STROUDSBURG – The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) Scholarship Fund has awarded seven scholarships to both local high school and college students seeking further education in hospitality and tourism fields.

"This provides the Pocono Mountains tourism industry the opportunity to encourage students to embark upon an education in the hospitality field, helping us to build a better educated workforce," said Carl Wilgus, president and CEO of the PMVB.  "We are honored to contribute to their achievements as they prepare to enter into this promising business."

Among the awards were two $1,000 scholarships awarded to East Stroudsburg University students.  The recipients were Christina Bellottie, a senior majoring in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management and Gavin Drewes, a senior majoring in Recreation & Leisure Services Management with a concentration in Commercial Recreation.  Both have achieved an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher, a requirement of the program.  The students demonstrate leadership qualities, involvement in industry activities and work experience in the commercial recreation/tourism field.

The Harry Kiesendahl Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Brett Ehrhardt of Hawley, a recent graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School.  The Harry Kiesendahl Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of Harry Kiesendahl, the founder of Woodloch Pines, who devoted his life to the Pocono Mountains tourism industry.  Kiesendahl shared his enthusiasm for the business with his employees, many of which were either students or alumni of Wallenpaupack Area School.  The recipient of this award must have work experience in the hospitality, tourism or culinary arts; must be accepted for admission to either a two or four year college and be majoring in Hospitality Management, Travel and Tourism Management or Culinary Arts.

Four $500 scholarships were awarded to area high school seniors who have excelled academically, gained favorable work experience and intend to major in Hospitality Management, Travel and Tourism Management, Recreation and Leisure Services Management or Culinary Arts at a two or four year college.  Recipients include:

• Samantha Porter, Bushkill resident and East Stroudsburg North High School and Monroe Career & Technical Institute graduate
• Richard "Cody" Stevens, Saylorsburg resident and Pleasant Valley High School and Monroe Career & Technical Institute graduate
• Walter Hasenauer, Dingmans Ferry resident and Delaware Valley High School graduate
• Richard Riddlehoover, Dingmans Ferry resident and Delaware Valley High School graduate

The recently held Pocono Mountains Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament has given the PMVB the opportunity to present these scholarships to deserving young men and women.  The scholarship program is one way to help educate youth for a career in the Pocono Mountains largest industry.