Representatives of the Paternostro family were pleased to present a $500.00 award for the 2^nd annual Thomas A. Paternostro Memorial Scholarship to Miss Heather Merrifield, a member of the Class of 2016, during a visit to the East Lycoming School District on Friday afternoon.  Heather was also the recipient of the 4^th annual $500.00 Kathleen Paternostro Morgan Memorial Scholarship.  As she accepted the award, Heather remarked, “I am very grateful and proud to be recognized with these scholarship awards from the Paternostro Foundation.”

“We were very impressed with the quality and accomplishments of all of the applicants, but felt that Heather best represented the essence of the intention of both awards,” remarked Krista Paternostro Bower, chairman of the Paternostro Family Foundation.  “Our father has given much to this district but his greatest legacy will always be his genuine care and concern for all children. The students were always his highest priority.  This award is a meaningful way we can pass that legacy on by helping graduates to pursue their own passions in his memory,” she remarked. “Kathleen was an outstanding athlete, a great student, and an exceptional person during her time at Hughesville High, so presenting our 4^th annual scholarship in her memory reminds us that her life and contributions will not be forgotten.”

Heather will attend Loyola University this fall where she plans to study engineering/environmental science.  She has been very involved in her community and her school.  A member of the indoor and outdoor track teams and the cross-country team, Heather was a standout athlete during her time at Hughesville.  She also participated in many school clubs and activities, including the National Honor Society and the Future Business Leaders of America.  In her essay, Heather noted, “My life is a puzzle, a never-ending project to build a better human. So I hope that my legacy is one of a good person, one who gave more than she got, a person who was genuine; one full of life and enthusiasm for others.”

Bower noted, “We wish Heather all the best as she pursues her dreams, and we believe she is on her way to creating her legacy.”