Scholarship Recipients  Honored By Little League

Print

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (May 29, 2003) – In creating much more than merely a game of bats and balls, Carl Stotz sought to construct a program that had good citizenship at its core when he founded Little League Baseball in 1939. 

That goal continues to be the driving force behind Little League today. Accordingly, the Little League Baseball International Board of Directors established the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarship Aid Fund to reward academic excellence. This is the 10th year of the scholarship program, during which $40,000 in financial assistance toward higher education has been awarded. 

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 Mark Poblete of Muncy Junior/Senior High School, and Meghan Mahoney of Williamsport Area High School. Mr. Poblete plans to attend Pennsylvania State University, while Miss Mahoney’s college plans are not yet finalized. They were chosen from a group of 10 finalists who, in turn, were chosen from among 54 who applied.

“These fine young people bring great credit to their schools and our community,” said Stephen D. Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League Baseball. “All of them are outstanding examples of many of our young people who are expected to lead us in the future. It is our pleasure to honor them today.”

Receiving $500 each are: Colin Hodge (Hughesville), Alexander Rinehart and Marissa Matthews (South Williamsport), Cassandra Bertrand and Monica Gehret (Williamsport), Julia Speicher and Matthew Dick (Jersey Shore), and Todd Clementoni (Muncy).

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.

Recipients of the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarship Aid Fund gather for a photo after the luncheon. Front row, left to right: Monica Gehret (Williamsport), Mark Poblete (Muncy), Meghan Mahoney (Williamsport), and Cassandra Bertrand (Williamsport). Back row, left to right: Stephen D. Keener (president and chief executive officer of Little League Baseball), Alexander Rinehart (South Williamsport), Marissa Matthews (South Williamsport), Colin Hodge (Hughesville), Julia Speicher (Jersey Shore), Matthew Dick (Jersey Shore), Todd Clementoni (Muncy), and Karen Stotz Myers (daughter of Little League founder Carl E. Stotz).
The selection committee for the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarship Aid Fund consists of (front row, left to right): Dr. Creighton J. Hale, Dr. Robert Yasui, Mary Lib Stockwell; (back row, left to right) Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, Dr. James Douthat, Tuck Frazier, and Stephen D. Keener.