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 Wednesday, May 20, Little League® recognized the achievement of 10 Lycoming County High School Seniors, awarding a total of $13,000 in scholarship funds. In 22 years, Little League has awarded more than $150,000 to 172 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 56 scholarship applicants this year, the recipients of the $2,500 scholarships are Sydney Blosser from South Williamsport High School and Benjamin Nesselrodt from Hughesville High School. Miss Blosser will be attending Bloomsburg University, and Mr. Nesselrodt will continue his education at Dartmouth College.
The other eight finalists receiving $1,000 scholarships include: Shannon Helman (Williamsport High School), Ellen Hill (Montgomery High School), Dominic Loffredo (Jersey Shore High School), Derek Sellers (Muncy High School), Justin Silverstrim (South Williamsport High School), Hannah Weber (Williamsport High School), Logan Wein (South Williamsport High School), Emily Winder (Montgomery High School).
“At its heart, Little League is an organization committed to the development of community leaders,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are happy to be able to continue to honor the legacy of our founder, Carl Stotz, and recognize the hard work and dedication of these ten outstanding high school seniors through the Stotz Scholarship.”
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.
