More than $35,000 in scholarships, grants and awards are available to McKeesport Area High School seniors again this year, thanks to the generosity of McKeesport High alumni, their family members and friends and/or members of the McKeesport community.

The McKeesport High School Alumni & Friends Association, in announcing the current opportunities, noted that letters detailing the scholarship program have gone out to parents of members of the Class of 2007. Flyers listing the scholarships and grants were distributed to every senior in early January as well.

 “These scholarships and awards have been underwritten by proud McKeesport alumni  and other supporters who want to extend a helping hand to today’s students as they contemplate that next, important step in their educational careers,” said Linda L. Croushore, Ed.D., president of the McKeesport High School Alumni & Friends Association. “We want to stress that they are open to all seniors intent on pursuing post-secondary education, whether they are college-bound or headed to career or technical schools, business school, art school or culinary institute.”

The alumni association has been aggressively seeking funds for this program. In addition to the scholarships, alumni also fund a number of mini grants for McKeesport Area teachers through the Consortium’s Great Idea Grants program (the alumni association is an initiative of the Consortium and is housed at its offices).

The scholarships listed below have been established and/or are administered by the alumni association and represent what’s available this school year. Deadline for most is March 30, 2007.

Walter C. Shaw  Memorial Scholarship – Established in 2004 by Elizabeth Shaw Gamble, a 1937 graduate of McKeesport High School, in memory of her father, Walter Carlyle Shaw. Given annually to a graduate going on to a college or university; number and amount of award(s) vary. Preference given to those pursuing a career in the medical field. Click here for application.

Justin R. Misura Memorial Award – Two  awards of $500 annually to a graduate planning to enroll in the culinary arts program at Westmoreland County Community College. (Established in 2004 in memory of Justin Misura, a 2001 graduate, by his family and friends.) Click here for application.

The Marlene Keller Farkas Memorial Scholarship —  Established in 2001 by family members to honor the memory of Marlene Keller Farkas,  a 1941 graduate of McKeesport High School.  One  $1,000 award, given annually to a graduating senior going on to a college, university or technical school.  Click here for application.

The Richard & Robert Fetters Memorial Gift — One $400 award given annually to a senior selected on the basis of merit and need. Established in 1997 by Beryle Fetters Nathan in memory of her brothers, Richard and Robert Fetters, members of the MHS Classes of 1935 and 1941, respectively.

Kathy McCall Sportmanship Award — Established by family members and friends of the late Kathy McCall, a member of the McKeesport High School Class of 1972. One $500 award (made in December of each school year).

The Arthur N. Rupe Foundation Scholarships — Established in 2001 by Arthur N. Rupe, a 1935 MHS graduate and a member of the McKeesport High School Hall of Fame.  Three awards of $2,000  to $2,500 each,  given annually to  a graduating senior intent on furthering his/her education at a college, university or technical school. Click here for application.

The Dr. Matthew R. Hadley Memorial Award — Given in memory of the physician who served both the McKeesport community and McKeesport Hospital for more than five decades. Open to seniors who plan to enroll in a four-year, full-time program at an accredited college or university. Number of awards varies; awards usually are in the $800 range.  Winner decided by the Hadley selection committee.  Click here for application.

The Antoncic Family Scholarships — Established by McKeesport physician Dr. Rudolph A. Antoncic, Jr., a 1961 MHS graduate and a member of the Hall of Fame, in memory of former McKeesport Area School District employees. Four awards of $250 each; winners selected by the high school administration on the basis of merit and need.

The Mary V. Tomko Scholarship — Established in 1999 by Chris Casciato, a 1976 MHS graduate and a member of the Hall of Fame, in his grandmother’s honor. Number of awards vary; selection made by Casciato family members. Open to college-bound seniors (see counselor for application).

The Nick Bakalis Memorial Award  —  Established in 2002 in memory of Nick Bakalis by his daughter, Melissa Bakalis Milbank,  MHS Class of 1975, and his wife, Eleanor Frum, MHS Class of 1951. Two awards of $1,000 each annually to a graduating senior intent on furthering his/her education at a college, university, business or technical school. Preference given to those pursuing a career in business and/or accounting.  Click here for application.

The Albert (Abby) T. Fallquist Memorial Scholarship Fund — Established in 2002 in memory of Albert (Abby) T. Fallquist, longtime chemistry teacher and varsity baseball coach at McKeesport High School. Eligibility limited to graduating seniors who were members of the varsity baseball team and who plan to continue their education at a college, university or technical school. Number and the amount of the awards vary. Graduates may re-apply for additional support in subsequent years. Committee selects winner, in conjunction with school official. Click here for application.

The Sam Liberatore Memorial Scholarship Fund — Established in 2002 in memory of Sam Liberatore, a member of the MHS Class of 1963.  One award made annually to a senior member of the Tiger baseball team. Amount varies; selection made by family members in conjunction with school officials.

The Neenie Campbell Memorial Fund – Established in honor of the longtime MHS basketball coach, C.P. (Neenie) Campbell, and funded by former Tiger basketball players and other interested graduates. Committee decides on disbursment of funds. First awards will be made this year.

The Yecies Family Awards — Established by Richard Yecies, a 1965 MHS graduate, in memory, respectively, of his brother, Robert S. Yecies, MHS Class of 1961, and his father, William H. Yecies. Two $750 awards, one to a college-bound senior planning to pursue the study of history and one to a college-bound senior who was a member of the swimming team. Additionally, there is a $500 award for a senior manager for the football team.

In the case of the Fetters, Antoncic, Liberatore, and Campbell awards, selection is made by the funders indicated in the listing above; no applications are necessary. Applications for all of the other opportunities are available at the high school in the guidance offices or library.