Can a chicken dinner change a life? For the recipients of scholarships funded by the Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce's chicken barbecue - an event now in its 30th year - the answer is yes.

This year, six scholarships were awarded, totaling $4,500. You can help support the Chamber and its initiatives by purchasing tickets for the barbecue, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16. Meals will be available to go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind Milanof-Schock Library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy. Preorders are strongly encouraged and must be picked up by 1 p.m.

Each meal will include a half-chicken prepared by Peters' BBQ, a baked potato, applesauce, a whoopie pie from Memorable Occasions by Marcie and a roll from The Gathering Place. A half-chicken-only option will also be available.

Scholarship recipients include Elizabeth Pennell, who earned the Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce Business Education Scholarship, awarded to the student who ranks first scholastically in the business education course at Donegal High School (DHS).

"I'm so grateful to have received the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce business scholarship," she said. "Teaching has been a dream career of mine for years, but money can be tight when you're raised by a single mom, and the Chamber of Commerce's support puts me one step closer to that dream being a reality." 

Mia Seidel was awarded the Joseph Shaeffer Memorial Award Scholarship presented in memory of Joseph Shaeffer to the DHS graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and interest in social studies.

"Taking away part of the burden of expensive tuition will allow me put more focus on my studies and other opportunities that come with going to university," she shared.

Sarah Ashley received the Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship created to support and encourage future workforce leaders in our community. She expressed gratitude for the support, noting, "This scholarship will lighten the financial burden of college, allowing me to focus on academics and volunteering on my path towards my degree and ultimate career."

Marie Gehman earned the Dorothy Metzler Memorial Community Service Scholarship, honoring a high school senior or college/postsecondary student who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism by dedicating his or her time and talents to improving his or her community and helping those in need.

Two scholarships were presented to students at The Janus School - Anavah Viselli and Aiden Grossman.

"At The Janus School, the scholarships supported through the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce chicken barbecue make an incredible difference for our students and their families," said Heather Strunk, head of school. "Our students learn differently and thrive with the individualized support Janus provides, and scholarships like these help ensure that financial barriers don't stand in the way of their success. Our faculty and staff volunteer at the barbecue each year because we deeply believe in giving back to our community. We appreciate the relationships we have in the community and are grateful to serve, and this event directly helps open doors for our students to reach their full potential at Janus."

In addition to the scholarships, the barbecue proceeds help the Chamber provide community events like Music in Memorial Park, Spooktacular, Visit with Santa and Mount Joy Minnie, as well as other community and member programs.

"We're incredibly thankful for our generous sponsors, the Chamber members who sell tickets (and the people who buy them!) and the Chamber members who volunteer - many of whom have contributed their time and energy year after year - who help make this event possible," stated Michele Emenheiser, Chamber executive director. "It's truly a team effort."

Jamie Rutt, president of Rutt Insurance and past president of the board, encouraged people to get tickets to the barbecue.

"The Mount Joy Chamber barbecue is a great way to get a delicious meal and support the local community," he said. "The half-chickens they serve sometimes were so big they didn't fit right in the containers. (There are) whoopie pies and delicious rolls from The Gathering Place that just melt in your mouth. You won't be disappointed getting your lunch from the Mount Joy Chamber!"

Tickets for the barbecue may be purchased at JB Hostetter & Sons, 1225 W. Main St., Mount Joy; the Milanof-Schock Library; the Mount Joy Borough office, 21 E. Main St.; or the Chamber office, 62 E. Main St. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 717-653-0773 or emailing info@mountjoychamber.com. Prepurchasing tickets is strongly encouraged, but a limited number of meals will be available at the event.