WESTFIELD—The American Legion Post 124, located in Westfield, gave scholarships to several city teens this week, following the Memorial Day Parade.
The scholarships, which were for $500 each and honored a variety of individuals who have been important to Post 124 in the past, were given to seven students whose families are also involved with American Legion. The recipients were Janis Christian, Nora Buckholder, Katie Knapik, Madison Rix, Ryan Porter and Jonathan Huntley, all from the Westfield area.
Of the scholarships, three were awarded by American Legion Post 124 itself, two scholarships were awarded from the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 124, and one came from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 124. A seventh scholarship came from the Misterka family, in honor of past Post Commander Michael J. Misterka, and was a one-time offering.
Christian received a Past Commanders scholarship. According to a press release provided, she will be attending Elms College following graduation from Westfield High School.
Cindy Lacoste (L) presents Katie Knapik (R) with a scholarship on Memorial Day
Burkholder, who received a Post 124 scholarship as well, will be attending New England College following graduation from Southwick-Tolland Regional High School, according to the press release.
Knapik received the Past Commander Al Drega scholarship, and will be attending Fairfield University after graduation from Westfield High School, the press release said. Knapik is also salutatorian for her graduating class.
Gene Theroux (L) poses with Jonathan Huntley (R) during the Memorial Day scholarship ceremony
Rix received the Past Commander Michael Misterka memorial scholarship, and according to the press release, she is currently attending Elms College. She previously graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 2016.
Porter was awarded the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 124 Past Commander Robert Myco memorial scholarship. He will be attending Suffolk University the press release said.
Finally, Huntley was the recipient of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 124 Dr. Thomas J. Abernathy memorial scholarship. According to the press release, Huntley will be attending Bryant University this fall. Previously, he was also named Eagle Scout of the Year by the Post, and was named valedictorian for his graduating class at Westfield High School.
