Scholarships from the Millersville VFW Post 7294 Auxiliary were especially meaningful for recipients Madelyn Oswald and Kylie Mays.

The auxiliary annually awards $500 grants to two high school graduates who will continue their education in the medical field.

Madelyn, a Penn Manor High School graduate who plans to pursue an R.N. degree from St. Joseph's University in Lancaster, viewed earning the scholarship funds as a fitting tribute to her grandfather, Lewis Oswald. "It means honoring my grandfather's legacy," she said.

Lewis Oswald, who died in April 2025, served in the Vietnam conflict. "It meant a lot to be able to get to receive this award and be able to honor him and his name and what he did for our country," said Madelyn.

Madelyn has earmarked the money to help pay for textbooks, clinical garb, and lab fees.

Kylie, a graduate of Hempfield High School, will also attend St. Joseph's, where she will study radiologic technography.

"It's big because anything helps for college, and I'm grateful for anything I get to help pursue my education and my future goals," Kylie said.

She also serves as a volunteer during auxiliary events.

Auxiliary president Kim Sherr explained why the organization awards the funds to students who will enter the health sector. "I think we need students to go into the medical field. We need medical people," said Sherr. "It's important for the future, for their future also. It's steady employment. It's meaningful, and there's a lot of opportunity for advancement."

Sherr noted the VFW Post 7294 auxiliary works year-round to support the community. "Right before Christmas we gathered supplies and nonperishable food for Tenfold in Lancaster," she said. "We are going to be doing that again. We donate to various community agencies, such as ambulance, fire, and police. We have community activities. We do an Easter egg hunt every year for the community kids. We participate with the VFW in the Trunk or Treat for Halloween. Twice a year when the VFW has their chicken barbecues, we have some veterans come up here from Coatesville VA Hospital, and we provide them with the chicken barbecue meal. We play bingo with them and send them home with prizes. We're always looking for new things to do."