Scholarship Recipients Honored By Little League

Chosen to receive $2,000 Carl E. Stotz Scholarship Awards were Michael Conner of Muncy High School, left, and Kathryn Somers of Williamsport Area High School. (click on the photo to see a larger version)

Williamsport, Pa. (May 30, 2002) – At Little League’s inception in 1939, the bedrock value of leadership was foremost on the mind of Little League founder Carl E. Stotz.

Much more than merely a game of bats and balls, Mr. Stotz sought to create Little League as a vehicle toward good citizenship. That goal continues to be the driving force behind Little League today. Accordingly, in 1994, the Little League Baseball International Board of Directors established the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarship Aid Fund to reward academic excellence with financial assistance toward higher education. The fund was bolstered this year with an additional $17,000, provided by the Williamsport Wheel Club.

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 for participation.

All winners of Carl E. Stotz Scholarship Awards are shown here. In front from left are Lindsey Welch and Elizabeth Deljanovan, both of South Williamsport High School; Kathryn Somers, Williamsport Area High School; Sara Campbell, Montgomery High School; and Kathryn Dincher of Loyalsock High School. In back from left are: Stephen D. Keener, president and CEO of Little League Baseball, Incorporated; Bryan Makos and Ryan Bower, both of Montoursville High School; Michael Conner of Muncy High School;  Ryan Schreiter, Montoursville High School; Brian Richards, Hughesville High School; and Karen Stotz Myers, daughter of Little League founder Carl E. Stotz.  (click on the photo to view a larger version)

This year’s top recipients of $2,000 each are Michael Conner of Muncy Jr./Sr. High School, and Kathryn Somers of Williamsport Area High School. Mr. Conner plans to attend Ursinus College, near Philadelphia. Miss Somers plans to attend Duke University in Durham, N.C.

“It is our pleasure to honor these fine young people, who bring great credit to their schools and our community,” Stephen D. Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League Baseball, said. “All of them are outstanding examples of many of our young people who will lead us in the future. We often do not hear enough about these types of students in our county.”

Mr. Conner and Miss Somers were chosen from a group of 10 finalists who, in turn, were chosen from among 63 who applied. Receiving $500 each are: Ryan Bower, Bryan Makos and Ryan Schreiter (Montoursville), Brian Richards (Hughesville), Sara Campbell (Montgomery), Kathryn Dincher (Loyalsock), and Lindsey Welch and Elizabeth Deljanovan (South Williamsport).

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 Baseball International.