Incoming Penn State Scranton student receives America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship A Penn State Scranton student who’s going to begin his studies this fall has been recognized at the state level. Anthony Betti is a recipient of the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship. Betti is a graduating senior from Mid Valley Secondary Center. He was one of just 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applications statewide. He’s also the only recipient from Lackawanna County. “Receiving the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship means more to me than I can fully express,” Betti said. “When I learned I was one of only 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applicants, it didn’t just feel like an achievement — it felt like a pivotal moment in my life.” The scholarship is just one of the ways Pennsylvania is recognizing the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. It honors students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving their communities. Betti also attended a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, where he and other recipients met Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro.
Two Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Alumni Awarded Prestigious America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarships The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Lackawanna proudly announce that two former students of the Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) program have been awarded $10,000 scholarships through the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program. Ava Wisnosky, a senior at Tunkhannock Area High School, and Anthony Betti, a senior at Mid Valley Secondary Center, were selected among just 25 students statewide to receive the prestigious scholarship. The recipients were recognized during a special luncheon in April at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg hosted by Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and America250PA. The America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program honors Pennsylvania students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and understanding of civic values. More than 1,800 students representing all 67 Pennsylvania counties applied for the scholarship. Each recipient received a $10,000 award to support their pursuit of higher education. Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, a program of Leadership Lackawanna, engages high school juniors throughout northeastern Pennsylvania in leadership development, community awareness, civic engagement, and professional growth opportunities designed to prepare them to become the next generation of leaders. “We are incredibly proud of Ava and Anthony for receiving this prestigious scholarship,” said Nicole Morristell, Executive Director of Leadership Lackawanna. “To be selected among more than 1,800 applicants from across all Pennsylvania counties is an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of their leadership, character, and commitment to making a difference. Watching these former Tomorrow’s Leaders Today students achieve such a significant honor reinforces the importance of investing in our young people and providing opportunities for them to grow as leaders.” Wisnosky, who plans to attend West Chester University, reflected on the significance of receiving the scholarship. “I am truly grateful to receive the America250PA scholarship. Pennsylvania’s role at the heart of American history makes this award especially meaningful,” said Wisnosky. “This recognition motivates me to continue working hard as I pursue my education and make the most of the opportunities ahead. I also truly appreciated receiving the award from the Governor and the First Lady and meeting the other award winners at the luncheon in Harrisburg.” Betti, who will attend Penn State University, emphasized the role that leadership experiences have played in his development. “Being named an America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholar is an honor that fills me with deep gratitude,” said Betti. “The leadership opportunities I’ve had—especially through programs like Leadership Lackawanna—have shaped my commitment to service, civic responsibility, and community engagement. Receiving this distinction strengthens my dedication to leading with integrity and purpose as I begin my next chapter.” The recognition highlights the impact of Leadership Lackawanna’s investment in developing young leaders and fostering civic engagement among students throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. As the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, programs such as Tomorrow’s Leaders Today continue to inspire students to become active, engaged citizens who will help shape the future of their communities and the Commonwealth.
America250PA Announces Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA), in partnership with Settlers Hospitality, announced today that it will place a bronze, permanent Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill later in the Fall of 2024, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. America250PA staff; Settlers Hospitality founders, the Genzlinger family; and special guests, including Congressman Matt Cartwright, Drew Popish from the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro, PA State Senator Lisa Baker, PA State Representative Joseph Adams, and Wayne County Commissioner James Shook, attended the announcement today in celebration of the upcoming bell installation later this year. “The America250PA Semiquincentennial Bells will lift up the stories of communities that have been untold or not widely known yet shaped the history here in the Commonwealth,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “America250PA is so excited to be dedicating its second Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill this fall to highlight the remarkable work of the individuals—immigrants, primarily women—who helped forge this great nation during the Industrial Revolution right here in Pennsylvania.” Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality—the presenting sponsor of the Semiquincentennial Bell—shared his thoughts on the importance of the bell: “The Semiquincentennial Bell at the site of the Hawley Silk Mill will herald the story of immigrant labor that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution,” he said. “We’re proud to honor their place in history and preserve that legacy for their descendants who continue to call this community home. We look forward to this becoming another important destination along Pennsylvania’s Route 6 that will enrich the cultural experience for residents and visitors to the Pocono Mountains Lake Region.” The Semiquincentennial Bell will include an inscription reading, “In the fabric of the 19th century, immigrant women and children were essential threads to the industrial economy as they worked in silk mills and factories like this one. Their descendants remain here.” Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hawley Silk Mill, located in the scenic Pocono Mountains, has been a vital part of the region since 1880. Originally known as the Bellemonte Silk Mill, this beautiful landmark is still preserved today through the generous support of The Settlers Hospitality Group and includes two additional properties, the Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery, originally constructed for silk storage, and the J.S. O’Connor American Rich Cut Glassware Factory (now Ledges Hotel), a technological marvel of its time as one of the first in the nation to be powered by water and lit by electricity generated from its own electrical plant. Both are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hawley Silk Mill is architecturally as impressive today as it was in 1880, constructed by hand with primarily immigrant labor in the High Victorian Gothic style, and believed to be the largest Bluestone building in the world. It also remains a symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit, grit and determination of the early settlers and immigrants, primarily young women, whose hard work ushered in the Industrial Revolution. This region is well known as the beginning of the labor movement, which included championing safer working conditions, child labor laws, and mandatory public education. The young female immigrants employed at the Hawley Silk Mill played a significant role in shaping the workplace safety and benefits that we all enjoy today. Bohlin Cywinski Jackson will design the Semiquincentennial Bell site at the Hawley Silk Mill campus. The Wilkes-Barre, PA, based firm was the architect for the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia and designed the plan to repurpose the Hawley Silk Mill into the vibrant lifestyle center that it is today. For more information about America250PA and the Semiquincentennial Bell project, visit: https://america250pa.org/. For more information about the Settlers Hospitality, visit: https://settlershospitality.com/. For more information about the Hawley Silk Mill, visit: https://hawleysilkmill.com/.
