Stotz Scholarship Recipients Honored by Little League

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (May 25, 2005) – Carl Stotz envisioned a game played by children and rooted in good citizenship when he founded Little League Baseball in 1939.

That goal continues to be the driving force behind Little League today. Accordingly, the Little League International Board of Directors established the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarship Aid Fund to reward academic excellence. This is the 12th year of the scholarship program, during which more than $59,000 in financial assistance toward higher education has been awarded to more than 60 Lycoming County students.

Scholarships totaling $8,000 are awarded annually to five male and five female graduates of Lycoming County high schools, to perpetuate the memory of Little League’s founder, recognizing his commitment to the development of the young people of Lycoming County, Pa. All graduating seniors in the top 25 percent of their class who have demonstrated good citizenship and whose spirit exemplifies effort, determination and persistence in attaining the goal of higher education, are eligible to apply.

This year’s top recipients of $2,000 each are John Haefner of South Williamsport, and Callah Antonetti of Williamsport Area High School. Mr. Haefner will attend Penn State University, while Miss Antonetti will attend the University of Pittsburgh’s honors college. They were chosen from a group of 10 finalists who, in turn, were chosen from among 44 who applied.

“When Carl Stotz founded Little League, he created much more than a game of bats and balls, he built a program with good citizenship as its cornerstone,” said Stephen D. Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League Baseball and Softball. “These recipients of the Carl Stotz Scholarship exemplify that theme, and it is our pleasure to acknowledge their efforts and honor their accomplishments.”

Receiving $500 each are: Kory Datres, Kevin Dincher, Pamela Odorizzi and Katherine Bering (Loyalsock Township High School); Ahmareen Baten and Jessica Orso (Williamsport Area High School); Micah Gentzel (South Williamsport High School); and Sean Berrier (Hughesville High School).

Announcement of all recipients of financial aid through the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarship Aid Fund was made today at an annual luncheon at Little League International.

Stephen D. Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, left, is pictured with 2005 Carl E Stotz Little League Scholarship recipients, John Haefner (South Williamsport Area High School) and Callah Antonetti (Williamsport Area High School). Also pictured is Karen Stotz Myers, right, daughter of Carl Stotz, founder of Little League Baseball. Mr. Haefner and Ms. Antonetti were the top scholarship recipients as presented today at the 12th annual Carl E. Stotz Scholarship luncheon held at Little League International, in Williamsport, Pa. The 2005 Carl E. Stotz Little League Scholarship luncheon was held today at Little League International, Williamsport, Pa. Recipients of the scholarships are pictured here. From left in the front row, Pamela Odorizzi (Loyalsock Township High School), Jessica Orso (Williamsport Area High School), Callah Antonetti (Williamsport Area High School), Katherine Bering (Loyalsock Township High School), and Nurun Baten (mother of Ahmareen Baten, Williamsport Area High School), who accepted the scholarship on her daughter’s behalf. In the back row from left are, Stephen D. Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, Micah Gentzel (South Williamsport Area High School), Kevin Dincher (Loyalsock Township High School), John Haefner (South Williamsport Area High School), Sean Berrier (Hughesville High School), Kory Datres (Loyalsock Township High School), and Karen Stotz Myers, daughter of the late Carl Stotz, founder of Little League Baseball. This was the 12th annual scholarship presentation, which to date has presented more than 60 students from Lycoming County, Pa., with more than $59,000 in financial aid through the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Financial Aid Fund.