Mifflinburg – The Mifflinburg Area Community Scholarship Trust, Inc. awarded scholarships totaling $60,500 to Mifflinburg Area High School seniors. Twenty-one students received scholarships during the Annual Senior Awards program.
The Valedictorian Scholarship was awarded to Mackenzie Vasbinder and the Salutatorian Scholarship was presented to Lydia DeFacis.
Two new perpetual scholarships were introduced this year. The first is in memory of Joslyn Flickenger, a Mifflinburg student who died in an accident this past year. The Joslyn Flickenger Memorial scholarship must go to a female athlete and was awarded to Lilee Dorman. The second new scholarship is the 4-year MACST Scholarship awarded for the best overall application regardless of GPA. This year’s winner was Mackenzie Vasbinder.
The Beckley Family provided funds for two one-time scholarships. The Beckley Family Field Hockey scholarship went to Lilee Dorman and the Beckley Family Softball scholarship was presented to Chelsea Miller.
The perpetual scholarships with criteria designated by the sponsors were as follows: Samantha Weaver – George Burman Pennsylvania School of Technology Scholarship, Eli Erickson – the Christkindl Market Community Service Scholarship, Garrett N. Franck – the Kermit W. & Mary E. Dale & Sons Environmental Conservation Award, Garrett N. Franck, Rhys Klingler, and Chelsea Miller – the Mifflinburg FFA Recognition Scholarships, Bryant Groff – the H. Richard Ward, M.D. & Devin Ward Scholarship for medicine and/or the preforming arts, Lydia DeFacis – the Charles “Skeet” Reidell Scholarship for demonstrating excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership on and off the field, and Emma Hyder – the Wagner Music Scholarship.
The Mifflinburg Hose Company selected the winner of the Tod “Cleever” Steese Scholarship. The recipient must have played basketball, baseball, or football and demonstrated leadership qualities. This year’s recipient was Zeb Hufnagle.
Mackenzie Vasbinder was the recipient of the Griffith Family Scholarship that is presented to a student entering a medical field of study. Two Rhoda K. Reidell-Fasano Scholarships were also presented. Laine Martin received one for a student entering the field of education and Mackenzie Vasbinder for a student entering the field of science or medicine.
Four students who are pursuing medical careers and completed a specialized application were awarded the Harold and Helen Evans Memorial Scholarships. The honorees were Zeb Hufnagle, Natalie Miles, Kaylee Swartzlander, and Samantha Weaver.
Twelve members of the Mifflinburg Area High School Class of 2024 received M.A.C.S.T. scholarships. Seniors receiving these were: Cailynn Blannard, Lydia DeFacis, Troy Dressler, Garret N. Franck, Sarah Fritz, Bryant Groff, Emma Hyder, Annika Klinefelter, Laine Martin, Connor Neece, Logan Smith, and Declan White.