Local donors give $15k in scholarships to Holley students
Photos by Tom Rivers – Randy Andrews won the Karen Kane and Karen Cobb wrestling award for demonstrating heart and a “never quit” attitude during the wrestling season.
Brenna DeFelice is recognized for winning a Holley Sports Booster Scholarship.
HOLLEY – They were honored for academic excellence, prowess on sports fields, compassion to others and community service.
Many Holley graduates today received scholarships from the local community, awards ranging from $25 to $500. Altogether, local organizations and benefactors shared $15,000 in scholarships with students.
It was an impressive spectacle, all the awards in memory of friends, family and community leaders.
The list grows each year. One new scholarship for $200 is in memory of Eugene “Butch” Weader. He was a popular local resident and Hulberton’s unofficial mayor. He died June 16. The scholarship is funded by the VFW Eastern Orleans Memorial Post 202 and is given to a graduate entering the armed forces.
During commencement this morning, each scholarship winner was announced and stood before the crowd of about 1,000 people. The long list of scholarships showed the strong support of the local community for the students.
Zach Clark stands and is acknowledged for winning a $50 scholarship in memory of Butch Drennen. The scholarship is funded by Drennen’s family for a graduate going into auto technology.
Deanna Sommerfeldt won a $500 scholarship in memory of Richard Martin for displaying an exceptional work ethic.
Will Barniak won a $200 scholarship in memory of Noel Lutes given by the Lutes family for a soccer player who shows the most heart.
