The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley recently announced that 95 students from across the Mahoning Valley have been awarded scholarships totaling $173,924 to support their higher education goals this year.

This year, 124 awards were made from 29 different scholarship funds held at CFMV, benefiting students from 17 local high schools and providing critical support as they pursue colleges and universities across the country. Some scholarships also included renewal opportunities, allowing for continued assistance beyond a student’s first year.

“Education opens doors to future success, and these scholarships reflect our community’s commitment to supporting young people as they pursue their goals,” said Shawntae Burton, philanthropic services director for the Community Foundation, who oversees the scholarship program. “We are grateful for the generosity of our donors, as well as the dedication of scholarship committee members, school guidance counselors, and families who make these opportunities possible.”

One of this year’s recipients, Joshua Macejko, a graduate of Poland Seminary High School and recipient of The Veronica Willo Scholarship, is attending Youngstown State University in the Biology Pre-Med BaccMed program.

“The financial support of the CFMV scholarship has helped me in so many important ways. It has relieved me of long-term financial burdens,” he said. “The scholarship allows me to focus more on my studies. I am also able to pursue research opportunities, which can be a valuable addition to a pre-med student’s college experience, and to join student organizations while at YSU and become involved in campus activities.”

High schools represented among this year’s recipients include: Alliance High School, Austintown Fitch High School, Boardman High School, Brookfield High School, Campbell Memorial High School, Cardinal Mooney High School, Champion High School, Howland High School, Joseph Badger High School, LaBrae High School, Liberty High School, McDonald High School, Mineral Ridge High School, Poland Seminary High School, Warren G. Harding High School, West Branch High School and Western Reserve High School.