The Scholarship Panel of the Carlisle Barracks & Cumberland Valley Chapter of AUSA announced this year’s scholarship winners.  This year, eleven dependents of CB&CV Chapter members were selected for cash scholarships based on their academic, leadership, and extra-curricular qualifications/activities.  After evaluating the applications and conducting an in-depth discussion, the four panel members awarded one $1000 scholarship to the top candidate Benjamin Mouritsen; four $500 scholarships awarded to Renee Sipos, Jessica Kirk, Riley McCardell, and Kiara Clay; and six more scholarships for $250 each to Christina Hoss, Abigail Heinlein, Samantha Parrish, Alaina Matthews, Nicholas Victor, and Grace Lippert. The Panel reported that all the applicants had very impressive records and that all were highly competitive for the top $1000 award.

The candidates had a wide range of achievement across academic, athletic, leadership, extra-curricular and volunteer activities. Academic pursuits ranged from art to science and to music with achievements as National Honor Society membership, AP Scholars, and college-level Dean’s list.  Most were distinguished athletes earning letters in numerous varsity sports, awarded MVP honors, elected captains of their respective athletic teams, and identified for all-area, all-section, all-state honors and even qualification for National level competitions. Similarly, they were leaders in their student bodies in a host of student positions and active in extra-curricular activities including chorus, acting (Shakespeare Troupe), band, dance, gymnastics, scouts, and many more. Perhaps the most impressive is their record of volunteerism and community service with church organizations, local charities, YMCA, Veterans events, and many, many more.

Congratulations to all the awardees. The Scholarship Panel Members (COL(R) Ed Filiberti, COL Ryan LaPorte, LTC Jim DiCrocco, and COL(R) George Woods) were awed by the qualifications of the applicants and very appreciative of the efforts taken by all the candidates in preparing such thorough applications.

It is with great pride that our Chapter awards these scholarships to these exceptional young adults, and we also express our gratitude to all our members for their contributions throughout the year and continued membership that help make these awards possible.

Ed Filiberti
Scholarship Committee Chair