“Ella Radice, who will graduate from Hazleton Area High School this spring, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Arthur and Eileen Whitaker Memorial Trade Scholarship”, announces Committee Chair Kim McNulty. “Hazleton Rotary is honored to support Ella’s educational journey with a $4,000 scholarship to aid her in achieving her future goals.”
Ella, a Drums resident, is the daughter of Mary Lynn Barletta and Frank Radice. She will attend The University of South Carolina beginning this fall and will be pursuing her Nursing degree with a goal of eventually earning a master’s degree.
Ella played HAHS Unified Bocce Ball and HAHS Girls Varsity Volleyball. She was also a member of the National Honors, Spanish National Honors and Math National Honors Societies in addition to the Student Council, Spirit Club, SADD Club and Athena Clubs. She is an employee of The Valley Country Club, Sugarloaf.
Ella explains that, “Working in fast-paced, people-centered environments and volunteering in my school community has prepared me very well for a future career in nursing.”
“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from my work experience is how to remain calm and focused under pressure. This experience directly relates to nursing, where staying composed and organized in high-stress situations is critical to providing quality patient care. In addition to my job experience, my volunteer work has had a meaningful impact on my personal growth and reminded me that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life. “
“After completing my training, I hope to work as a nurse practitioner with a pediatric oncology specialty. I am determined to build a career centered on helping others. This scholarship is an extremely important step in making that goal a reality.”
The Arthur and Eileen Whitaker Memorial Trade Scholarship was established in 2023 by Hazleton Rotary to further area students’ formal training and education in a bona fide trade school or similar training/education program, including but not limited to, plumbing, welding, electrical, HVAC, masonry, truck and automotive maintenance, automotive repair, CDL Licensure, beauty school, barber school, massage therapy, and licensed practical nurse programs. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of the Hazleton Area School District and must be under the age of 30 years.