The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is pleased to announce the availability of the 2018 Mike Munchak Community Services Scholarship to assist high school seniors from Lackawanna or Wayne Counties, PA who plan to continue their education at an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four year degree program.
If selected, the 2018 recipient will receive a one-year award of $6,300 to commemorate Mike’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers. Funding for the award comes from proceeds of the Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic and will be presented at this year’s 23rd annual tournament, slated for June at the Country Club of Scranton.
A 2001 enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Mr. Munchak’s career has earned him accolades as both a player and a coach, currently serving as the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet, it is his work off the field that led to a scholarship program being established by the United Way to honor his long-standing commitment to his hometown of Scranton and the people of the area.
“Wherever Mike’s football career has taken him – from Scranton to State College to Houston, Nashville, Canton and Pittsburgh – he has remained committed to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.
To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be actively involved in community service activities within programs/agencies receiving funds from the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna or Wayne Counties, and be accepted by an accredited university, college or trade school, in a two or four year degree program track, for the 2018/19 school year.
Additional requirements include academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service.
Last year’s recipient was Nori Zaccheo, a 2017 graduate of West Scranton High School. Ms. Zaccheo has been an active volunteer with numerous clubs and organizations including the American Red Cross and is currently studying Forensic Science and Chemistry at Syracuse University. Past recipients of this scholarship include Collin Cooper, a graduate of Lakeland Jr/Sr High School and volunteer with Meals on Wheels; Alison Barrett, a graduate of Scranton High School and volunteer with St. Joseph’s Center and the United Way’s Youth Day of Caring; Joseph M. Gigliotti and Philip Mosolino, both graduates of Carbondale Area High School and active volunteers with the Greater Carbondale YMCA and Sarah Wagner, a graduate of Holy Cross High School and volunteer with United Cerebral Palsy of NEPA.
To be considered, completed applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than March 31, 2018. A complete listing of eligibility requirements and the application are available for download or online submission at www.uwlc.net or by calling Frank Kincel at the United Way (570) 343-1267 x233.
