Hazleton Rotary President Alan Whitaker says, “We are very happy to announce the following students; Alexander Composto, Emily Reinmiller and Kendall Orozco have been selected as the 2025 Hazleton Rotary Memorial Scholarship winners.”
“Alexander will receive a scholarship of $4,000 per year for a total of $16,000 for four years; Emily will receive $3,000 per year for a total of $12,000; and Kendall will receive $1,500 per year for a total of $6,000 for four years.” Whitaker explains.
Emily will be a Hazleton Area High School (STEM) graduate and Kendall and Alexander, MMI Preparatory School graduates.
Alexander, the son of Nicole and Stephen Composto, Freeland, has been involved in the following; MMI Honor Roll and Head of School List since grade six, American Mathematics Competition, PA Regional Envirothon, MMI Envirothon Club, Future Business Leader of America, Captain-Varsity Soccer Team, MMI Drama Club, MMI Tutoring Program and MMI Select Chorus. He was an Officer for the following Honor Societies-MMI Spanish, MMI Mu Alpha Theta Math, MMI Science National and MMI National Honor Society. Alex is MMI Class Salutatorian.
His community service has included volunteering in almost every event held by Most Precious Blood Parish since the 2nd grade, including the MPB Community Players and Folk Group. In 12th grade he was the Student Chair of CAN DO’s Student Action Committee.
“This award means more to my family and I than anyone could ever imagine.” Alexander explains. “For the past couple of months, I have been working balancing my schoolwork, extracurriculars, and writing numerous essays in an attempt to make some extra money towards my college. While I earned a lot of money through merit awards for Lehigh, the college I plan on attending, the cost is still hefty. Winning this award is another step in lessening that stress. My family and I thank you very much!!”
Alexander has been employed at Bradley Caldwell Inc. for two years. Since age 13 his family responsibilities have been to help maintain his grandparents lawn every Saturday and shovel a path for them when it snowed
In a small part of his essay on volunteering, Alexander said, “I can truthfully state that every volunteer and leadership opportunity I have ever taken on has provided me some moral or perspective by the end. I am a firm believer that volunteering impacts every party positively, because, through every volunteering experience, I have found that I have grown to be a better person.”
The daughter of Angela and Donald Reinmiller, Emily is employed at Valley Scoops And More and has been involved in Girl Scouts for 13 years, having received the Girl Scouts Silver Award, she is currently hard at work acquiring the Girl Scouts Gold Award. She was also Co-Leader for a combined Daisy and Brownie Girl Scout troop and typically dedicates five hours/week to this activity. Emily has also been an active member of Tip Tap Toe Dance Studios for 15 years and volunteers at the White Haven Chamber of Commerce Produce Stand.
Emily tutors after school and during lunch, also achieved highest honors on Honor Roll and was initiated into the following Honor Societies, National, Spanish and Mathematics. She is CPR certified, an AP Scholar and a Certified General Poll Worker.
Emily notes, “Volunteering does not just benefit the world; it also develops the volunteer. Co-leading a troop of younger Girl Scouts has enabled me to become both a more confident and stronger team member. Ultimately, volunteering has aided me in becoming a more satisfied, communicative and well-rounded individual.”
Emily adds, “I am incredibly grateful and honored to be awarded the Hazleton Rotary Memorial Scholarship. It is extremely meaningful to my family and me, as it will ease the financial burden of pursuing my academic and career goals at Cornell University. Thank you for believing in my potential. Your investment in my future truly makes a difference, and I am excited to make the most of this opportunity.”
Kendall is the daughter of Christopher and Tricia Orozco, Zion Grove.
Kendall is MMI Class Valedictorian and was captain of the MMI Girls Tennis Team , voted MVP four years in a row and voted onto the Citizens Voice All-Star Tennis Team. She won a Senior Excellence Award in the PA Junior Academy of Science, and in grades 11-12 was an active a member of STARTALK an intensive Department of Defense-run Russian language scholarship program. She also competed in Future Business Leaders of America business competitions and Pennsylvania Envirothon science competitions. Kendall was an inductee in Scholastic Superstars and a National Merit Scholar Commended, Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition Winner and inducted into the National Honor Societies for Chinese, Science and Math.
Regarding volunteerism, Kendall remarks, “Volunteering strengthens communities by equipping people with skills, makes people more mindful of community issues and brings neighbors together. I “lost” myself in volunteering with the ENGin Program, a tutoring nonprofit that connects Ukrainians to native English speakers for English learning and cross-cultural communication. Training new generations to build a better future for our world is the real superpower of volunteering.”
Kendall sends this message to members of Hazleton Rotary, “It’s an extraordinary honor to be awarded this scholarship. I hope to put it to good use through pursuing my education and a career in engineering. With fewer financial barriers, I know I’ll be able to reach my goals. Thank you to everyone who supported and believed in me!”
Alexander will be seeking a B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering, Lehigh University; Emily a Bachelor’s in Cognitive Science at Cornell University and Kendall a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida.
Rotary Scholarship Project Chair Kim McNulty comments, “It is really a pleasure to offer these wonderful opportunities to further their education to our scholarship winners. Hazleton Rotary congratulates them on all their outstanding achievements. and extends wishes for futures filled with success to each one.”
The winners will be introduced to the Hazleton Rotary membership this summer.