As I write this, I am lounging on a beach chair in Palm Coast, Florida enjoying 87-degree weather that feels cooler thanks to a breeze coming off the Atlantic Ocean. The school year here has ended, and the local newspaper headlines have been focused on the state's expansion of school choice through its fifth voucher program.

The new Family Empowerment Scholarships program is expected to serve as many as 18,000 students during the upcoming school year and is open to students from lower-to-middle-income households.

Florida has other educational choice programs in place that have had great success, including the state's Tax Credit scholarship program that annually gives private school scholarships to more than 100,000 low-income students and helps boost their college prospects.

Because there is a waiting list for the Florida Tax Credit scholarships, the Family Empowerment program is expected to provide relief for families looking to send their children to private schools.

Minnesota had the opportunity this most recent legislative session to help more of its students access quality school options through a tax credit scholarship program, but the Legislature failed to approve the Equity and Opportunity Scholarship Act.

This is a shame, as the scholarships would have provided low-income students access to a learning environment that best serves their needs, including religious and private school options. The tax-credit scholarships would have been funded through private contributions made to non-profit scholarship granting organizations with 501(c)(3) status that have been approved by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Tax credits are merely a reduction of tax liability and allow taxpayers to keep more of their own money. Because the money is a donation, the state does not own or even ever physically possess it.

It's unfortunate Minnesota continues to lag behind numerous states in its expansion of school choice through tax credits (nearly 20 states have tax-credit scholarship programs already in effect). The Center will keep pushing for the adoption of new education strategies to help tackle the state's education shortcomings and better serve our students most in need of new opportunities.

Milldames, a local community service and social organization, recently announced the winners of its 2019 scholarships.

Jai-Anah attended the Edward Brooke Charter School in Roslindale before enrolling at Concord-Carlisle High School. This fall she will matriculate at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston. Jai-Anah has been involved in her church, serving as president of the Junior Usher Board and on the Ladies Healing and Encouragement Ministry, helping people who have lost loved ones through homicide.

She has participated in community activities, including the Mother's Day Walk for Peace, the Tito Jackson Turkey Giveaway, a food pantry and Needle Take-Back Day. This spring she enjoyed working as an intern with Boston City Councilor Annissa George.

Jai-Anah is the daughter of Valeria Whitney.

Mariah Stewart attended Alcott Elementary and Peabody Middle schools before entering CCHS. She will attend Quinnipiac University this fall.

During her freshman year, Mariah was a Teen Buddy, mentoring an elementary school student. She has done community service at the Bedford Veteran's Hospital.

A four-year member of the competitive cheer squad, Mariah was captain and MVP her senior year.

Outside of school, she has worked at Crosby's Marketplace, T.J. Maxx and as a nanny for triplets.

Mattilyn Lee Winburn from West Bridgewater is one of ten scholars selected to receive the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. More than 4,500 high school juniors across the nation applied.

Each Samsung American Legion National Scholar receives a $10,000 scholarship for undergraduate study expenses and a trip to Washington, D.C. to be honored for their accomplishments.

Administered by The American Legion since 1996, this scholarship fund is endowed by electronics leader Samsung in appreciation of U.S. veterans, with emphasis on the families of those who served during the Korean War. National Scholars must be a direct descendant of a war-time veteran. Winburn's grandfather served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

To become a Samsung American Legion National Scholar, applicants must first be selected as a State Finalist from their respective American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. The American Legion Committee on Youth Education then selects ten applicants who have distinguished themselves through academic accomplishments and dedication to service in their communities. While in Washington, D.C., Winburn toured the White House, national monuments, met with members of Congress, viewed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown and participated in the Operation Overlook 75th Anniversary reading of the names at the WWII Memorial.

With the help of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, Winburn plans to pursue a degree in both musical theater and rhetoric/communication.

On Thursday morning at approximately 12:42 a.m., BPS Officer Ronald McMillan pulled over a vehicle after failure to dim headlights.... read more

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter recently approved a change of title for Michael Rios to vice provost of Public Scholarship, effective July 1.

A professor in the Department of Human Ecology, he had served since last September as the "founding director" of the Office of Public Scholarship and Engagement, and before that as faculty advisor to the provost. Throughout this time Rios has been working with multiple stakeholders in support of existing and new engagement collaborations.

The vice provost title recognizes more fully the university's commitment to engaged scholarship and learning and equally acknowledges Rios' critical leadership in developing "Public Scholarship for the Public Good: An Implementation Framework for UC Davis." Reflecting two years of work and broad participation by faculty, students, staff and community members, the implementation framework is an integral part of UC Davis' vision, goals and objectives related to public scholarship, a critical part of UC Davis' land-grant mission.

"This title reflects Professor Rios' intellectual and academic expertise in the area of public scholarship and community engagement, and recognizes his outstanding leadership - and organizational acumen - during the past two years in this area," Hexter said. "It also acknowledges his stature and role as a peer among his fellow vice provosts and other academic leaders in advancing our tripartite mission of teaching, research and public service."

Indeed, the origins of this title change come from a report prepared by former dean of UC Davis Extension (now called Continuing and Professional Education) Dennis Pendleton in the fall of 2015 titled, "Community-Engaged Scholarship at UC Davis: A Strategic Vision." Among other recommendations, it urged the creation of an office focused on university-community engagement led by an experienced academic leader reporting directly to the university's chief academic officer, the provost.

Training, workshops, fellowships

As head of the Office of Public Scholarship and Engagement, and guided by the implementation framework, Rios is charged with convening, organizing and leading initiatives and programs to amplify and support UC Davis' faculty, students and staff work in engaged scholarship and learning. These efforts include the development of tools and information to support UC Davis affiliates who wish to predicate their scholarship and learning on partnering with local, regional and statewide communities. Trainings and workshops, in addition to faculty fellowships, are planned to cultivate and foster a culture of engagement. Pilot projects that serve the university's colleges and schools might include engagement action plans and coordination mechanisms to support curriculum-based projects with non-university groups.

"This new title will allow me to serve the university more effectively and better reflect UC Davis' commitment to supporting engaged scholarship and learning," Rios said. "I'm honored to serve in this position, which is critical to actualizing the university's goals to reward and recognize publicly engaged scholars at UC Davis, improve community-based learning experiences for our students, and increase mutually beneficial community engagement that has a public impact."

A member of the faculty since 2007, Rios' scholarship focuses on spatial governance, community engagement and placemaking. He serves as UC Davis' representative on the National Advisory Board of Imagining America, which relocated its headquarters to UC Davis in 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in urban studies and architecture from Lehigh University, two master's degrees from UC Berkeley (architecture and city planning), and a Ph.D. in geography from Pennsylvania State University.

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WEBB CITY, Mo. - Seniors at Webb City High School were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements during the 2018-19 academic awards night ceremony.

The following students earned scholarships, awards and recognition:

Missouri Scholars Academy: Shae Gilstrap and Sophie Roy.

Missouri Fine Arts Academy: Rachel Dolence, Aili McFall, Elease McFall, Archer Cole, Matthew Siquenza and Aurora VanHoose.

Missouri Scholars 100, National Merit Commended Student, Challenge Your Potential Scholarship and University of Missouri Kansas City Curator's Scholarship: Chandler Tarrant.

Missouri Scholars 100 Honorable Mention, University of Arkansas Honor College Academic Scholarship and University of Arkansas Razorback Generations Scholarship: Emily Tappana

Joplin Globe All-Area Academic Team and Gerald and Maxine Smith Scholarship: Emily Tappana and Chandler Tarrant.

Olin Fleischer Scholars Program at Washington University: Snyper Herron, Nicholas Sivalingam and Alex Tran.

Outstanding Citizens Award: Elexa Dagnan and Wyatt King.

Alma and Alfred Dawson Scholarship and Barbara Meadows Memorial Scholarship: Olivia Jackson

Alfred and Polly Jenkins Educational Scholarship and Gail & Nola Anderson Distinguished Citizen Scholarship: Julia Linder.

American Legion Scholarship and Farm Bureau Federation, WC Elks Vocational Scholarship and Crowder College Trustee Scholarship: Tucker Friend.

American Legion Auxiliary: Gabriel Carmical.

Andy Brown Memorial Scholarship: Emerald Ward.

Automotive Technology Scholarship: Christian Drum and Tucker Friend.

B.J. Scofield Memorial Scholarship, MSSU Excellence Scholarship, Helen M. Robins Memorial Scholarship and Lloyd and Doris Brock Scholarship: Quincie Capron.

Bennett, Beverly and Pamela Smith Memorial Scholarship: Jadyn Hayner.

Bill Jackson Scholarship: Isaac Martinez.

Bill's Electric Scholarship: Justin Campbell and Bryson Matthews.

Bob Foos Distinguished Citizen Scholarship: Griffin Winesburg.

Bob Hickam Memorial Scholarship and William Woods University LEAD Award: Bryson Matthews.

Carterville Elementary School Scholarship: Allie Storm and Faithann Wooden.

Charles Cummings Memorial Scholarship: Cade Beason.

Charles Doug Rea Scholarship: Justin Campbell.

Charles Wright Scholarship and Ozark Christian College Richardson Dean's Scholarship: Samantha Jones.

Classmates of 1941 Scholarship: Manuel Peskar.

Continuing the American Dream Scholarship: Blake Fowler, Aurora Glaubitz, Colin Harrison, Jacob Monroe and Emily Tappana.

Cooks/Custodian/Bus Driver Scholarship: Alyssia Burlingame.

Curtis Kamler Memorial Scholarship and Oklahoma State University Out of State Achievement Scholarship: Abby Pace.

Darrell Hicks Sr. Memorial Scholarship: Matthew Miller.

Dave Collard Distinguished Citizen Scholarship: Gabriel Walters.

Dave Dean Doll Scholarship: Kaley Parker and Kalyn Parker.

David Elliott Scholarship and Crowder College WC Center Scholarship: Jayce Kaughman.

Dixie Dawson Scholarship and University of Missouri Kansas City Chancellor's Scholarship: Audrey Watson.

Dorothy Cooper Memorial Scholarship: Emma Catterson and Cole Cooper.

Dr. Ronald R. Barton Memorial Scholarship: Paige Mock.

Dr. Ron Lankford Distinguished Citizen Scholarship and Lori Ann Chappel Williams Memorial Scholarship: Alexandra Vanzant.

Elaine Shewmake Memorial Scholarship and Wm Terry James Memorial Scholarship: Madeline Hayes.

Eugene Jackson Scholarship, Missouri Western State University A+ Scholarship, Golden Griffon Scholarship and Hardman Scholarship: Titus Brumit.

George and Nancy Spaeth Scholarship: Brittney Brogan.

Glenn Dolence Distinguished Citizen Scholarship: Colin Harrison.

Graeber Memorial Mid Missouri Bank Scholarship: Abby Brownfield and Sarah Farrar.

Henrietta Crotty Memorial Scholarship: Kaylee Fillpot.

Isabella Duensing Moss Scholarship: Allary Liberatore.

IsoNova Scholarship: Grant Baer.

Jack and Barbara Simpson Memorial Scholarship: Keara Beck and Wyatt King.

Jane VanHoose Benson Scholarship: Alex Pink.

Jeanne Newby Distinguished Citizen Scholarship and University of Missouri Kansas City Provost Scholarship: Jephte Perez.

Jim and Karen Latimer Distinguished Citizen Scholarship, University of Missouri Floyd Watkins Scholarship and University of Missouri Roy Harper Scholarship: Jacob Monroe.

Jim Dawson Distinguished Citizen Scholarship, Leggett & Platt Scholarship Foundation, University of Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship, University of Missouri MIZZOU CAFNR Scholarship, University of Missouri Chancellor's Scholarship and University of Missouri Alumni Association Scholarship: Samuel Westhoven.

Joyce Pitts Memorial Scholarship: Kaylee VanWey.

Keith Barnes Scholarship: Grant Baer and Mason Phillips.

Kevin Owen Memorial Scholarship: Aubre Conway-Owen.

King Jack Yearbook Scholarship: Chloe Schulte, Kristin Ider, Mason Rickman and Abbigail Riley.

Marianne and Jeremy Rusk Academic Scholarship: Alyssa Gatlin.

Marilyn Pierce Memorial Scholarship: Madeline Hayes and Macy McAllister.

Mary Curry Wiggins Scholarship and University of Arkansas Freshman Success Scholarship: McKynzie Webster.

Mary Lou Nance Johns Scholarship: Reagan Morgan.

Max H. Glover Rotary Club Scholarship: Alex Gaskill, Kane Parks and Gage Rossetti.

Merle Lortz Memorial Scholarship: Emma Catterson.

Nancy Spaeth Early Childhood Scholarship and Ozark Christian College Presidential Scholarship: Elexa Dagnan.

Nichols/Richardson Scholarship and Pitt State University Honors College Scholarship: Trinity Dobbs.

Paul Bottom Memorial Scholarship and Royal and Ray Dean DeGraffenreid Scholarship: H'Ven Meister.

Pete LeRoy Inspirational Scholarship: Cole Cooper.

Randy Wilson Distinguished Citizen Scholarship and Rector Stephen and Susan Petroleum Engineering Scholarship: Jerett Butler.

Retiree Recognition - Cathy Eichelberger: Andrew Smith.

Retiree Recognition - Janine Hasselquist: Chloe Schulte

Retiree Recognition - Leslie Clark: Emmalea Sharp.

Retiree Recognition - Judy Hoover: Jade Allen.

Retiree Recognition - Missy Graves: Madison Farmer.

Retiree Recognition - Trey Moeller: Mason Rickman.

Retiree Recognition - Virginia Ryan: Nolan Estes.

Rick Utter Educational Scholarship: Hailey Watson.

Ron and Cindy Lamere Memorial Scholarship: Cole Cooper and Aaron Lee.

Shelter Insurance Scholarship: Allie Storm.

Southwest Missouri Bank Scholarship and Pitt State University Crimson and Gold Honors Scholarship: Abby Brownfield.

Steve and Leota Talbott Scholarship: Rylee Jennings.

Susan D. Shriver Memorial Scholarship: Autumn Barroeta, Selah Kendall and Emily Tappana.

Tom Gosch Cardinal Pride Scholarship: Blake Fowler.

Treva Dawson Memorial Scholarship and MSSU Michelle Conty Theatre Scholarship: Brianna Simpson.

VFW Scholarship: Dylan J. Walker.

WCHS Athletic Booster Club Scholarship: Cade Beason, Abby Brownfield, Alyssa Gatlin, Madeline Hayes, Manuel Peskar, Allie Storm, Ali Vanzant and Griffin Winesburg.

WC Chamber of Commerce Career Credits Scholarship: Madison Alexander, Tatum Brown, Roger Clark, Samson Mouser, Kai Nowlin and Chloe Osborn.

WC Cares Scholarship: Autumn Barroeta, H'ven Meister, Olivia Parsons, Jephte Perez and Brianna Simpson.

WCHS NEST Scholarship: Jade Allen, Autumn Barroeta, Tatum Brown, Abby Brownfield, Elexa Dagnan, Trinity Dobbs, Sarah Farrar, Samuel Jones, Julia Linder, Allie Storm and David Wooten.

WCCTA Scholarship: Cade Beason, Aubre Conway-Owen and Aaron Lee.

William Corl Memorial Scholarship: Jessica Carmona-Garcia, Kaylynn Caruthers and Sarah Farrar.

WC Foundation Scholarship: Christian Drum and Jephte Perez.

WC Choir Boosters Matthew Holt Scholarship: Wyatt King, Julia Linder and Paige Mock.

WC Choir Boosters Scholarship: Autumn Barroeta, Makenna Coble, Sarah Farrar, Lauren Fisher, Renae Gillmore, Rylee Jennings, H'Ven Meister, Alexys Miller, Jephte Perez, Brianna Simpson and Emerald Ward.

Honors Diploma - Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA and above): Abby Brownfield, Kaylynn Caruthers, Trinity Dobbs, Sarah Farrar, Madeline Hayes, Wyatt King, H'ven Meister, Paige Mock, Mason Phillips, Emily Tappana, Chandler Tarrant and Samuel Westhoven.

Honors Diploma - Magna Cum Laude (3.67 to 3.99): Grant Baer, Autumn Barroeta, Cade Beason, Keara Beck, Zachary Biastock, Brittney Brogan, Jessica Carmona-Garcia, Elexa Dagnan, Kaylee Fillpot, Renae Gillmore, Colin Harrison, Marissa Holzrichter, Olivia Jackson, Samantha Jones, Allary Liberatore, Isaac Martinez, Bryson Matthews, Jacob Monroe, Emily Neighbor, Kai Nowlin, Abby Pace, Kaley Parker, Kalyn Parker, Jephte Perez, Manuel Peskar, Brianna Simpson, Kaylee VanWey, Alexandra Vanzant, Audrey Watson and Hailey Watson.

Honors Diploma - Cum Laude (3.33 to 3.66): Jade Allen, Aubre Conway-Owen, Cole Cooper, Alyssa Gatlin, Aurora Glaubitz, Zackary Hand, Selah Kendall, Levi Lindsay, Alex Pink, Joshua Pippin, Mason Rickman, Gabriel Walters, Masdison Welch and Griffin Winesburg.

Missouri A+ Completion Recognition: Jade Allen, Ashlee Arrieta, Autumn Barroeta, Cade Beason, Zachary Biastock, Brittney Brogan, Titus Brumit, Alyssia Burlingame, Brysen Butler, Quincie Capron, Aubre Conway-Owen, Nathan Drake, Sarah Farrar, Ashley Foy, Tucker Friend, Aurora Glaubitz, Madeline Hayes, Jadyn Hayner, Rylee Jennings, Jayce Kaughman, Ricky Lake, Aaron Lee, Julia Linder, Laney Long, Peyton Mason, Macy McAllister, Aubree Morris, Samson Mouser, Kaley Parker, Kalyn Parker, Jephte Perez, Manuel Peskar, Hannah Pierce, James Pierce, Charles Pittman, Elvina Purcell, Mason Rickman, Abbigail Riley, Gage Rossetti, Chloe Schulte, Brianna Simpson, Kaylee VanWey, Emerald Ward, Hailey Watson and Madison Welch.

Missouri University of Science and Technology University Scholarship and Miner Scholarship: Jerett Butler and Mason Phillips.

Missouri State University Bright Flight Scholarship and MO State Univ Board of Presidential Scholarship: Kalynn Caruthers and Wyatt King.

Missouri State University Board of Governor's Scholarship: Keara Beck, Sarah Farrar, Olivia Jackson and Paige Mock.

Missouri State University Promise Scholarship: Brittney Brogan and Ezra Crocker.

Missouri State University Dean's Scholarship: Cade Beason and Kaylee Fillpot.

Missouri State University A+ Recognition Scholarship: Madison Welch.

MSSU Presidential Scholarship: Jessica Carmona-Garcia, Madeline Hayes, Marissa Holzrichter, Aaron Lee, Matthew Miller, Kaley Parker, Kalyn Parker, Charles Pittman, Anna Shofler and Brianna Simpson.

MSSU Yours to Lose Scholarship and MSSU Foundation Paragon Fund Patron Scholarship: Marissa Holzrichter.

MSSU A+ Leadership Scholarship: Brianna Simpson and Charles Pittman.

Ozark Christian College Ambassador Scholarship: Autumn Barroeta and Samantha Jones.

Ozark Christian College Alumni Scholarship: Selah Kendall.

Ozark Christian College Mosaic Leadership Scholarship: Autumn Barroeta.

Ozark Christian College Ozark Admissions Scholarship: Autumn Barroeta, Elexa Dagnan, Samantha Jones and Selah Kendall.

Pittsburg State University Academic Achievement Award: Abby Brownfield, Trinity Dobbs, Noah Larson, Allary Liberatore, Shay Olabiyi, Chapman Sweet, Ali Vanzant and Griffin Winesburg.

Pittsburg State University Alumni Legacy Scholarship: Emma Catterson, Cole Cooper, Shay Olabiyi and Ali Vanzant.

Pittsburg State University Diversity Scholarship: Shay Olabiyi.

Pittsburg State Admission Scholarship: Justin Campbell, Emma Catterson, Cole Cooper, Noah Larson, Allary Liberatore, Reagan Morgan, Alyssa O'Shea, Kane Parks, Hailey Watson and Griffin Winesburg.

Pittsburg State Pepsi-Cola Scholarship: Shay Olabiyi and Chapman Sweet.

Pittsburg State Plastics Technology Program Scholarship: Cole Cooper and Griffin Winesburg.

Southwest Baptist University Board of Trustees Scholar Award: Renae Gillmore.

University of Missouri MIZZOU Curator's Award: Jacob Monroe and Campbell Sweet.

University of Missouri Excellence Award: Colin Harrison and Billy Sticklen.

University of Missouri Residential Experience Award: Colin Harrison, Jacob Monroe, Billy Sticklen, Campbell Sweet and Samuel Westhoven.

University of Missouri-Kansas City Bright Flight Scholarship: Chandler Tarrant and Audrey Watson.

Tiffany Brownfiel is one of 66 students from Williamsburg-James City County high schools who received a scholarship from the Williamsburg Community Foundation's WJCC Scholarship Fund.

The fund amassed $90,275 in contributions this year and distributed those awards to students on June 2 at Lafayette High School.

As a Warhill High School student who grew up in a military family, Brownfiel said she wanted to make sure her parents did not take on too much debt when it came to her college education. Receiving the Mike and Amy Watson Credential Workplace Scholarship helped lighten that load, she said.

"The fact that I got accepted for this scholarship was an honor," Brownfiel said. "I felt appreciative toward them because they took the time to go over my application and everything and [the scholarship] would help me become what I want to be in the future."

While Brownfiel said she originally planned to attend James Madison University, she has since decided to use the scholarship to enroll at Thomas Nelson Community College to earn her associate's degree. She said she intends to transfer into JMU to study nursing through Virginia Community College System's guaranteed admission agreement program.

The Williamsburg Community Foundation's annual fundraising campaign pools funds for the organization's namesake scholarships, while other scholarships under the foundation are supported by either individuals or organizations.

WCF added 19 new scholarships this year, which spokeswoman Virginia Gasink said are the result of how much money is raised in a given year and contributors splitting up scholarships. The foundation raises funds by asking members of the community to donate, and it also maintains a scholarship endowment fund to which people can donate.

"We're excited to see the number of recipients grow and we're excited to see the community getting behind this, particularly more scholarships being available to kids who have a financial need or who are the first in their family to go to college," Gasink said.

The foundation awarded scholarships to eight students who identified as first-generation college students, according to Gasink.

CATLab President Mike Watson said his equipment company's Mike and Amy Watson Credential Workplace Scholarship helps fill a void in a scholarship market tailored toward raising funds for bachelor's degrees.

The scholarship is for students who are have a financial need and are interested in pursuing STEM or healthcare-related degrees at the community college or trade school level.

"I am a product of the community college system itself," Watson said. "I'd love to see more people get behind programs like this."

Like Brownfiel, Lafayette High School student Ty Hundley wants to pursue a career in nursing after enrolling at Virginia Commonwealth University. She said she's now closer to that goal after receiving the Fannye Scruggs Rorer RN Nursing Scholarship.

"In October, a tree fell on our home, so we were out of our home for six months," Hundley said. "Any little bit from scholarships really helped out. It was just great because the scholarship was aimed for students who wanted to go into nursing, and I was very privileged to be chosen for that scholarship and receive it."

U.S. Coast Guard Captain Lee Scruggs created the scholarship alongside his wife, Pam, to honor the memory of his late mother, Fannye Scruggs Rorer, who worked as a nurse for 52 years.

In the early days of Williamsburg Community Foundation's scholarship program, Scruggs was awarded a scholarship when he said he needed it most: After his father died. Scruggs and his mother sought a way to support his education at the College of William and Mary.

After his mother's death, Scruggs said he knew he wanted to do something special. He credited the Williamsburg Community Foundation for helping him achieve that goal.

"You can come to them with a big idea and a little bit of money, or big money and just an idea, and they'll take you where you are and help you figure out all the organizational parts, all the paperwork," Scruggs said. "They really make charitable giving within the community so accessible, so easy."

CLOSE

* Kennedy Petro has received the 2019 Patricia K. and Franklyn D. Brinkman Sr. Nursing Scholarship, presented the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.

Created in 2015 by Patricia Brinkman, the scholarship fund provides financial support to a student who currently attends the nursing program at Ball State University. Brinkman earned her nursing degree from Milwaukee Lutheran School of Nursing and upon graduation entered the Army Air Force where she served during World War II. She spent the remainder of her professional career as a registered nurse at Ball Memorial Hospital.

Petro, daughter of Brandon Petro and Kimberly Crawley, is a 2010 graduate of Wes-Del High School. She is a senior at Ball State.

* The Muncie branch of the American Association of University Women awarded three $2,000 scholarships at its annual banquet May 16 to help nontraditional college students continue their education.

The three students who earned the 2019 AAUW scholarships all attend Ball State University: Kileah Adkins, a senior working toward a bachelor's degree in English education; Cory Matters, who is working toward a master's degree in social work; and Billie Wolfe, a senior working toward a bachelor's degree in business administration.

To be eligible for the scholarship, an applicant must be a resident of Delaware County for at least 12 consecutive months; be a student who is 25 years old or older; attend Ball State, Ivy Tech or another approved post-secondary educational institution; have a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale; carry a course load of at least six hours a semester and demonstrate financial need. AAUW raises the money for its scholarships through its annual used book sale.

* Sydney Cook is the 2019 recipient of the Grace K. Maring Scholarship.

This scholarship is awarded by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County to a Wapahani High School student residing in Perry Township. The recipient may elect to attend any recognized post-high school institution.

Cook plans to attend Ball State University to study exercise science. She is the daughter of Bob and Julie Cook.

* Kaitlynn Santino was recently awarded the 2019 Robbin S. Lindsey Memorial Scholarship by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.

This scholarship was created in memory of Robbin S. Lindsey, an original founder and longtime supporter of Yorktown Swim Club, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident while returning home from a USS swim meet. This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound senior member of either the Yorktown High School swim team or the Yorktown Swim Club. Recipients must demonstrate academic ability, leadership qualities, sportsmanship, citizenship, and involvement in extra-curricular and community activities.

Santino plans to attend Ball State University to study hospitality and food management. She is the daughter of Angela Santino and Anthony Santino.

* The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced Korryn Davidson as the recipient of the 2019 Wilfred Wingate Scholarship.

This scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior female nursing student at Ball State University. Recipients must have graduated from a Delaware County school and preference is given to those students who intend to practice their profession in Delaware County.

* Lindsey Elvidge has received the 2019 Carolyn A. Lucas Scholarship from the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.

Established in memory of Carolyn A. Lucas, a chemistry teacher at Yorktown High School, this scholarship is awarded to an outstanding high school chemistry student at Yorktown who demonstrates good character and good citizenship.

Elvidge plans to attend Dalhousie University to study medical research. She is the daughter of Lori Polk and Kevin Elvidge.

* The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County recently named Payton Kemper as the recipient of the Ross Family Autism Scholarship.

This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors from high schools in Davis County, Utah, and Delaware County, Indiana. Applicants must have received a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder and have a grade point average of 3.0 (or the equivalent) or higher. In selecting a recipient, consideration is given to academic ability, extra-curricular activities and community service.

Kemper, a senior at Delta High School, plans to attend Ivy Tech Community College to study graphic design. Kemper is the son of Tom and Mindy Kemper.

* Ashley Evans has received the 2019 Owen H. Ramey Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship is awarded by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County to a graduating senior from Cowan Junior-Senior High School who plans to attend a four-year college, junior college, community college or technical school with the eventual goal of obtaining a baccalaureate degree. In determining a recipient, consideration is given to academic achievement, the manner in which the applicant has occupied his or her time outside of school (extracurricular activities, employment history, community service, etc.), and the applicant's stated goals and answers to questions on the application form.

Evans, daughter of Tammy Hargrave, plans to attend Ball State University to study nursing.

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HAWTHORNE, NJ - Hawthorne resident Andrea Roy, a student graduating from Passaic County Technical Institute, was named as the recipient of the 2019 John Purroy Mitchel Memorial Scholarship by Municipal Credit Union, according to a statement from MCU. Roy intends to put her scholarship money towards studying biology at Ramapo College, aspiring to be a doctor.

"With the help of the New York Credit Union Association, the 2019 MCU Scholarship Winners were selected from a competitive pool of more than 350 applications. Applicants were evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service and involvement, letters of recommendation, and an essay expressing personal goals," a statement from MCU read. "The annual MCU Scholarship Program is part of the credit union's long-standing corporate commitment to youth education across the greater New York City area. Since its inception 24 years ago, the program has awarded nearly $1 million to graduating high school seniors."

Roy is a member of the National Honor Society, leader of the Key Stone volunteer organization, member of the Christian Student Association, and PCTI student council. She has also volunteered at Hawthorne-based Van Dyk Park Place Assisted Living Center, logging in over a hundred hours. She also raised money in excess of $1,500 to benefit Girls Rising, a non-profit international organization to help educate and protect girls, and she is active with the youth group at her church. At PCTI, she was appointed to the Leaders Emerging Among Peers Committee, which works with the school administration regarding community involvement and alterations to the cirriculum.

"Andrea truly embodies our credit union's tradition of 'people helping people'," a statement from MCU said. "In fact, she not only received our MCU Memorial Scholarship, but was also awarded the New York State Credit Union Association Scholarship."

According to the Municipal Credit Union, $71,000 were awarded in scholarships this year, Roy receiving one of nine $5,000 awards. Additionally, MCU awarded $2,000 grants to thirteen others.

The honored students pose for a group photo at the Rotary Scholarship Luncheon. Photo courtesy of Chris Leavitt.

Twenty-three students recieved scholarships for their college education

Twenty-three Federal Way students received scholarships last week to help them pursue their college studies.

The Federal Way Rotary has been giving scholarships to exemplary students since 1983, and this year was no exception.

Each student received at minimum a $1,000 scholarship to help them pay for their schooling, for a total of $25,000 awarded by the Rotary.

The full list of students who received scholarships from the Federal Way Rotary: Jennifer Ruiz, from TAF@Saghalie, Adilene Jaime from Federal Way High School, Austin Kim from Thomas Jefferson, Johnny Heredia from TAF@Saghalie, Cosette Clum from FWHS, Mariana Urrea from Todd Beamer, Dianna Laguan from FWHS, Korina Mamaril from Todd Beamer, Lesette Diaz from Todd Beamer, Deyci Rojas from TAF@Saghalie, Ellen Kwon from FWHS, Alexis Reeder from TAF@Saghalie, Sesilina Lane from Todd Beamer, Hannah Blackmon from FWHS, Jacquelinne Lopez-Cuellar from FWHS, Praises Orji from Thomas Jefferson, Fiona Okech from FWHS, Zoe Hale from FWHS, Gurleen Sandhu from Todd Beamer, Erica Johnson, a homeschooled student who also participates in running start, Hana Sijad from FWHS, Clayton Heath from Decatur, and Heidi Yagen from Raisbeck Aviation.

Austin Kim, one of the scholarship recipients at the Federal Way Rotary Luncheon accepting his award. Haley Donwerth /staff photo.

Students at the Federal Way Rotary Scholarship Luncheon sharing a laugh before the award ceremony. Haley Donwerth /staff photo.

The large crowd of students, parents, school administrators, rotarians and community members at the Federal Way Community Center for the annual rotary scholarship luncheon. Haley Donwerth /staff photo.

Cosette Clum from Federal Way High School receiving her award at the Rotary Scholarship Luncheon. Haley Donwerth /staff photo.

Seven years after her death, Squamish's Sarah Burke continues to impact the next generation of skiers.

The Spirit of Sarah scholarship has been awarded to 14-year-old Naomi Urness from Mont-Tremblanc, Quebec.

The winner was announced on June 5.

Each year the award is given to a young female skier who encapsulates certain special characteristics that Burke was renowned for including modesty, kindness, determination and a positive approach to life, as well as a drive to excel in skiing.

"It's always hard to pick a winner each year as there are so many worthy applicants, but we feel that Naomi really embodies a lot of the characteristics of Sarah when she was a young camper herself," said one of the judges, John Smart in a news release about the award.

A pioneer of the superpipe event, Burke died as a result of a fall during a practice run on January 19, 2012, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"It's really special to keep Sarah's memory alive and know that her legacy of encouraging young girls to excel in sport, overcoming setbacks and striving for excellence, lives on even now, seven years after she passed away," Smart added.

The scholarship is the result of a partnership between Whistler's Momentum Camps and the Sarah Burke Foundation.

A ski legend, Burke was dedicated to encouraging more girls to participate in freeskiing, among other sports.

"This scholarship aims to preserve Sarah's legacy by helping a dedicated young girl to progress her skiing skills at Momentum Camps."

Urness is the first Quebecois applicant to be awarded the scholarship since it was launched in 2012. "I really want to push myself, try new things with the girls, have fun with others and do the best that I can do," Urness said in the news release.

In her video entry for the scholarship, Urness said: "[when] I'm skiing I'm nervous and kinda scared, but I really want to achieve it.

The scholarship, valued at $3,000, includes a free eight-day Summer Session at Momentum Camps during 'Girls Week.' Urness will be coached by her female skiing idols including Olympic Gold Medallist Cassie Sharpe, World Cup winner Elena Gaskell and World Champion and multiple X-Games medallist Anna Segal.

For more information about Momentum Camps and the Spirit of Sarah scholarship, contact anna@momentumcamps.com or go to www.momentumskicamps.com/.

Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, a law firm that represents individuals in personal injury and employment law disputes throughout the New York metro area, awarded scholarship money to five students who are about to enter their first year of college. Winners were selected from a pool of entrants who wrote original essays on one of two topics dealing with medical malpractice and altruism.

"At Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we appreciate the value of higher education and the doors of opportunity it opens for young people," said Richard S. Jaffe, an attorney and one of the firm's named partners. "It is our honor to recognize the potential of such bright students and assist them with paying the cost of furthering their academic goals."

The winners of the 2019 College Scholarship Program were:

• First place- Jennifer Saucedo, $1,000
• Runner up- Charles Simon, $500
• Honorable mention- Pamela Kreinces, $250
• Honorable mention- Nolan Deja, $250
• Honorable mention- Chloe Cunningham, $250

"This year's honorees displayed an impressive degree of insight, compassion and strength of character," Jaffe said. "We are inspired by their past achievements and their future plans. Our firm is humbled by the opportunity to help them on their way forward in life."

Applicants were required to submit an original essay totaling at least 500 words, but no more than 750, on one of the following topics:

• General
  How was your life affected (by either you or someone you care about) that was was injured in an accident caused by someone else's negligence. How did this accident have an impact on your life? What did you learn from it and how did it help your grow?
• Distracted Driving
  Everyone is aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, however, many people continue to make the decision to drive under the influence. Write an essay about the reasons why people continue to drink and drive - and what initiatives could be executed to address those reasons.
• Sports Injuries
  Do you think that there is enough emphasis on safety in sports to prevent concussions? What do you think we should do to curb concussions in high school athletics?

The top essays were selected by a panel of judges, and the winners were chosen based on online voting. This year marked the fifth time the firm has conducted the scholarship competition.

About the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP

The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP takes pride in providing personalized, compassionate, aggressive and effective legal services to personal injury victims on Long Island and throughout the New York City metro area. The firm handles a wide range of employment law, personal injury and wrongful death cases, including car accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice and premises liability. The firm's office is located on Long Island at 2001 Marcus Avenue, W295, New Hyde Park, NY 11042. For more information, call Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP at 516-358-6900 or fill out an online contact form.

For many years, the AGDS (Arbeits- und Fördergemeinschaft der Deutschen Schulvereine in Namibia) have therefore provided scholarships to Namibian students studying for a Bachelor of Education for primary and secondary school. The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany supported the AGDS in this quest to make this study course and profession more attractive for several years so far.

On 31 May, Ambassador Christian Schlaga and Hans-Joachim Böhme, chairman of the AGDS, signed a funding agreement to the amount of 116.100,00 NAD. This support from the German Embassy will finance the scholarships of three students this year.

The AGDS is the umbrella organization for seven school associations, representing eleven schools where German as a First Language is taught. Currently, 17 students are provided with bursaries to study at UNAM or at a South-African university. In return, the students commit to teaching at an AGDS school for a few years after the completion of their studies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of German Embassy in Windhoek.Media filesDownload logo

Every military spouse has a dream. And every dream requires a few believers.

Bianca dreamed of a career in journalism. But the road to making that dream a reality took nearly two decades with a lot of twists and turns through four duty stations. On Wednesday May 29 ^th, she joined the National Military Family Association, seven other NMFA military spouse scholarship recipients, and Fisher House Foundation for a conversation about the struggles faced by military spouses pursuing their education and career goals. Fisher House Foundation is a national sponsor of our Spouse Scholarship and Employment program and has donated $1.8 million to the program since 2008.

Despite their differences - education and employment goals, service or rank of spouse, years married into the military - all eight recipients had two things in common: A dream and people willing to believe in it.

"As an enlisted family with three children to support, I struggled with adding any further to my family's debt," Bianca explained. As a Marine Corps spouse of 18 years, Bianca knew her dream needed real support and she got that in the form of an NMFA scholarship.

Christina, a Navy spouse and aspiring science illustrator, said being awarded the military spouse scholarship "legitimized my desire to pursue a unique job opportunity that will allow for portability when my husband changes duty stations." With her background in biology, Christina hopes to use her new certification to make complex scientific ideas more understandable through art while contributing to America's science IQ.

Dave Coker, President Fisher House Foundation, celebrated the achievements of Bianca, Christina, and all the other military spouses willing to hold on to their dreams. He honored them for their perseverance through moves, deployments and all the military life throws at them.

"You are the greatest recruiter of this program," Coker said. "Your story highlights the importance of the scholarship program."

Bianca, now an accomplished journalist, currently serves as Managing Editor for AmeriForces Media. "My advice to other spouses on pursuing their career/education would be to allow yourself to have this one thing for you," she reflected.

"Despite our roles as husband or wife, parent or volunteer or whatever hats to wear, we are as entitled to set and work toward goals as our very ambitious service members. You cannot sit by during a military career, watching your spouse achieve rank, promotion and accolades, while hitting the pause button on your dreams."

NMFA is grateful to the Fisher House Foundation and its dedication to investing in military spouses' education and employment goals. Its continued commitment of the National Military Family Association military spouse scholarship provides invaluable belief in and support of thousands of military spouses' dreams.

"There is literally not one good reason to put ourselves on hold any longer," Bianca concluded.

You can learn more about our program by visiting our spouse scholarship page.

Amanda Francis Scholarship: Kristen Gyorda

American Legion Roland Paige Scholarship: Seth Pontbriand

American Legion Roland Paige Scholarship: Thomas Prior

Anna Jaques Hospital Scholarship: Magdalene Brown

Anthony Drelick Memorial Scholarship: Michael Forcier

Aquarion Water Environmental Champion Scholarship: Caitlin Trott

Becky Lougee Wallace Memorial Scholarship: Hannah Crooks

Bob Devantery Memorial Scholarship: Melissa Brown

Carol Downer Memorial Scholarship: Brenna Mooney

Christopher Barnes Memorial Scholarship: Brendon Anderson

Class Reunion and Memorial Scholarship: Jack Dowd

Coastal Economics Development Corporation: Caitlin Trott

Col. Paul F. Lessard Leadership Award: Seth Pontbriand

Connie Manix Memorial Scholarship: Nickki Tredwell

Crimeline for the Hamptons: Taylor Nydam

D. Alan Kepner Memorial Scholarship: Jessica Husebye

D. Alan Kepner Memorial Scholarship: Marisa Lamprey

David Power Memorial Scholarship: Elias Witham

Dick Joy Memorial Scholarship: Elias Witham

Dorothea W. Stevens Memorial Scholarship: Macy Fraser

Dorothy & Paul Hobbs Memorial Scholarship: Abigail Ritchie

Dorothy & Paul Hobbs Memorial Scholarship: Caitlin Trott

Dorothy & Paul Hobbs Memorial Scholarship: Lou Granger

Dorothy & Paul Hobbs Memorial Scholarship: Melissa Rooney

Dr. Edward Dearborn Scholarship: Adele Sinagra

Dr. Edward Dearborn Scholarship: Ashley Saalfied

Dr. Edward Dearborn Scholarship: Katherine Shek

Dr. Edward Dearborn Scholarship: Seth Pontbriand

Dr. Robert M. Sullivan Music Scholarship: Andrew Cropper

Eastman Memorial Scholarship: Brenna Mooney

Eastman Memorial Scholarship: Emily Albright

ELO Scholarship: Adele Sinagra

ELO Scholarship: Brenna Mooney

ELO Scholarship: Kyle Sullivan

ELO Scholarship: Lidet O'Connor

Elsie Brown Scholarship: Magdalene Brown

Exeter Health Resources: Janet Miringu

Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship: Keelyn McNamara

George & Elizabeth Calliendo Science Scholarship: Magdalene Brown

George & Elizabeth Calliendo Science Scholarship: Zachary Rummler

George & Grace Ashworth Scholarship: Lidet O'Connor

George H. & Louise B. Batchelder Scholarships: Katherine Desmond

George H. & Louise B. Batchelder Scholarships: Keelyn McNamara

George H. & Louise B. Batchelder Scholarships: Mills Waddell

Hampton Academy & WHS Alumni Association: Brenna Mooney

Hampton Academy & WHS Alumni Association: Seth Pontbriand

Hampton Academy Class of 1950: Jack Schaake

Hampton Area Lions Club Scholarship: Jenna Myers

Hampton Beach Village District Scholarship: Caitlin Trott

Hampton Democrats Public Service Scholarship: Caitlin Trott

Helen Batchelder Scholarship: Benjamin Allen

Helen Batchelder Scholarship: Katherine Shek

Helen Batchelder Scholarship: Kristen Gyorda

Helen Batchelder Scholarship: Lauren Alkire

Helen Batchelder Scholarship: MacLean Baker

Helen Batchelder Scholarship: Magdalene Brown

Hesser College: Adam Schmidt

Hesser College: Angel Dow

Hesser College: Autumn Pacheco

Hesser College: Evelise Guides

Hesser College: Gabe Eaton

Hesser College: Jack Donovan

Hesser College: Jada Miles

Hesser College: Joshua Basti

Hesser College: Noah Cheney

Hesser College: Rachel Worden

Honey Dew Donuts Scholarship: Emily Albright

Huldah & Grace Fogg Memorial Scholarship: Austin Denis

Huldah & Grace Fogg Memorial Scholarship: Nicole Knowles

I Am College Bound: Zachary Rummler

Jack Ford Memorial Scholarship: Benjamin Allen

James Pechewlys Memorial Scholarship: Lidet O'Connor

James Wardle Memorial/Rae B. Grady Scholarship: Dailyn Annis

Jane Lynch Award for Foreign Language Achievement: Courtney Pierce

Janetos Family Scholarship: Grace Righini

John Bychok Memorial Scholarship: Joseph Barbieri

Joshua T. Sharpe Memorial Award: Katherine Shek

Joshua T. Sharpe Memorial Award: Kristen Gyorda

JSA FUND - "It's A Great Day To Be Alive": Keelyn McNamara

Juanita Bell Memorial Scholarship: Aaliyah Kafanabo

Justin Chabot Memorial Scholarship: Patrick Quinn

Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation Scholarship: Steve Wentworth

Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation Scholarship: Kati Schuster

Kenneth McDermit & Ivan Eaton Memorial Scholarship: Emily Eaton

Kiwanis of the Hamptons: Benjamin Pollock

Labels Inc. Scholarship: Adele Sinagra

Labels Inc. Scholarship: Charles Webb-McClain

Lara Bunce Memorial Scholarship: Katherine Moran

Ma Pesch Scholarship: Melissa Rooney

Margaret Fogg Jr. Miss Seabrook Scholarship: Victoria Azoury

Matt Downer Memorial Scholarship: Callie Sharpe

NH Red Sox Service Scholarship: Haley Garretson

Norman P. Parsons Memorial Scholarship: Brooke McErlain

O. Raymond and David S. Garland Memorial Scholarship: Elizabeth Brown

Odyssey NH: Hannah Crooks

Odyssey NH: Michael Forcier

Oscar Burwell Steward and Mary Chase Steward Scholarship (WM): Lauren Fowler

Past Presidents parley Nursing Scholarship: Kristen Gyorda

Peter Brooks Memorial Scholarship: Matthew Fiorentini

Priscilla D. Mills Scholarship: Rachel Ascanio

Professional Firefighters of Hampton: Kristen Gyorda

Richard A. Hobbs Scholarship (US): Seth Pontbriand

Richard Goodman Memorial Scholarship: Slade Laszewski

Richard Sanborn Scholarship: Seth Pontbriand

Richard, Natalie, Miriam Perkins Family Scholarship: Kristen Gyorda

Robert Danelson Jr. Masonic Scholarship: Benjamin Pollock

Robert Danelson Jr. Masonic Scholarship: Caitlin Trott

Robie Mackin Scholarship: Alisyn McNamara

Rotary Club of Hampton: Brenna Mooney

Rotary Club of Hampton: Jenna Myers

Ruth Neves Memorial Scholarship: Hayden O'Hara

Sarah Hobbs Lane Memorial Scholarship: Abigail Saltmarsh

Seabrook American Legion: Adele Sinagra

Seabrook American Legion: Ashley Saalfield

Seabrook American Legion: Emily Albright

Seabrook American Legion: Nicole Knowles

Seabrook Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 Scholarship: Ashley Saalfield

Seabrook Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 Scholarship: Emily Albright

Seabrook Women's Club: Haley Garretson

Seacoast Art Scholarship: Shanier Lohnes

Seacoast Education Association Scholarship: Brianna Garrison

Seacoast Education Association Scholarship: Emily Albright

Shannon Kiernan Memorial Scholarship: Taylor Nydam

Southeast Retired Educators Association Scholarship: Savanah Sigman

Tim & Lew Adams Scholarship: Ashley Saalfield

Tim & Lew Adams Scholarship: Bria Nielsen

Tim & Lew Adams Scholarship: Makayla McDonald

Tim & Lew Adams Scholarship: Monique Deschenes

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Ashley Saalfield

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Brianna Gogan Brito

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Hayden O'Hara

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Maria Menas

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Mason MacDonald

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Megan Lavigne

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Monique Deschenes

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Nicole Knowles

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Rachel Worden

Town of Seabrook Scholarship: Victoria Azoury

Viola B. Brown Scholarship: Brianna Gogan Brito

Virginia C. Randall Arts Award: Andrew Cropper

Virginia H. Klotz Memorial Scholarship: Linda Cheung

Wayne I Elliot Scholarship: Thomas Prior

William Fowler, Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Fenya Grew

Winnacunnet Dollars For Scholars, Inc. Award: Lauren Alkire

Winnacunnet Dollars For Scholars, Inc. Award: MacLean Baker

Winnacunnet Dollars For Scholars, Inc. Award: Shelby Nicholson

Winthrop & Helen Savage Memorial Scholarship: Brennan Kittredge

Zakian Trust Scholarship: Alden Hart

From the Rotary Club of Alexandria: The Rotary Club of Alexandria held its weekly meeting on June 4th, 2019. The event was held at Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, VA. Attended by over 100 people, the program featured a speech by Professor Grace Wyngaard. She is a professor of biology at George Mason University, and she presented her speech on "Aquatic Ecosystems & Their Impact On Our Lives".

The program on June 4th was the Annual Career and Technical Education Scholarship Award Luncheon. The Rotary Club of Alexandria awards scholarships to deserving local students from Alexandria schools. The program was created in 1991 as our club's commitment to Vocation. It encourages career and workforce development for our local, regional and national business communities.

The Rotary Club of Alexandria awarded $2,500 each to two deserving graduating Alexandria High School students. Divine Tsasa Nzita is a graduating senior at T. C. Williams High School and has completed a sequence of courses in the Jr. ROTC program. She will pursue a career in the military and focus her studies in International Relations Psychology after studies at Northern Virginia Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Also receiving a $2,500 scholarship was Sammy Bonilla. Sammy is now a graduate of Edison Academy. He has already accumulated credentials in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning thru the Edison Academy, as well as his work in the family business and Toll Brothers. Sammy plans to attend Radford University in the fall, where he will study business management.

NASHVILLE - Nashville-based Advance Financial awarded scholarships to 10 outstanding Tennessee students at a banquet at Little Italy Maggiano's on Tuesday evening. The event marks the fifth annual Advancing Education Scholarship Campaign which is funded with money raised through customer donations coupled with a sizable contribution from Advance Financial.

Each year, Advance Financial selects a number of worthy students to receive a financial award to be used toward tuition at the college of their choice. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who have a 3.0 GPA or better and have demonstrated strong activity in community service and extracurricular activities, as well as financial need. This year, out of 68 applicants, 10 Tennessee students will receive $1,000 for each of their four years in college, as long as each maintains a 3.0 GPA.

"This program continues to get stronger every single year," said Shantrelle Johnson, vice president of corporate citizenship. "This year, we exceeded our goal by 50%. We've never been prouder to be a part of communities that care so much about helping each other out and contributing to good causes like this. To be able to send 10 deserving local kids to college with less financial burden is an amazing feeling. Thank you to our customers for helping us blow our goal out of the water."

* Moriah Tant - Graduate of Coffee County Central High School; attending Maryville College

* Shayla Brooke Drummer - Graduate of Smyrna High School; attending UT Knoxville

* Christen Bailey - Graduate of Martin Luther King Magnet School; attending University of Kentucky

* Michael Anthomy Lima Jr. - Graduate of Stone Memorial High School; attending Roan State

* Emma Harvill - Graduate of Clarkrange High School; attending East Tennessee State University

* Barbara Queen - Graduate of Northwest High School; attending Southern University

* Alista Brawner - Graduate of Macon High School; attending UT Knoxville

* Dionee McFarland - Graduate of Gallatin High School; attending Tennessee State University

* Rebecca Fisher - Graduate of Farragut High School; attending the University of South Carolina

* Allison Medlock - Graduate of Loudon High School; attending East Tennessee State University

The awards were presented by guest speakers Ashley Radnoti - a recipient of an Advancing Education scholarship last year - and Dr. Russ Keller - a Williamson County educator who served on the Advance Financial Education Scholarship Committee.

"We have such a diverse group of recipients this year, and they are all going to fantastic schools, in part due to this program," said Dr. Keller. "It was so great to celebrate the students' accomplishments along with their families and friends at this wonderful banquet."

Founded in 1996, Advance Financial is a leading fintech company based in Nashville. With more than 100 stores in Tennessee and online services in 12 states, Advance Financial provides fast lending decisions on line of credit loans and other financial services, 24/7/365. Recent recognition includes 2018 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies (seven straight years); A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau; Nashville's 4th fastest growing company (2018, Nashville Business Journal); Forbes Best Employers for New Graduates (2018); and, Indeed Top-Ranked Workplace for Compensation/Benefits (2018). For more, visit www.af247.com.

PAXINOS - Following are the meeting minutes from the 136th annual Shamokin Area Alumni Association reunion held Saturday, May 25, at Masser's Banquet Hall.

Opening invocation was given by Pastor Ferdie Madara.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and Irvin Berlin's song "God Bless America" was sung by all attending. The Vic Boris Trio provided accompaniment.

Jody Duceman Callahan ('68) presented a corsage (put on by Kathy Clutcher) and a silk flower arrangement to Helen Jane Murphy ('43) who is retiring as historian. Murphy has provided 26 years of dedication to the alumni association within this office. She also served as president of the alumni association in 1981.

Duceman Callahan, president of the Alumni Association, provided the banquet introductions for the business meeting. A delicious meal was provided by Masser's Catering. After dessert, the business meeting started with a silent prayer in memory of the deceased.

The secretary's report is in the April newsletter. With a motion by Mary Anne Pitorak Miller ('74) and seconded by John Klinger ('68), the report was approved as printed. All were in favor.

The treasurer's report is in the April newsletter. With a motion by Bill Korbich ('54) and seconded by Bob Mattis ('68), the report was approved as printed. All were in favor.

Duceman Callahan welcomed the Class of 2019 into the alumni association. Blake Zalar ('19), senior class president, presented the class pennant to the association. All seniors were introduced, with them providing information on their future plans and areas of interest.

Entertainment for 165 alumni, seniors, parents and friends was presented by the senior choral students under the direction of Mary Anne Brennan Stump ('00). They sang five musical selections - a medley from The Muppets: Choral highlights from the 2011 movie included:

* "The Muppet Show Theme."

Pitorack Miller and senior members of the Class of 2019 coordinated the prize drawing activities and gift delivery for more than 15 items.

Jeffrey Schlader ('73), vice president, recognized the various anniversary classes and as applicable, their contributions to the education and general funds:

1944 class - 75 years, one member attended. Dorothy Zebrowski Goodman provided a brief update concerning her class. This is the diamond anniversary class.

1949 class - 70 years, no members attended.

1954 class - 65 years, two members attended. Bill Korbich provided an update that $261 was donated by the class in the recent past. From their current class funds, $19 will be donated to the education fund and $54 to the general fund.

1959 class - 60 years, no members attended.

1964 class - 55 years, two members attended. Helen Zigner Reitz presented a check for $55.

1969 class - 50 years, two members attended. This is the golden anniversary class. Ken Gaydon reported they will be having a joint class reunion with Our Lady of Lourdes on Saturday, Sept. 21.

1974 class - 45 years, three members attended. John Clutcher presented a check for $19.74 to the education fund. Other donations are expected via the newsletter response and their class reunion on Saturday, Sept. 7.

1979 class - 40 years, one member attended. Karen Korbich Dutchess spoke of the importance of being active with the alumni association, both financially and with time.

1984 class - 35 years, no members attended.

1989 class - 30 years, Andy Twiggar provided a brief report for the members attending.

1994 class - 25 years, no members attended. This is the silver anniversary class.

1999 class - 20 years, no members attended.

2004 class - 15 years, no members attended.

2009 class - 10 years, no members attended.

2014 class - five years, one member attended. Marielle Marie Miller provided a brief update.

Gifts to the golden anniversary class (1969) from the Shamokin Area High School Alumni Association were presented by vice president Jeffrey Schlader ('73) with assistance from Mary Anne Pitorak Miller ('74) and five seniors from the 2019 class. Five members from the class of 1969 attended the banquet.

The distance award was presented by Schlader to Dr. Andy Brovey ('72) who traveled from Naples, Florida. He was given a check for $50, which was donated back to the alumni association.

Eugene Boughner ('60) presented the Alumni Scholarship Awards. These are awards for four years. Total amount awarded tonight was an awesome $48,200 (including $3,000 for an additional award - the R. Thomas Lynch Award for trade school emphasis). Seven awards were from the Coal Township Alumni Association (CT), while nine were from the Shamokin Area Alumni Association (SA).

Yearly award amount, student name and major emphasis follows:

First - $4,000 (SA), Marshall Buggy, University of Pennsylvania, astrophysics.

Second - $3,500 (CT), Abigail Nye, Villanova University, biology/pre-med.

Third - $3,500 (SA), Jameson Kramer, Penn State University, media studies.

Fourth - $3,200 (SA), Spencer Balonis, Temple University, actuarial science.

Fifth - $3,000 (CT), Robert Rebuck, Bucknell University, civil and management engineering.

Sixth - $3,000 (SA), Payton Whary, Lycoming College, undecided.

Seventh - $3,000 (SA), Andrea Seguara, Wilkes University, nursing.

Eighth - $2,800 (SA), Blake Zalar, Penn State University, business.

Ninth - $2,500 (CT), Teagan Heath, University of Rochester, biochemistry, cognitive brain science.

10th - $2,500 (CT), Madison Foulds, Penn State University Harrisburg, aerospace engineering.

11th - $2,500 (CT), John Wagner, unavailable to attend banquet.

12th - $2,500 (CT), Clif Zheng, Arcadia University, biology.

13th - $2,500 (CT), Luke Kiracofe, Pennsylvania College of Technology, electrical engineering.

14th - $2,500 (SA), Jessa Paczkoski, Kutztown University, elementary education.

15th - $2,200 (SA), Quinn Rollman, Penn State University, chemical engineering.

16th - $2,000 (SA), Collin Bowers, Lebanon Valley College, exercise science.

Thomas Lynch Award - Tim Lynch ('88) and family donated a $500,000 gift in memory of their father who served for many years on the school board. It is established for a student going to a college of technology. This first award of $3,000 per year is being presented to Ethan Tharp, Pennsylvania College of Technology, civil engineering.

High School Principal Todd Hockenbroch ('97) introduced Henry Hynoski, dean of students; Chris Venna, superintendent of schools; and Erik S. Anderson ('97) school board member to the group. Hockenbroch gave a report on Shamokin Area High School and included information on the following topics: academics, athletics, music and art. He shared some of the many successes that the school and students have achieved during this past school year. He also told about some of the different activities occurring in the schools.

Hockenbroch thanked the alumni association for the privilege to work with the association and that the association is fortunate to have such "great alumni." He concluded that the district appreciates the associations's efforts and that the kids are the ones who are reaping the benefits.

The education (scholarship) committee has ratified the following names as officers to serve on the committee:

* President, Eugene Boughner ('60).

* Vice president, Matthew Weller ('91).

* Secretary, Frances Lee Brennan Culp ('68).

* Treasurer, Gregory Dwulet ('68).

Board members recommended to serve on education committee for a five-year term to 2024, include Boughner, Weller and Brennan Stump. A motion made by Klinger and seconded by Pitorak Miller to approve the three board members to serve was made. All were in favor.

Duceman Callahan presented the following names for ratification as officers who were nominated by the executive committee.

Duceman Callahan introduced the new alumni association officers for 2019-20. They are:

* President, Jeffrey Schlader.

* Vice president, Amy Henninger Rachau ('83).

* Secretary, Jamie A. Hoffman Bordell ('75).

* Treasurer, Gregory Dwulet.

* Registrar, Jeffrey Clutcher ('78).

Outgoing alumni president Duceman Callahan introduced the new officers and thanked the many committees and members for their help this past year. Duceman Callahan also encouraged all alumni to become active with the association by attending meetings, which are held three times a year: fall, winter and spring. Check the website - http://www.indians.k12.pa/alumni - for more information.

The senior class led the alumni association in singing the alma mater. The alma mater was accompanied by Bonny Ensinger Klinger ('68).

Afterglow entertainment was provided by the Vic Boris Trio. Refreshments were included.

Zimbabwe native Keith Mundangepfupfu '19, a College of Social Studies major and African studies minor, is the recipient of a scholarship through the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.

The scholarship will fund full course fees and living costs at St. Antony's College at Oxford.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship supports "leaders of tomorrow by providing outstanding university graduates and young professionals from developing countries and emerging economies with the opportunity to pursue fully-funded graduate studies, combined with a specially created program of leadership development, long-term mentoring and networking."

At St. Antony's, Mundangepfupfu will pursue a Master of Science in migration studies, focusing on the immigration of Zimbabweans to South Africa and how they interact with the law, specifically LGBTQ+ Zimbabwean immigrants.

"This program aligns perfectly with my thesis at Wesleyan, which focused on queer male Zimbabwean immigrants living in South Africa who are facing extreme xenophobia and homophobia," he said. "As far as I know, Oxford is one of the few institutions that offer this degree program."

At Wesleyan, Mundangepfupfu served as the manager for Ubuntu House, the African student house on campus, and was a member of the African Students Association and the Student Judicial Board.

After graduating, Mundangepfupfu hopes to work on immigration policies with an international migration organization and potentially enroll in law school.

"A law degree will enable me to be an advocate for queer immigrants on the African continent and abroad," he said.

Westbrook Christian had an outstanding 2019 graduating class, with 85 percent of the students receiving scholarships.

"We keep up with the percentage every year," said Principal Cindy Greer. "Over the past five years it's been like 58 percent, 59 percent. Last year's group, the class of 2018, had 65 percent, and we were all thrilled with that because we'd never had 65 percent. This year when we started adding them in, they just kept coming in!"

Of the 48 graduating seniors, 41 received scholarship offers, for a wide variety of reasons.

"They are smart kids," said Greer "It's a smart class. They are good kids. They're leaders. Some of these were leadership scholarships and some of them were based on community service. Most of them were based on academics. Some were athletic."

To prepare the students for life after graduation, Westbrook Christian employs two guidance counselors, one of which focuses on juniors and seniors. As juniors, the students visit college campuses and as seniors, the counselor meets with each student, encourages them to apply for every available scholarship and sends deadline reminders.

"I think this was a result of a combination of a really good group and a focus on helping them," said Greer.

In total, the graduating class received over $2.8 million dollars.

"For a group of 41 kids, that's amazing," said Greer.

The students were recognized at the school's annual Honor's Day program. College admission officers often come to present students with awards for their scholarships, and every student that received a scholarship is recognized. Students are also honored for high grades and presented with honor cords for high grades and who are part of the math honors society. Students who are involved in the school's Key Club are honored, as well as students with the most community service hours. An overall award is given for each discipline and the highest GPA.

This year, the valedictorian was Anna Leach, who also received a perfect ACT score.

"We're proud of them," said Greer. "This is an unusual group. They're good kids too. They are not just smart, but they are well-rounded. That's something that we want to do. When they walk across the stage to get their diploma, we want them prepared to do whatever God has called them to do. That's our mission. This group made that easy.

Students scholarships include:

David Barnett - Gadsden State Community College Technology Scholarship.

Avery Bane - Jacksonville State University Gamecock Grant, Shorter University Academic Scholarship, Avery will play soccer for Shorter.

Makenna Beard - The University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship, Alabama GI Dependents Scholarship.

Charlotte Carlisle - Samford University Academic Scholarship, Samford University Leadership Scholarship, Samford University Legacy Scholarship, Samford University Early Admittance to The Ida Moffitt School of Nursing, The University of Alabama Capstone Scholar Scholarship, The University of Alabama Bryant Scholarship, The University of Alabama Tutwiler-Bryant Scholarship, The University of Alabama Alumni Heritage Scholarship, The University of Alabama Alumni Scholar Award, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Tradition.

Mitchell Cook - University of Alabama-Huntsville Charger Achievement Award Scholarship, Mitchell will compete on the track and cross-country teams.

Jackson Cox - University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship.

Lilly Echeverri - Samford University Dean's Scholarship, Samford University Leadership Scholarship, Samford University Legacy Scholarship, University of Alabama Recognition Scholarship, Mississippi State Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship, Mississippi State Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship.

Mackenzie Fairchild - University of Alabama at Birmingham Breakthrough Scholarship.

Declan Godfrey - University of South Alabama Presidential Scholarship, University of South Alabama Study Abroad Experience Award, The Mable Tatum Memorial Community Service Scholarship.

Mary Reid Goodwin - Howard Putnam Memorial Scholarship of First Baptist Church of Gadsden.

Sara Goodwin - Auburn University All Auburn Scholarship, Howard Putnam Memorial Scholarship of First Baptist Church of Gadsden.

Hunter Grimes - The University of the South, Sewanee-Ecce Quam Bonum Award (Hunter will play football for the University of the South), The University of Alabama Capstone Scholarship, Mississippi State University Academic Excellence Scholarship, Mississippi State University Student Body President Scholarship.

Jonathon Hall - Jacksonville State University Gamecock Pride Scholarship, Samford University Deans Scholarship, Samford University Leadership Scholarship, The University of Alabama Crimson Achievement Scholar Scholarship.

Riley Hull - Jacksonville State University Gamecock Spirit.

Autumn Ingle - The University of Alabama Foundation in Excellence, Auburn University Charter Scholarship, Spirit of Auburn Scholarship, Samford University Academic Scholarship.

Joseph James - The United States of America Army Scholarship.

Lilly Keene - Samford University Academic Scholarship, Samford University Leadership Scholarship, Samford University Scholarship, Alabama Student Grant, Auburn University All Auburn Scholarship, The University of Alabama Alumni Scholarship, The University of Alabama A&S Opportunity Scholarship, The University ofAlabama Alumni HeritageScholarship, The University of Alabama Capstone Scholar Scholarship, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Tradition.

Baden Kemp - Samford University Dean's Scholarship, Samford University Leadership Scholarship, Samford University Scholarship, Samford University Early Admittance to The Ida Moffitt School of Nursing, The University of Alabama UA Recognition Scholarship, Mississippi State University Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship, Mississippi State University Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship.

Will Lankford - The University of Alabama Recognition Scholarship, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Tradition.

Anna Leach - Auburn University Spirit of Auburn Presidential Scholarship, National Merit Auburn University Scholarship, The University of Alabama Presidential Elite Scholarship, The University of Alabama Engineering Scholarship, The University of Alabama Presidential National Housing Scholarship, The University of Alabama Provost Academic Excellence Stipend, The University of Alabama Research/Study Abroad Stipend, The University of Alabama Supply Store Book Scholarship, University of West Florida National Merit Scholarship.

Forest McClinton - Jacksonville State University Gamecock Pride, The University of Alabama Legends, Auburn University All Auburn Scholarship.

Matthew Merkel - University of Alabama at Birmingham Presidential Recognition Scholarship, Samford University Academic Scholarship, Samford University Scholarship, Alabama State Grant, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Prestige.

Katarina Miller - The University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship, The University of Alabama Engineering Scholarship, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Prestige, The King's College Presidential Scholarship, King's College Priority Action Grant, UAB Presidential Recognition Scholarship, UAH Charger Distinction Scholarship, Samford University Academic Student Grant, Samford University Academic Scholarship, Samford University Scholarship. Katarina has accepted an invitation to the University of Alabama Honors College and the STEM Path to MBA program.

Jonah Morris - Queens University of Charlotte Merit Scholarship, University of Mount Olive Presidential and Trojan Scholarships, University of Montevallo MLK, Jr. Scholarship, University of Montevallo Academic Recognition Scholarship, Mars Hill University Academic Award Scholarship. Jonah will compete on the cross country and track teams at the University of West Georgia.

Dalton Morgan - Jacksonville State University Gamecock Grant, Tuition Scholarship from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

John Ross Morgan - Jacksonville State University - Gamecock Grant. John Ross will play football and baseball at Birmingham Southern.

Anna Nichols - Samford University Academic Scholarship, Samford University Leadership Scholarship, Samford University Legacy Scholarship, Samford University Scholarship, Alabama State Grant.

Alley McSizemore - Auburn University Spirit of Auburn University Scholarship, University of Alabama Foundation in ExcellenceScholarship, University of Alabama Alumni Heritage Scholarship, University of Alabama Girls' State Scholarship, Troy University Alabama Girl's State Scholarship, Troy University Chancellor's Award, Mississippi State University Colvard Future Leader Scholarship, Mississippi State UniversityFreshman Academic Excellence Scholarship, Mississippi State University Old Main Scholarship, Mississippi State University Non-Residential Tuition, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Excellence Scholarship, Samford University Academic Scholarship, Samford Leadership Scholarship, Samford University Scholarship, Delta Kappa Gamma Teaching Scholarship.

Scarlet Stearns - Samford University Dean's Scholarship, Samford University Leadership Scholarship, Samford University Legacy League Scholarship, Samford University Legacy Scholarship, Samford University Scholarship, Federal Pell Grant, Alabama Student Grant, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Pride, Jacksonville State University Leadership Scholarship, Jefferson State Community College Tuition Scholarship.

Morgan Strain - University of Alabama Alumni Scholarship, University of Alabama A&S Opportunity Scholarship, University of Alabama UA Legends Scholarship, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Tradition. Morgan has also been accepted into the Department of Dance at the University of Alabama. Dancers are accepted into this program by invitation only through an application and audition process.

Anna Beth Swatzell - The University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship, The University of Alabama Alumni Scholar Award.

Collin Swatzell - The University of Alabama Foundation in Excellence Scholarship, The University of Alabama Alumni Scholar Award.

P.J. Wells - Mississippi State Valley University Scho-larship. P.J. will play football at JSU as a preferred walk-on.

William Wethington - University of North Georgia Golf Scholarship, Jacksonville State University - Golf Scholarship.

Daniel Matthew Harper Finney, a recent AC Flora graduate, has been named the winner of the James H. Parke Memorial Fund Summer Youth Scholarship award. Working as a volunteer for the last five years at the Columbia VA Health Care System, Finney assisted medical staff from the prosthetics clinic, to surgery, and the emergency room.

"Helping veterans and their families as they awaited surgical outcomes was enlightening to me, as we talked about their various experiences in the military. Every area that I worked in was unique, and therefore I gained and learned new information every moment I was there, no matter where I was assigned for the summer," he explained.

The nomination for the award was made by David Omura, Director and CEO of the Columbia VA Health Care System. "He has a trifecta package," Omura claimed. "First of all, with tons of talent, Finney automatically rose to the top. He loves to champion the causes for underdogs and has a natural ability to bring people together. Second and third is that he is a true leader in sports and academics. I expect to see a great leader evolve from within him in the future."

Reusable Medical Equipment Coordinator at the Dorn center, Jwan Jackson, was Finney's supervisor in the sterile processing department. "He was excited and quick to learn," Jackson said. "He showed exemplary characteristics that you look for in someone much older than him. His award is well deserved."

Finney competed for the award against a pool of candidates from around the country. He was selected on the basis of a written essay, grade point average, and references. Further, he had to complete at least 100 hours of regularly scheduled volunteer service during the previous calendar year.

In August Finney will be making his way to Rock Hill where he will enroll in Winthrop University. He will study Exercise Science with the eventual goal of becoming a Physician's Assistant. Will college bring an end to his volunteerism? Not at all. "I'm looking at working at the Charlotte VA Hospital or one in the Rock Hill area," he said. High school may be behind him, but not his voluntary passion.

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