Michael Bower was the Business and Operations Manager of the Halifax Area School District for 18 years and a founding member of Communities that Care and Halifax Wildcat Education Foundation. He was also a proud graduate of Halifax Area High School – Class of 1971. After Mike’s sudden passing in November 2018, the Halifax Wildcat Education Foundation created this scholarship to honor Mike’s legacy and dedication to his community. The award check of $2,500 will be made payable to the specified post-secondary school the recipient will be attending.

Michael L. Bower Memorial Scholarship

2023 RECIPIENT

The 2023 recipient of the Michael L. Bower Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is Kelsey M. Dobbin. Kelsey was selected for her outstanding academic achievements and commitment to community. In school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Chorus, and played Girls Basketball for HHS. Outside of school, Kelsey has been a long-standing member of the Upper Dauphin 4-H Livestock Club, a member of the Dauphin County 4-H Livestock Skillathon and Judging Team, and President of the PA Junior Simmental Association. She is also actively involved with the PA State Farm Show, Great American Outdoor Show and participated in Halifax Farm and Environmental Field Days. Her teachers describe her as having a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and passion for learning. Kelsey will be attending Penn State University/Main Campus, majoring in Agricultural Science.

2022 RECIPIENT

The 2022 recipient of the Michael L. Bower Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is Sadie A. Wilhelm. Sadie was selected for not only her excellence in academics and athletics, but for her passion and service to her school and community. She was Class President and Yearbook Treasurer all four years of high school, a member of Communities that Care, a Big Cat/Little CAT mentor, and a member of the National Honor Society. Sadie played softball, received a varsity letter in Volleyball where she was named Most Valuable Player in 2021-2022 and lettered in Archery where she was a State Champion in 2021. She is active in her church volunteering her time with VBS, nursery, and as an usher/greeter. Her teachers describe her as goal oriented, a born leader, compassionate, friendly, and punctual. Sadie will be attending Penn State University/Main Campus in the Division of Undergraduate Studies with the intention of Majoring in Business and Marketing.

2021 RECIPIENT

The 2021 recipient of the Michael L. Bower Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is Serena Knauss. Serena was selected for her outstanding academic and musical accomplishments, as well as her extraordinary community service. She has been actively involved in Student Council, the National Honor Society, the Big Cat/Little CAT program, Relay for Life, County/District/Regional Bands and Orchestra. She is an AP and Lenfest Scholar. In addition, Serena is a member of Uplift Community Church of God where she has served on mission trips, provided childcare services, and participated in various church activities including serving meals to the community. Her teachers describe her as respectful, conscientious, driven and a blessing to all those who know her. Serena will be attending Penn State University/Main Campus with an undeclared major.

2020 RECIPIENT

The 2020 recipient of the Michael L. Bower Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is John E. Warfel. John was selected by the scholarship committee for his passion and commitment to his school and community. He has been actively involved in Student Council, the National Honor Society, the Big Cat/Little CAT program, Upper Dauphin Relay for Life and served three years as a class officer. In addition, John is a member of Halifax United Methodist Church serving as a volunteer at Vacation Bible School and a member of the Boy's Life Group since 2014. His teachers describe him as hard-working and driven, caring and compassionate and a young man of the highest integrity. John will be attending Harrisburg Area Community College in the fall majoring in General Studies with plans to transfer to a four-year university with a declared major.

2019 RECIPIENT

The 2019 recipient of the Michael L. Bower Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is Dylan L. Wells. Dylan truly embodies everything that Mike stood for – he is a young man of faith, hard work, and is committed to giving back to his school and community. He has been a member of Boys’ Life Group since sixth grade, participates in Faith in Action Community Service with his church, provides aide to Central Pa Blood Drives at school, is a 2-year member of the Big Cat Little Cat Club, is the Class of 2019 Treasurer, and was a member of the basketball and baseball teams during his high school career at Halifax Area High School. His teachers and coaches describe him as mature, confident, a serious scholar, and above all, selfless. Dylan will be attending Messiah College in the fall majoring in Economic Development, with a Business Concentration.

Halifax Wildcat Education Foundation