Since 1994, Little League® International has honored the memory of its founder through the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball® Scholarship. At its annual luncheon on Thursday, May 19, Little League recognized the achievement of 10 Lycoming County High School Seniors, awarding a total of $13,000 in scholarship funds. In 23 years, Little League has awarded nearly $165,000 to 182 students, including this year’s honorees.
Of the five male and five female recipients, one male student and one female student each received a $2,500 scholarship, with the eight other finalists receiving $1,000. From the 55 scholarship applicants this year, the recipients of the $2,500 scholarships are Olivia Pierce from St. John Neumann Regional Academy and Connor Pardoe from Williamsport High School. Ms. Pierce will be attending Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, and Mr. Pardoe will continue his education at George Washington University.
The other eight finalists receiving $1,000 scholarships include: Angelo Barberio (Muncy), Mikela Hoffman (Loyalsock), Michael Karschner (Hughesville), Donavan Keen (South Williamsport), Heather Merrifield (Hughesville), Benjamin Thomas (Jersey Shore), Lybi Westover (Williamsport), and Gabriella Winder (Montgomery).
“Since its founding in 1939, Little League has been committed to instilling life lessons of hard work, dedication, and determination,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and Chief Executive Officer. “These ten students are all shining examples of how these life lessons lead to success in the class room and as citizens. We are honored to not only recognize Carl Stotz’s legacy of fostering the development of children in Lycoming County and around the world, but also the commitment and accomplishments of this year’s Stotz Scholarship recipients.”
The scholarships perpetuate the memory of Little League’s founder, Carl E. Stotz, recognizing his commitment to the development of youth in Lycoming County. The year following his passing, the Little League International Board of Directors established this scholarship program in 1993 to recognize Mr. Stotz’s commitment to the local, Lycoming County community, and commemorate his vision in creating a community-based organization to provide a competitive, healthy outlet for children to learn the values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship.
The Stotz Scholarship recognizes high school seniors from Lycoming County school districts who excel in academics and citizenship. In order to be considered, a graduating senior must be in the top 25 percent of their class at one of the nine Lycoming County high schools. In addition to academics, the applications are reviewed on merits of good citizenship and whose spirit exemplifies effort, determination and persistence in attaining the goal of higher education. Each interested senior submits two letters of recommendation and an essay on what they hope to achieve through higher education. Applications for the scholarship are generally accepted between December and March.