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POCONO MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL STUDENTS
07/23/2009
Press Release/July 23, 2009
Alicia M. Quinn / Gillian Moore
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
570.421.5791
alicia@poconos.org / prdept@poconos.org
POCONO MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL STUDENTS
POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA., July 23, 2009 – The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) Scholarship Fund has awarded five scholarships to local high school and college students seeking further education in the fields of hospitality and tourism.
"This provides the Pocono Mountains tourism industry the opportunity to encourage students to embark upon an education in the hospitality field, helping us to build a better educated workforce," said Carl Wilgus, president and CEO of the PMVB. "We are honored to contribute to their achievements as they prepare to enter into this promising business."
Among the awards were two $1,000 scholarships awarded to East Stroudsburg University students. The recipients were Lauren Sayre, a senior majoring in Commercial Recreation and Erin Fazekas, a senior majoring in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. Both have achieved an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher, a requirement of the program. The students demonstrate leadership qualities, involvement in industry activities and work experience in the commercial recreation/tourism field.
The Harry Kiesendahl Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Tyler Ferratti of Hawley, a recent graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School. The Harry Kiesendahl Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of Harry Kiesendahl, the founder of Woodloch Resort, who devoted his life to the Pocono Mountains tourism industry. Kiesendahl shared his enthusiasm for the business with his employees, many of which were either students or alumni of Wallenpaupack Area School. The recipient of this award must have work experience in the hospitality, tourism or culinary arts; must be accepted for admission to either a two or four year college and be majoring in Hospitality Management, Travel and Tourism Management or Culinary Arts.
Two $500 scholarships were awarded to area high school seniors who have excelled academically, gained favorable work experience and intend to major in Hospitality Management, Travel and Tourism Management, Recreation and Leisure Services Management or Culinary Arts at a two or four year college. Recipients include:
- Alisa Cawley, Dingmans Ferry resident and Delaware Valley High School graduate
- Lindsey Lawrence, Milford resident and Delaware Valley High School graduate
The recently held Pocono Mountains Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament has given the PMVB the opportunity to present these scholarships to deserving young men and women. The scholarship program is one way to help educate youth for a career in the Pocono Mountains largest industry.
For more information on the PMVB Scholarship Program or to contribute to the fund, please contact Ann Pilcher, Director of Community Relations at ann@poconos.org or by phone at 570.421.5791.
About the Pocono Mountains
With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania's Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers. Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks.
Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities. This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains.
Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.
Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). The Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.
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