The Paradise Township Lions Club has a long tradition of giving a scholarship to a Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) graduating senior, but in 2024, for the first time, the scholarship is named after a longtime member. "This year, our award was renamed to the Skip Lichty Memorial Scholarship. (It is) presented by the Paradise Township Lions Club to honor a Lion who embodied the spirit of 'We Serve' (the Lions Club's motto) over his lifetime," announced Paradise Lion's president Anita Fieldsa at the May 21 senior awards ceremony held at PVHS. Lichty was a teacher and substitute in the Pequea Valley School District. When Lichty died in November of 2023, he had been a Lion for more than 50 years. "(As a Lion, Lichty spent) many decades serving his community and continually displaying a commitment to the betterment of our area," Fieldsa said.

The 2024 recipient of the scholarship was Grant Shaubach. The recent PVHS graduate plans to attend Millersville University in the fall to pursue a degree in finance. Shaubach's goal is to become a personal financial adviser. "Grant's application and essay demonstrated an awareness of what community service means, how he gives back today, and how he hopes to in the future," said Fieldsa when she presented the award.

Applications for the scholarship are due by early May each year. Students who apply must have completed community service, taken part in school activities, and displayed leadership qualities. Essays on the subjects of community service and the Paradise Township Lions Club, along with recommendations from a teacher and community leaders are required. The $1,500 scholarship is awarded to a PVHS graduating senior who plans to attend an accredited postsecondary program to pursue a certificate, two-year degree, or four-year degree.

The club tradition of giving an award to a PVHS senior dates back to September of 1929 when a decision was made to give an honor student a $20 gold piece at graduation. In 1931, the giving of the gold piece was discontinued. In 2014, the tradition was reinstated when a student received a $1,000 scholarship at the school's senior banquet.

To fund the scholarship, club members organize concession stands at the Farm and Home Center and for events held at the Solanco Fairgrounds. "In the winter, we have a soup and sandwich sale in Paradise," said Fieldsa, who noted that at Solanco the club serves egg sandwiches, doughnuts, coffee, and tea for breakfast. "At lunchtime, we sell our Lions Club of Paradise world-famous chicken corn soup," said Fieldsa. "People love it and ask for it. We pretty much always sell out of it." Fieldsa said that hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches are also sold. Fieldsa noted that Lichty was in charge of the concessions and mentored the members who have taken the reins to work the stands to raise funds.

Readers who would like to learn more about the club may search for "Paradise Township Lions Club" on Facebook.