Scholarships

The Rotary Club of Downtown Lock Haven awards three annual scholarships to graduating seniors at Central Mountain High School, totaling $5,500. Scholarship amounts have been increased significantly in recent years, funded by Flags of Honor proceeds and our Bingo fundraiser.

Eleanor E.J. Kodish Memorial Scholarship ($2,000)

Criteria: Pursuing a career in education; attending Commonwealth University-Mansfield (or Lock Haven, or Penn State as substitutes).

About Eleanor: Eleanor Kodish was a former Avis Elementary School principal who received the Outstanding Educator Award from Mansfield University. She was active in the club at age 95 and was named Rotarian of the Year and received the Service Above Self Award. This is the newest of the three scholarships.

Dr. Betty Baird Schantz Memorial Scholarship ($2,000)

Criteria: Active Interact Club member.

About Betty: Dr. Schantz owned the Partnership House Bed & Breakfast in Lock Haven and was a champion of local history. She retired from both Temple University (where she served as professor, director, and dean) and Lock Haven University (associate dean). She was active in the club into her 90s and was named Ross Library Friend of the Year. She originally chaired the Holiday Gift Bags for Veterans project.

Roberta M. Way Memorial Scholarship ($1,500)

Criteria: College-bound student who demonstrates strong academics, commitment, and service; pursuing a career in education.

About Roberta: Roberta "Bobbie" Way was a former member of the Mill Hall-Sunrise Rotary Club. She was active in the Millbrook Playhouse, AAUW, Clinton County Historical Society, and KCnet. She was a retired accounting teacher and the wife of the late John H. Way, a Lock Haven University geology professor. The scholarship is funded in part by family contributions and remaining funds from the former Mill Hall-Sunrise Rotary Club.

Past Recipients

2024: Sofia Dressler ($2,000, Dr. Betty Baird Schantz Memorial). Interact president, received a dozen senior awards, earned 1st place in a national technical math competition.

What Recipients Say

"I am super grateful to have received this scholarship. It helped me purchase some things for my dorm, as well as putting the rest of the money towards tuition and room and board, so my dog and I can live on campus and be more involved in the community." - Brooklynn Bechdel

How to Apply

Scholarship applications are announced through Central Mountain High School each spring. Contact the club at dlhrotary@gmail.com for more information.

Support These Scholarships

The public is encouraged to donate to these scholarship funds to honor the legacies of Eleanor Kodish, Dr. Betty Schantz, and Roberta Way. Contact the club at dlhrotary@gmail.com.