Van Fleet Scholarship Grants Its First Award

January 19, 2008: The Matthew Van Fleet Memorial Automotive Scholarship managed by The Community Foundation recently granted its first award to a Lackawanna Trail graduate. This scholarship fund was established in early 2007 to honor the memory of Matt who at the age of 21 perished in an automobile accident while riding as a passenger with a good friend. Matt had a passion for cars, and for nearly everything mechanical. This scholarship was established by family and friends of Matt to assist Lackawanna Trail graduates who go on to study automotive technology.

The 2007 graduate to receive the award from this scholarship is Jonathan Lindsey who is enrolled in Wyoming Technical Institute in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. The Van Fleet family is gratified Jonathan has received this award and hopes he has a long and productive career in a field in which their son had such a strong interest.

In addition, we are pleased to report that due to the diligent fund raising efforts of Matt's parents, Sue and Bruce, his sister Sara, and students and teachers of Lackawanna Trail, in conjunction with the investment policies of The Community Foundation, the 2008 award from the Van Fleet Scholarship will increase more than 125% above last year's award. Like all scholarships managed by The Community Foundation this is intended to be a permanent annual scholarship award, and those wishing to honor the memory of Matt, and to enhance the assistance provided future generations of Lackawanna Trail graduates, may send their tax-deductible donations directly to The Community Foundation. Despite the loss of their son at a much too early age, the Van Fleets are to be recognized for their obvious care and concern for the young people of our region.