CLARION Emily Baker, a recent graduate of Clarion-Limestone High School and Dawn Ritzler a recent graduate of Keystone High School each received a $500 scholarship from the Kiwanis Club of Clarion during a program held June 6, at the Park Inn.
The scholarships are awarded to students attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and are based upon community service and academics.
Baker has been involved with the Student Council, Future Teachers of America, National Honor Society, and was a member of the track and field, and other extracurricular organizations at the school.
She received a Rotary “Youth Leadership Award” and also was involved in tutoring elementary students in in the Life Skills Class at C-L Elementary School. Additionally, she assisted with American Red Cross blood drives; packed take-home food bags for elementary students and organized the “Heavenly Hats” parade forcancer patients.
Baker graduated with a 4.27 average and will major in speech pathology and audiology. She is the daughter of Michael and Marlene Baker, of Strattanville.
Ritzler was involved in many student organizations at Keystone High School. She was selected as the Knox Lions Club “Student of the Month” and The Derrick’s “Student of the Week.”
She was a member of the high school band, choir, and Keystone Youth Educator Association, where she worked one-on-one with students. She was deeply involved in the school’s “The Europe Club,” conducting fundraisers for the club’s June trip to Europe.
Outside of school, Ritzler volunteered at Charitable Deeds and Services; Wolf’s Den Haunted Trail and Shack. Her work at the Haunted Trail and Shack was instrumental in raising funds for “Dog T.A.G.S,” an organization that trains dogs for soldiers suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder.
She was also active in the Clarion County Rod and Gun Club and helped extensively with the Club’s Youth Field Day.
Ritzler graduated with a 4.0 average. She will be a dual major at Clarion University, majoring in early childhood education and library science. Her scholarship was presented to her mother and sister, as Ritzler was traveling in Europe with “The Europe Club.”
Ritzler is the daughter of Troy and Michelle Ritzler, of Emlenton.