Dunmore’s Keystone Chapter of UNICO National has awarded two $1,000 Scholarships.
The winners are shown, seated from left: Shayonna Escalera of Holy Cross High School, who will attend Cedar Crest College majoring in nursing, and Nicholas Maldonato of Dunmore High School, who will attend Temple University majoring in finance.
Standing, same order: Keystone Chapter UNICO National president Cathy Bianchi, chapter treasurer Val Riggi, and chapter scholarship director Sandy Collins.
As part of the YMCA’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water, the Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs will provide scholarships for swim instruction and water safety to children from under-served communities in the Scranton & Wilkes-Barre regions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages one to 14 years old. In ethnically diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average, according to a USA Swimming study. Additionally nearly six out of 10 African American and Hispanic/Latino children are unable to swim, nearly twice as many as their Caucasian counterparts.
“Educating children how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before they cross the street,” said Diana Dempsey, Senior Aquatics Director, Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs. “The Y’s teaches children of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives it builds confidence.”
The Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 150 years. The Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs continue to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose, including swim lessons for all ages, family swim, competitive swimming, water aerobics and more.
In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing—skills that last a lifetime.
To learn how to qualify for financial assistance, visit our websites or call: www.greaterscrantonymca.org, (570) 342-8115, or www.wbymca.org, (570) 823-2191.
The Purple Club awarded four annual $1,000 scholarships to University of Scranton students from Lackawanna County.
Noteworthy among gifts to University of Scranton students are the amounts contributed annually by the Purple Club of Scranton. Since its founding in 1933, the Purple Club has provided special financial support to deserving and qualified students.
Standing, from left: Ed Karpovich, vice president; Crystal Ondrick, U of S financial aid; Joe DeAntona, Deborah Perry, secretary/treasurer, and Caelin Docalovich, scholarship winner, accepting check from Patrick O’Malley, president.
Seated in front row: Hannah Gaul, Katrina Coviello and Kathleen Healey, scholarship winners.