Representatives of the Thomas & Marthalie Paternostro family were pleased to present checks to the first recipients of the Kathleen Paternostro Morgan Memorial Scholarship on Thursday during a visit to the East Lycoming School District. The 2013 recipients are Kaylora Thompson (who was unable to attend today’s presentation) and Kyle Bomboy, both seniors at Hughesville High School.

Two scholarships will be presented annually to deserving high school seniors who demonstrate Kathleen’s esteemed qualities and work ethic, including dedication to academics, sports and the community in which they live.  Founded in January 2013, the Team Kass Foundation, in addition to presenting scholarships, will provide support to mothers diagnosed with cancer who are also raising young children.

About the 2013 recipients:

Kaylora Thompson will be attending Millersville University to study Elementary Education/Special Education in the fall.  During her time at Hughesville, she played softball and, like Kass, held the number one singles position on the girls tennis team.  Kaylora is a member of various school clubs / organizations including the Varsity Club, Chorus, and the National Honor Society.

Kyle Bomboy plans to attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology in the Physician Assistant course of study.  While at Hughesville, Kyle played golf and baseball and was a member of many school clubs / organizations including Student Council and Varsity Club, while also serving as president of the National Honor Society.  Kyle is on target to graduate number two in his class on June 7, 2013.

About Kathleen Paternostro Morgan:

Kathleen Paternostro Morgan was a 1990 graduate of Hughesville High School.  A standout athlete, she played the number one singles position in girls tennis and was a starting member of the 1990 District IV championship girls basketball team.  In addition to her love for sports, Kathleen had a creative spirit and was an accomplished artist.  She graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in 1992 with a degree in Food & Hospitality Management.  During her college experience, she spent time working at Walt Disney World.  Kathleen worked within the hospitality industry for 20 years, before her journey to Heaven in July 2012 at the young age of 40. She was the proud mother of Josephine, whom she loved with all of her heart.

Kathleen exemplified tremendous courage, fierce determination, and amazing grace in every facet of her life: during her time playing tennis and basketball, caring for her garden, showing her creativity through her paintings and art, raising her daughter, and most especially as she battled cancer.  Kathleen never willingly accepted defeat and she never, ever, accepted mediocrity.  Both recipients have demonstrated life experiences similar in manner to the way Kathleen lived her life.