Members of the Lancaster Liederkranz seek to highlight German culture and heritage. One of the ways they fulfill this goal is through distribution of German language and German cultural scholarship awards. This year, nine local students earned awards.

Six students won $1,000 German language scholarships. Danica Guydish, a Donegal High School graduate who will be attending Ursinus College, is the recipient of the Monica Fasnacht Honorary Scholarship. Manheim Central graduate Kalyssa McAdams, who will attend Temple University, is the recipient of the Helga Barisits Honorary Scholarship. Ethan Frick, a Hempfield High School graduate who plans to attend Lebanon Valley College, earned the Milan Kratzer Honorary Scholarship. Additional $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Chase Barrick, a Hempfield High School graduate who will attend Lehigh University; Sean O'Brien, a Manheim Township High School graduate who will attend Ohio State University; and Kayla Reidenbaugh, an Ephrata High School graduate who plans to attend York College of Pennsylvania.

Three students earned $1,000 German cultural scholarships. They are Mia Corradino, a Manheim Township High School graduate who will attend the University of Rhode Island; Aidan Fredericks, a Penn Manor High School graduate who plans to attend Penn State University; and Avery Zodet, a Hempfield High School graduate who will attend St. Joseph's University.

To be considered for a scholarship, students submit applications and are interviewed in German and English, said Judy Zodet, committee chair of the cultural grant and scholarship fund. "The students excelled in their language skills and great interest in Germany and German culture," she shared. Several of the winners have actively participated in Lancaster Liederkranz activities, including competing in Germany with dance groups.

"It is important to the members of the Lancaster Liederkranz to preserve the language and promote German culture," Judy said. "What better way than through our children and grandchildren, some whose grandparents and great-grandparents were immigrants?"

Money for scholarships is raised by the cultural grant committee, she said, with fundraising activities including Christmas cookie and Easter candy sales.

"The scholarship is just one thing our grant fund does," Judy said. "We have programs for younger children, including art classes and a day camp story hour. Students in the dance groups can get assistance with their clothing." Grant funds also help pay for a weekly German camp for children held throughout the month of July.

Additionally, the culture committee gives students money to help them participate in the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) or similar programs to visit Germany.