Peggy Madigan Memorial Leadership Scholarships Awarded

The scholarships are named in memory of the late wife of former state Sen. Roger A. Madigan. The selections were announced during the annual Student Government Seminar hosted at Penn College by Madigan’s successor, Sen. Gene Yaw.

The Peggy Madigan Memorial Leadership Scholarship is open to high school students who attend the 23rd Senatorial District’s annual Student Government Seminar at Penn College and subsequently enroll as full-time students at the college. Roger Madigan represented the district from 1985 until his retirement in 2009.

The scholarship may be used to help defray the costs of tuition, fees, books, tools and other required supplies. Applicants are required to write an essay describing the community service they have performed and the value that their service has added to the community.

Belzer plans to enroll in the heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis major at Penn College. He has been a member of the Future Farmers of America and was the recipient of the FFA Star Chapter Farmer Award. He was instrumental in volunteer cleanup efforts in September after flooding devastated the Montoursville community.

He is the 12th-grade historian at the high school, and he has operated a lawn-mowing business since ninth grade. Belzer has also worked in a local supermarket and hardware store.

Swartz plans to enroll at Penn College in general studies. She has cleaned and washed emergency-service vehicles, fixed lights and designed props for a local theater, removed graffiti from inner-city areas, taught underprivileged children how to bowl, and washed dishes and prepared food at a residential treatment facility. She participates in chorus and orchestra at school.

The Student Government Seminar hosted by Yaw enables students from high schools throughout the 23rd District to meet with elected officials, members of the state’s executive branch, representatives of special-interest groups and members of the news media for a day of panel discussions providing insights into the workings of state government.

Penn College is a special mission affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University, committed to applied technology education.

For more information, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.