J-M graduates awarded scholarships
JEFFERSON – Three Jefferson-Morgan High School graduates – AJ Ricci, Micah Stanko and Lance Torres – were recently awarded scholarships at the school’s awards banquet.
Ricci, son of April and Albert Ricci IV of Jefferson, was the recipient of the Barry Sisler Memorial Scholarship and he plans to attend California University of Pennsylvania in the fall, where he will pursue a degree in geology. Sisler was a graduate of Jefferson-Morgan and earned his bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania.
At Jefferson-Morgan, Ricci, was a letterman in soccer, football and track and had served as a captain of the soccer team. He was a member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the art club and a writer for the Rocket Reporter. He also served in the capacity of a history aide. Presently, he is a counselor for the Summer Day Camp program through Parks and Recreation.
Stanko, son of Lenora and Steven Stanko of Clarksville, was presented the newly established John E. Titus Memorial Scholarship Award from the Filer-Sadlek American Legion Post 954 by Tom Schumaker.
Stanko also received the Outstanding Senior Athlete award in soccer and track, the Marine Distinguished Athlete Award and the Marine Scholastic Excellence Award. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Leo club, art club and drama club.
He has enlisted in the Air National Guard where he will study hydraulics while also attending California University of Pennsylvania to study geology.
Torres, son of Lorraine and Richard Torres of Mather, was presented the “Big Steve” (Yourchik) Memorial Scholarship by his sisters, Shayna and Shelby Yourchik. The award was established in 2009 by football team members, friends and the Yourchik family in memory of Steve Yourchik, who died in June 2008 in a farm accident.
Like Yourchik, Torres attended Greene County Career and Technology Center.
While at Jefferson-Morgan, Torres was involved with the Upward Bound Program through California University of Pennsylvania. He will be attending Westmoreland County Community College to study dietetic technology and clinical nutrition.