Doctor Almo Sebastianelli Drum Corps Scholarshipis available to any senior residing in Pennsylvania who meets the following criteria:  A child or grandchild of a Pennsylvania legionnaire in good standing or a child or grandchild of a deceased Pennsylvania Legionnaire.  To be eligible a student must be a member of a high school band who is going on to higher education majoring in music.  the Student needs

to include his/her current high school transcript.  the higher education school must be in Pennsylvania, letter of college acceptance must be included.  Selection will be made by the members of the committee.  One winner will be selected to receive a $500.00 scholarship.  Anyone wishing to apply is required to submit an application on or before May 1st in order to receive consideration for the following September to The American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania, 800 N Front Street, Wormleysburg, PA  17043.

The Robert J. Trace Scholarship fund was set up by Robert J. Trace and his family. Bob served as a Department Officer for an incredible fifty years, one as Judge Advocate and 49 as Finance Officer from the Central Judicial Section. Bob was also an Honorary Past Department Commander. Legionnaires of his caliber are hard to find, his dedication and contribution to the Pennsylvania American Legionnaire is legendary. Education was very important to Bob and his family.

The Robert J. Trace Scholarship fund was established to assist young patriotic students achieve their academic dreams.

The Robert J. Trace Scholarship Fund is available to every student 15 to 18 years of age residing within the state of Pennsylvania and meeting the following criteria:

• A child or grandchild of a Pennsylvania Legionnaire in  good standing;
• A child or grandchild of a deceased Pennsylvania  Legionnaire;
• A child of a Pennsylvania soldier that was killed as a result of the war on terrorism including the Pentagon, Iraq and      Afghanistan.

To be eligible a student must compose a 300 to 500 word essay on the topic “Patriotism and Citizenship – What America Means to Me”, and complete an application containing the information of the person through which the eligibility for this scholarship is made. Applications have been sent to each American Legion Post and you can also download the application on our website. The essays will be judged by the members of the Department Finance Committee.

Essays and application must be sent to the Pennsylvania American Legion. One winner will be selected and will receive a $500 scholarship.

Scholarship Endowment

The Joseph P. Gavenonis is awarded twice a year of $500 each semester after the student sends a copy of their grades to Department Headquarters and has a grade point average of 2.5 or better. A check will be mailed directly to the student for that semester. This scholarship is for seniors who wish to receive a degree in a four year college.

The Robert W. Valimont is awarded once a year of $600 and is mailed directly to the student after a copy of their grades for that semester is sent in to the department and has a grade point average of 2.5 or better. This is a two year community college scholarship.

Applications are requested through Department Headquarters.

Who is Eligible?

Children and Grandchildren of PA Legion members who are deceased, KIA or MIA or has a parent who has been in the military or is in the military and is a member in good standing in the American Legion.

The Scholarship Endowment Committee will study the applications and pick the most eligible ones that our budget permits. An award letter will be sent to the student informing them they have been chosen for the scholarship.