CLARION CO., Pa. (EYT) – Three local students were recently awarded the Bernie Smith Memorial Scholarship.

(Pictured, from left to right: Mrs. Gladys Smith, wife of the late Bernie Smith; Wayne Brosius, Clarion County Commissioner; Jessica Cotton of Keystone High School; Mariah Syktich of Marion Center High School; and Sherene Hess, Indiana County Commissioner. Missing from photo: Miranda Stiffey of West Shamokin High School)

On June 19, 2018, the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc. (AICDAC) awarded Jessica Cotton, of Keystone High School in Clarion County; Miranda Stiffey, of West Shamokin High School in Armstrong County; and Mariah Syktich, of Marion Center High School in Indiana County, with the Bernie Smith Memorial Scholarship of $1,000.00 each to further their educational endeavors.

The awards were presented by Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess, Clarion County Commissioner Wayne Brosius, and Board President Erin Eisenman.

The Bernie Smith Memorial Scholarship is presented yearly to one student from each Armstrong, Indiana, and Clarion Counties. The honorees are chosen from the graduating class. Eligible students are those most exemplifying the mission of the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission by way of their involvement, leadership, and accomplishments through their high school career.

Bernie Smith served as an Indiana County Commissioner from 1995 to 2006 and was a member of the Armstrong-Indiana Drug and Alcohol Commission Board.