The CAN DO Community Foundation announced the area high school students who were selected as the 2024/25 Dessen Scholars. The students will receive a scholarship to participate in the Junior Leadership Hazleton Program. A group of thirty prospective candidates submitted a packet that included an essay focusing on what community service and its benefits mean to them as well as listing their active service involvement.

The Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award was established in 2001 to honor Dr. Dessen as CAN DO’s founder and to mark the organization’s 45th anniversary. This year’s recipients, their interests, and high school are:

• Alexis Bleiler, MMI – is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, tutors at the school learning center, and is a competitive ice skater; she enjoys mentoring young skaters.
• Shaniece Brown, Hazleton Area High School – volunteers at food drives, Fork Over Love events, and area clean-ups. She is a member of the Varsity Wrestling Team and a member of the PA State Police Hill Impact Program.
• Roosivelt Fernandez Hazleton Area Career Center – volunteers as a Homework Helper at the Hazleton Integration Program Center and is a member of the Student Council.
• Eliesel Lazala, Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences – member of NJHS and a community band, volunteers at Pioneer 1 Fire Station, Ecology Club clean-ups, and assists with translation at various events.
• Alena Lombardo, Marion High School – Participates in Track & Field events, and is a member of the volleyball team. Volunteers at the soup kitchen and United Way events. In addition, is a member of several school clubs.
• Anahay Martes de Luna, Hazleton Area High School – is looking forward to entering the arena of volunteerism and community service this year.
• Julia Papp, Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities Academy – volunteers at CEO Food Distributions and assists with food service at the homeless shelter.
• Kelly Reiner, Weatherly High School – volunteers at community events and is a member of several school clubs and teams. In addition, Kelly has a part-time job.

The Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award scholarship recognizes area high school students, their volunteer efforts, and future interest in community service. A scholarship to Junior Leadership Hazleton is awarded to students to further their experience in service and learning leadership and teamwork skills. The Dessen Scholarship has encouraged students to become active in their community and become more self-confident as they prepare for the future as responsible citizens.

The selection committee members are Terry Campbell, Melissa Curto, Larry Dessen, Beth Dessen Duffy, Melissa Frederick, Jeff Gicking, Chris Stamatopoulos, Chair and Jocelyn Sterenchock. The committee welcomed Terry Campbell as its newest member.

Ms. Stamatopoulos mentioned to the committee that “it doesn’t get any easier” in selecting the finalists from such an impressive group of candidates. “This program offers them the opportunity to make a difference in our community”.

Gary F. Lamont, president on behalf of the foundation, extended his appreciation to the committee for their effort in reviewing candidates’ submission materials and finalist selection. Lamont extended a special thank you to Jane and Michael Dougherty, Joseph Clark, and the Junior Leadership Hazleton Board of Directors.