On Wednesday, May 7, McCaskey High School’s auditorium became a space of celebration as we gathered to honor the achievements of our graduating seniors at the annual Scholarship Awards program. Hosted in partnership with the Lancaster Education Foundation (LEF), the event highlighted not only academic success but also the hopes and ambitions of students who have worked tirelessly to shape their futures.
This year’s ceremony saw the presentation of more than 65 scholarships, totaling over $100,000 in financial support. These awards, each one rooted in the generosity of individuals, families, and organizations, help remove financial barriers and offer students a meaningful path forward as they prepare to step into college life and beyond.
Sandra Mauer, Program Manager at LEF, explained the depth of work that goes into bringing this program to life. “We partner closely with donors who establish scholarships to honor loved ones or support specific fields like athletics or academics. Our job is to ensure their wishes are honored, manage the funds responsibly, and then, when students head off to college, we issue the scholarship payments directly to their schools. It’s a year-round process, and while tonight is special, the real work continues as we follow each student’s journey.”
For students like Zoe Patterson, the impact of these scholarships is life-changing. Zoe, who will be attending Millersville University to study early education, shared her excitement and gratitude: “My dream has always been to become a teacher, but as a first-generation college student, there were moments I wasn’t sure it was possible. Receiving this scholarship makes my dream feel real. One day I hope to come back and teach right here in the School District of Lancaster, helping the next generation of students believe in themselves the way my teachers believed in me.”
The ceremony also recognized students like Nasir Bair, who is set to attend Drexel University to pursue game design and production. Nasir’s vision extends beyond traditional gaming, he hopes to create educational games designed specifically for children with special needs and autism. “Getting this scholarship means I’m one step closer to creating tools that can really make a difference in kids’ lives,” he said.
Assistant Principal Elizabeth Moodie spoke with pride about the significance of the evening: “This night brings together some of our brightest and most hardworking students. It’s incredible to watch them cross the stage, knowing how much effort and dedication went into getting here. Their achievements are the result of years of perseverance, and tonight is a chance to recognize that.”
The Scholarship Awards program is a reminder of how much can be accomplished when schools, families, and community members work together to support student success. Every scholarship represents hours of planning, collaboration, and care from donors who want to create lasting legacies, to educators who champion their students’ progress, to students themselves, who bring determination and heart to everything they do.
Sandra Mauer encouraged anyone interested in supporting future scholarships to visit LancasterEducation.com, where contributions of any size can help keep these opportunities available for years to come. “Whether you’re an individual or a business, every bit of support makes a difference.”
Click here to download the program (.pdf)
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