years old as on May 30, 2019.

Courses of higher Education in Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM): applicants need to meet the entry requirements and academic qualifications established by the relevant University/Institute and must not be over 28 years old as on May 30, 2019.

Italian Language and Culture Course: Applicant must provide a certificate of their proficiency in Italian language. The minimum level required is A2 within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CLFR). The applicant must not be over 28 years old as on May 30, 2019.

Application Process

Applicants will need to apply separately on Italian Government website and MHRD scholarship portal (Sakshat portal). Applicants will have to upload a copy of application submitted on Italian Government website, on the Sakshat portal to complete the process.

Click here for more Education News

Election Results for Lok Sabha Election 2019 will be out on May 23. Get the latest election news and live updates on ndtv.com/elections. Catch all the action on NDTV Live. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram for news updates from each of the 543 parliamentary seats for the election 2019

PUTRAJAYA, May 23 - The recent scholarship offer to Palestinians is a compassionate move which will also boost Malaysia's long-term interests with the country, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said today.

In a press conference here, the first-term minister said Malaysia cannot turn its eyes away from the problems being faced by other nations, as it is also part of a global community which had received aid previously.

He added that Malaysia has always been a humanitarian government and always helped other countries in need.

"Firstly I think this is something which we have been doing for a very long time. For example if you look at the 1990s, there were a lot of Bosnian students who were taken into Malaysia, and now they are working in Malaysia and are a value to the Malaysian economy.

"They also assisted Malaysia to do some of the best business deals with the Bosnian government. That's why the image of Malaysia in Bosnia is exceptionally good. So I think people should look at the long-term. Let's not forget, we are a humanitarian government.

"In the end, it's not just for long-term strategic interests, but on top of that to show that we are a government that cares, a compassionate government and I believe this stands in Malaysia's long-term interest," Syed Saddiq told the media after a meeting with international football club Manchester City, here at the ministry's headquarters.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday said that the government has decided to offer scholarships to Palestinian students to pursue their bachelor, masters, and PhD courses in 12 Malaysian universities.

Bernama reported the scholarships worth RM11.48 million, will be offered through the Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia (PCOM), adding that it was an initiative by Education Minister Maszlee Malik.

This led to heightened social media fury, with many Malaysians questioning the rationale for the move, pointing out that good scholars here lack such opportunities and perks, labelling the initiative as a case of misplaced priority.

Most had also questioned as to how the Palestinians would add value to Malaysia's economy.

The 12 universities are; Albukhary International University, Mahsa University, Kolej Universiti Islam Perlis, Multimedia University, UCSI University, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) , Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten), Sunway University, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

Related Articles Putra: New political party with recycled leaders Lynas Corp: US joint venture won't impact Malaysian operations Khatam Quran setiap Ramadan selama 14 tahun, ustaz mohon maaf pernah kutuk Rosmah

TUCSON, Ariz. - As he takes his diploma Wednesday night on Marana (Tucson, Ariz.) High School's football field, Tariq Jordan might shed a tear.

A tear of triumph, of gratitude. And not just because he made it through high school.

It's an emotional moment, because he will be literally walking with his classmates, when six months earlier he didn't know if he would still have his left leg after a horrific football injury.

"I've passed my first step of adversity," he says. "I stayed committed. I buckled down when it really mattered to make sure I never gave up."

'I knew it was bad'

On Nov. 2, after making a catch in the fourth quarter of a loss to Vail Cienega in the first round of the state playoffs, Jordan felt a pop as he hit the hash mark and was tackled.

Jordan's legs swept out from under him. He lay in anguish. His grandfather, Cecil Jordan, who brought a prematurely born Tariq home from the hospital and raised him, ran over to him on the field as paramedics began working on him.

"I seen him get hit, and the only thing I could say was, 'Get up, Tariq, get up,' " Cecil said. "When I seen them take the cart out, I knew it was bad. By the time I got to him, he said, 'It's over Poppy, it's over.' I tried to console him. I said, 'Life goes on, kid. We'll get through this."'

The day before the game, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Jordan, who had 27 catches for 416 yards and six TDs in his final high school season, was talking to Wyoming, excited to hear a scholarship could soon be offered to him.

Then, all of that was on the back burner.

He tore the ACL, PCL, MCL, dislocated his knee, fractured bones and ruptured the popliteal artery of his left leg. His leg was at risk of being amputated.

He underwent an emergency nine-hour surgery to restore blood flow and save his leg. Surgeons opened up the right inner thigh to take a vein to put into his left leg.

"That was the longest 13, 14 hours of my life, watching this kid get hurt like that, knowing what he's been through his whole life, to see it happen like that," Cecil said. "It was hard to swallow."

Justin Rogers is Kentucky's latest coup in possible pipeline to metro Detroit VIDEO: Watch 4-star Texas RB Seth McGowan break down after cleaning 350 pounds

Jordan spent two weeks in the hospital. The community got behind him and his family, starting a meal train and a GoFundMe page.

He told doctors he didn't want to hear anything about his football future. He said he was told he wouldn't be able to walk for eight to 12 weeks, then he'd be on crutches for another three months, before resorting to a cane.

In June, he will undergo surgery to repair the torn ACL.

"In my head, I'm saying, 'I'm going to do something about that. I'm not going to sit here laid up for that long,' " Jordan said. "I just went to work."

Kelsey Majerus, Jordan's physical therapist, said it was rare to see an athlete with the type of destruction to a leg that Jordan had, with vascular surgery involved.

"That stuff is a little complicated," she said.

It started with three days a week of physical therapy to twice a week to now once a week. After he has the ACL surgery in June, it will be back to three days a week.

"I think in the beginning it was a little harder," Majerus said. "You had to push him more. You don't see the light in the beginning of the process.

"You don't want to push it too quickly. We didn't have a timeline. You don't want to put a timeline on it. Everyone is different. The main concern was building the strength and getting the range of motion. Once there is more strength, you can do higher levels. Now he's at the point he is feeling strength."

'A lot of colleges went off my radar'

Jordan pushed himself through physical therapy, "trying to prove a point."

As he started doing squats, deadlifts, began jogging in a straight line, the sweat poured off of him, and, he said, "a lot of colleges went off the radar."

"They thought I would break down and not play again," Jordan said.

With Jaden McDaniels committing to Washington, Pac-12 men's basketball has strong 2019-20 outlook Carter Stewart, Braves 2018 draft pick out of HS, agrees to deal with Japan team

Marana coach Louie Ramirez was not surprised to see the progression Jordan was making, how he was able to walk normally, get his strength back, have that bounce back, that smile lighting up a room again.

"Tariq is by far the epitome of resilient," Ramirez said. "Having the opportunity to coach him and see how far he developed on the field, in the classroom, and in the community has been an honor. Since the first day I met Tariq, he has always expressed his desire and passion to play college football and continue to play the game he loves."

'A no-brainer to offer Tariq'

Three weeks ago, Western New Mexico offensive coordinator Paul Hansen called Ramirez, asking about Jordan.

The NCAA Division II school had signed Jordan's teammate, linebacker T.J. Cephers.

"I let them know he still had one more surgery, but if they were willing to take a chance, there is no one more deserving," Ramirez said.

Western New Mexico offered a full scholarship to Jordan, knowing he would redshirt his first year as he rehabs from the ACL surgery.

Two weeks ago, Ramirez arranged a signing ceremony at the school. There was a football helmet on one side of the table. And the Western New Mexico letter for Jordan to sign on the other. He signed the letter and faxed it over to coach Frank Tristan.

"My heart is that I always want to see a young man overcome," Tristan said. "The odds are stacked against him, which will make him work even harder. With God's help, he will overcome.

"As a coach, this was a no-brainer to offer Tariq. We will all have to be patient in the process, but we believe in him."

Jordan said his dorm-mate will be the guy who delivered the hit on him in that playoff game, safety Robert Webb Jr. From his hospital room, Jordan said he called Webb to let him know he held no grudge against him, acknowledging "things happen."

Jordan feels the next challenge, ACL surgery, followed by more rehab, will be easy after all he's already been through. And now he's got extra incentive.

A chance to fulfill his dream of playing college football.

He can't stop smiling.

"I'm so thankful someone was still out there, waiting for me to have this opportunity," Jordan said. "It's lifted my spirits."

Register for Result Update

The MHRD has invited applications for Italian Government Scholarship 2019-20 from eligible candidates. Ministry of Human Resource Development has announced that the last date to submit the application for scholarship on 30th May, 2019. The scholarship is meant for Indian Nationals for pursuing courses at various institutions and Universities in Italy. The grants under the scholarship programme will be provided for a duration of 6 or 9 months. Scholars already pursuing a multi-year degree course with satisfactory academic progress re eligible to apply for renewals. The grants for Italian Culture and Language Courses would, however, be awarded for a period of three months only.

Eligible applicants will be required to apply on Italian Government website as well as MHRD scholarship portal (Sakshat portal) separately. All the applicants will need to upload a copy of application submitted on Italian Government website, on the MHRD Sakshat portal as a step toeards the completion of application process.

The Italian Government Scholarship 2019-20 will be awarded for candidates will to pursue - Master's Degree courses/Courses of Higher Education in Art, Music and Dance/ Research under Academic Supervision/ Italian Language and Culture Courses/ Ph.D courses. The scholarships would in the disciplines of Architecture, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnologies, Art, Dance, Music and Italian Language and Culture.

All the applicants are required to fulfil the required minimum eligibility criteria for various courses. For a scholarship in Master's Degree, applicants must possess the Bachelor's degree in the applicant's country of origin his/her age must not exceed 28 years as on 30th May, 2019. Applicants for PhD Program require to fulfil the academic qualifications and entry requirements established by the Italian University/Institute. Candidates willing to apply for PH.D program scholarship also need to provide a letter of acceptance on behalf of the Italian University/institute they are applying to. Candidates for Ph.D program must not be more than 30 years of age as on 30th May, 2019. Applicants for Research under academic supervision are required to submit the letter of admission on behalf of the host University/Institute. Candidates applying for this program must not be more than 40 years of age as on 30th May, 2019.

For Courses of higher Education in Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM), applicants must fulfil the entry requirements and possess requisite academic qualifications established by the relevant University/Institute. Applicants applying for Italian Language and Culture Course must provide a certificate of their proficiency in the Italian language. Such candidates must have atleast completed the A2 level examinations within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CLFR). The age of candidates for both these courses must not exceed 28 years as on 30th May, 2019.h

RALEIGH - The philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, the North Carolina Hospitality Education Foundation, has announced its scholarship and grant recipients for 2019. Seventeen students and one educator in the state have been selected to receive $50,500 in scholarships and grant funding.

Scholarships are distributed to students pursuing post-secondary studies in culinary arts, restaurant management or similar fields, or to students whose parents are current hospitality industry employees. Grant funding supports educators in those fields.

The 2019 scholarship recipients include Kennedy Taylor of Boone, the recipient of the Ted Fowler Pursuit of Restaurant Excellence Scholarship. She plans to attend Appalachian State University.

Scholarship and grant recipients will be honored at the 2019 Excellence in Education Awards Breakfast on June 17 at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary prior to NC HEF's annual Future of Hospitality Golf Classic.

KUCHING: The scholarships for Palestinian students in Malaysia announced by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will not involve public funds, according to a DAP lawmaker.

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii clarified that the scholarships worth RM11.47mil would come from funds generated by the universities themselves.

"They will not involve any government funding, or affect scholarships that are being offered to local Malaysians.

"This was confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching upon verification after the announcement on Wednesday (May 22)," he said in a statement Thursday (May 23).

Dr Mahathir had announced that the government would offer scholarships through the Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia (PCOM) for Palestinian students to pursue bachelor, masters and doctorate courses at 12 Malaysian universities.

His announcement at the 9th Grand Iftar with the Palestinian community drew criticism on social media that the government was spending taxpayers' money on foreigners instead of on local students.

Yii said he contacted the Education Ministry to clarify whether the scholarships would involve public funds and places in public universities for Malaysian students.

He said only one of the 12 universities involved was a public university, but funds for the scholarship must be raised by the university itself and no government grant would be used for this purpose.

"The other 11 universities are private universities. It is common practice for these private universities to offer scholarships to foreign students on a yearly basis, as it is part of their strategy to attract international students and helps to improve their ranking as well.

"So for this year, such scholarships for international students will be offered or given priority to Palestinian students," he said, adding that he hoped this would clear the confusion on the matter.

TOLEDO, Ohio - Ellie Struble was a sister to five siblings, a loving daughter and a St. Ursula alumna.

She passed away in a car crash on March 25, 2016 - just a day after her 20th birthday.

"There was a semi truck in the wrong lane that was stopped and she collided with it," Ellie's mother Amy Struble said.

As the family mourned the loss of Ellie, Amy wanted Ellie's legacy to live on.

"After the accident the police office brought some things to us from her car, and in her glove department was her St. Ursula diploma," Amy said.

The mother and daughter both graduated from St. Ursula, so Amy decided to design a scholarship in honor of her daughter and the love they shared for their school.

"I was not looking for merit, I was not looking for a GPA of 4.0 - I was looking for a dedicated young lady that looked at attending St. Ursula as a gift, not just as one of the academies," said Amy.

This year, Makayla Calgie received the $1,000 Ellie Virginia Struble Scholarship - and even though she doesn't know Ellie, she promises to carry on her legacy.

"She's beautiful and I'm so thankful for her and her family and I hope to continue her legacy," Makayla said.

The Ellie Virginia Struble Scholarship has been an award for four years and will continue to be an ongoing tradition.

"I love her and it's an honor being her younger sister," said Isabel Struble.

The Mississippi Chapter of the American Associations of Blacks in Energy (AABE) held the Annual Scholarship Awards Reception at The Hilton Hotel in Jackson. Graduating seniors from across Mississippi received scholarships to pursue careers in energy-related fields.

AABE Mississippi Chapter President Wilbert Corley, Entergy Mississippi LLC, stated, "The recipients have demonstrated excellence in the classroom and in the community. Their academic achievements are outstanding and the AABE Mississippi Chapter members wish them well as they pursue degrees in S.T. E. M. related fields at institutions in Mississippi."

Keynote speaker Robert Kelly, CEO for Kelly Natural Gas Pipeline, and Jackson native, encouraged the soon to be graduates to remember trailblazers of the past, pave the way for the next generation and thank those who help them on their journey into the future.

Scholarships honoring Don E. Meiners, former CEO of Entergy Mississippi and Napoleon Johnson were awarded during the event. The Napoleon Johnson Scholarship established posthumously in 2018 was awarded for the first in honor of former Entergy employee, Napoleon Johnson an engineer, who passed unexpectedly in 2017.

The Don E Meiners scholarship was presented to Christopher Greene, Warren Central High School. The Napoleon Johnson scholarship was presented to Mia Riddley, School of Math and Science.

Other recipients were Keanna Abraham, Vicksburg High School; Kayla Carter, Ridgeland High School; and Alyshia Moore Vicksburg High School.

The Mississippi Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is one of eight chapters in the Southwest region of the organization. Member companies include (but are not limited to) Atmos Energy, Entergy Mississippi, Mississippi Development Authority, Irby Construction, Canton Municipal Utilities, Donaldson Construction and MDA Energy Division.

Professionals in all energy and energy-related disciplines (oil, gas, electricity, nuclear, renewables, government, technology, energy services and water) are welcome to provide our membership with a broader knowledge about the in-dustry when topics arise.

College students at accredited institutions studying energy-related fields are also encouraged to participate in AABE.

A young man who loved the game of golf is being remembered for his golf passion through the start of a scholarship to a deserving young DeSoto County player.

At the annual DeSoto County Economic Development Council Golf Tournament held earlier this month at Cherokee Valley Golf Club in Olive Branch, DeSoto Central freshman golfer Erin Donovan received the first Jonathan Kelly Memorial Golf Scholarship.

The award to Donovan will cover the cost of a week spent at the Golf House Tennessee Learning Center in Franklin, Tenn., where she will receive lodging, food, and a week's instruction in the game.

Already an accomplished golfer, Donovan is the reigning DeSoto County and MHSAA 6A district girls' champion. She finished eighth out of 48 players at this year's MHSAA 6A state meet.

It's been a good year on the course for Donovan, even at a young age.

"For the most part I shot in the 80s but I did shoot 75 in one of my matches," Erin said. "At state, I shot 83-84."

It was Adam Payne, a golf instructor at Wedgewood Golf Club, who recommended that Donovan be considered for the first scholarship award.

Jonathan Kelly's story revolves around a love for the sport and his desire to play, despite a medical condition that eventually cut his life too short.

Jonathan was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a severe congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.

It is a condition that would eventually be fatal, as happened to Jonathan. The family lived in Northern Virginia, near Washington, D.C. at the time, but later moved to DeSoto County and Jonathan attended school at DeSoto Central.

"He had to enter into a series of heart surgeries as a tiny infant and lived with them through the remaining years of his life," said grandfather David Henderson, who lives in DeSoto County and who instilled the love for golf in his grandson.

Henderson gave his grandson a plastic club and plastic golf balls that Jonathan used to develop his skills to where the young boy was hitting shots from a mat on the home's deck over a fence into the neighbor's backyard.

Kelly eventually "graduated" to a set of real golf clubs and a golf cart was reconditioned for him to use as he played with Henderson at Cherokee Valley Golf Course, where the family lived nearby.

Participation in youth golf seminars kept him active as much as possible and Jonathan was able to watch Henderson score his only hole-in-one from the seventh tee at Cherokee Valley.

Donovan also started her interest in golf at a young age, thanks to her father.

"I started by going out with my dad a lot and then it kind of turned into something more serious after a couple of golf camps and playing in the Junior PGA league," Erin said. "I like that it's an outside sport and how individually competitive it is."

Henderson said he was surprised by the DeSoto Council's announcement last year that it would be offering the scholarship in Kelly's name, adding that Donovan was an excellent selection.

"I didn't know it was happening, that they created this golf scholarship in Jonathan's name," Henderson said. "We had the opportunity to name the first one this year and she's going to be a hard act to follow."

The award is given to a DeSoto County youth golfer between the ages of 10-17. The youngster can attend any public or private school, or be homeschooled, but he or she must live in the county.

A scholarship application is submitted with a recommendation letter from the player's golf instructor supporting the player for consideration. The deadline for the application is April 1 of each year to Susan Fernandez at the DeSoto Council.

Donovan will be attending the Golf House Tennessee Learning Center next month and it looks like the money will be an investment in a promising golf future.

"Golf is definitely something I want to pursue in college and hopefully play professionally," said Donovan, who impressed Henderson when they were part of a foursome that played in the Council's golf tournament.

"We got to play the 18 holes in the scramble and she was audacious," Henderson said. "The kid could hit a golf ball like you would not believe."

Bob Bakken is Sports Editor for the DeSoto Times-Tribune.

SALISBURY - The Salisbury-Rowan chapter of PFLAG has awarded seven $1,000 scholarships for the academic year 2018-2019.

Scholarships Advisory Committee members include Chairwoman Angel Barber, Dr. Mary Frances Edens, Roger Hull, Tim Coffey, Donna Odrosky, Mike Clawson and Carol Williams-Swoope. The recipients of the 2019 scholarships are:

• The Anne Stanback - Charlotte Kinlock Scholarship, named in honor of Salisbury native Anne Stanback and her wife, Charlotte Kinlock, has been awarded to Gwendolyn S. Watkins. Watkins is a graduate of Salisbury High School and will be studying at the Academy of Arts University.
• The Linda Ketner Community Service Scholarship, named in honor of Salisbury native Linda Ketner, has been awarded to Kevion T. Chunn. Chunn is a graduate of Salisbury High School and will be attending Appalachian State University.
• The Bob Page Business Scholarship, named in honor of Bob Page, founder and CEO of Replacements, Ltd., has been awarded to Hayden J. Trayah. Trayah is a graduate of Jesse C. Carson High School and will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill.
• The Ralph Ketner-Bill Stanback Equality Scholarship, named in honor of the two Salisbury businessmen and philanthropists, has been awarded to Timothy "TJ" Smith. Smith is a graduate of West Rowan High School and will be attending UNC-Greensboro.
• The Salisbury Pride-Scotty Ray Gilbert Scholarship, is named in memory of Scotty Ray Gilbert, a past board member of Salisbury Pride, Inc. This year, the Salisbury Pride-Scotty Ray Gilbert Scholarship has been awarded to Olivia A. Cunningham. Cunningham is a graduate of Jesse C. Carson High School and will be attending Guilford College.
• The Roger and Linda Hull Scholarship, created to honor the Hulls' gay son, and awarded specifically to someone active in their faith community, has been awarded to Rebecca J. Lewis. Lewis is a graduate of Salisbury High School and will be attending Western Carolina University.
• The Russell E. Hellekson, Jr. Scholarship, created in memory of the accomplished musician who died in 1988, has been awarded to Joel T. Davies. Davies is a graduate of Salisbury High School and will be attending UNC-Wilmington.

The local chapter was founded in 2006, establishing its scholarship foundation and awarding its first two scholarships in the academic year 2008-2009. Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG was the first organization in North Carolina to award scholarships exclusively to LGBT students and/or their straight allies.

"Uniquely, Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG's scholarships may be awarded to any public, private or home schooled high school senior continuing their education at any accredited trade school, community college or traditional four year college or university," said Donna Odrosky, chapter president.

PFLAG is the nation's foremost family-based organization committed to the civil and social rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons. Founded in 1973 by mothers and fathers, PFLAG has 300,000 members in nearly 350 chapters throughout the United States, including 20 chapters in North Carolina.

"Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG is proud to support these articulate, accomplished scholars with great promise for future contribution to our society, in general, and to the cause of rights and recognition for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in particular," said Angel Barber, chairwoman of the Scholarships Advisory Committee. "Our sincere thanks go to all of our many benefactors and donors who consider this an important cause and whose generosity makes these scholarships possible."

Barber said that Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG had awarded 61 $1,000 scholarships over the last 12 years.

In addition, the committee named the winner of the 2019 Bob Johnsen Faculty Advocacy Award. This award, selected by scholarship applicants, recognizes a faculty member that provides unwavering support and safe zones for their gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight ally students.

The recipient of the 2019 Bob Johnsen Faculty Advocacy Award is Jackie Taylor of East Rowan High School. Jackie is a guidance counselor at East Rowan and advocates for all of her students.

This year's scholarship recipients, as well as our faculty award recipient, will be recognized on stage at the ninth annual Salisbury Pride celebration in downtown Salisbury on June 22.

For more information on Salisbury/ Rowan PFLAG and the chapter's scholarship program, call or email Donna Odrosky at 704-640-2621 or Angel Barber at 704-880-8225 or email salisburypflag@gmail.com.