MT. POCONO - Rep. Mario M. Scavello (R-Monroe) awarded more than 80 college-bound students with scholarships in the amount of $200 to assist their higher education.

Since he was elected as mayor of Mt. Pocono, as Monroe County commissioner, and now as state representative, Scavello has donated a portion of his salary toward scholarships, to give something back to the communities he serves.

"Since I was first elected to public office, I have supported a student scholarship program with a portion of my earnings as a public official," said Scavello. "This amounts to about one quarter of my House salary, which will benefit students going on to college and other post-high school educational options."

The funds will help high school graduates who meet certain criteria with college expenses. The total this year is more than $16,000. During the past 16 years, Scavello has contributed a significant portion of his income to help educate children. The cumulative total over that time is more than $226,000 in donations to eligible students.

The scholarships are awarded to students living in the 176th Legislative District who reside in the Pocono Mountain, Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg school districts. Students must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the scholarship and must use the funds to help pay for expenses to attend higher education institutions in the coming school year.