Hershey, PA (October 9, 2026) –High School students from Coraopolis, Emporium, and Denver all won scholarships for their essays on civic engagement from the Pennsylvania Municipal League at this year’s Municipal Leadership Summit in Hershey.
The 43rd Annual John A. Garner, Jr. Civic Engagement Scholarship Contest recognizes young people’s commitment to civic engagement. Contest participants were asked to elaborate on the appropriate theme – Civics and You – by writing about opportunities in their community that allow for civic engagement and encourage citizens to volunteer to help with local challenges. The League received more than a dozen entries this year.
The $2,000 first prize scholarship went to Mitchell Braidic of Montour High School in McKees Rock, PA. Braidic is from Coraopolis and wrote about how civic engagement should involve noticing the gaps in access to resources. He plans to study engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. Sophia Palumbo of Cameron County High School in Emporium, accepted the $1,000 second prize scholarship. Palumbo wrote about civic engagement positively affects community residents. She plans to study nursing at Penn West University. The $500 third prize scholarship went to Briella Wilson of Cocalico High School in Denver PA. Wilson described how civic engagement can be used to combat loneliness in nursing homes and her commitment to volunteer work in the community. She plans to study biology at University of Cincinnati. The award monies are deposited at the Financial Aid Office of each awardee’s selected institution of higher education.
The scholarships are made possible due to the generous endowment from Yvonne Garner in honor of her late husband John A. Garner, Jr., the League’s Executive Director Emeritus. Ms. Ganer says the essays show the great potential of this younger generation of leaders. “The Scholarship Award Program presented each year at the League Conference was near and dear to Jack’s heart. I look forward each year to being sent the award-winning essays. I am never disappointed and always so impressed by the students who are chosen. Jack would be so proud of all these young people, as am I!”
League Executive Director, John Brenner, says the essay contest is a learning experience for the participants, and allows them a chance to reflect on the importance of civic engagement. “High school students participating in the essay contest learn about local government and the important role of local leaders in providing core public services like police, fire, EMS, parks & recreation, public works and community & economic development. In addition to offering scholarships, the essay contest offers young people unique insight into potential careers in local government.”
Along with the scholarship funding, the students were awarded plaques of special recognition. The winning essays are displayed on The League’s website.
Additional Awards and Recognitions
The League’s 2026 Community Partnership Award was presented to Aspirant Consulting Group for their support of the League and its programs.
“We truly enjoy working with John String and Madeline Lewis.” said League Deputy Executive Director of Membership Amanda Lane. “They care about the people who serve our communities, and their experience in law enforcement and public safety brings a valuable perspective to our partnership.”
- Distinguished Service Award – Councilmember Brian O’Neill, Philadelphia
- Distinguished Service Award – Yvonne Garner
- Distinguished Service Award – Crandall O. Jones, Upper Darby Township
- Legislative Leadership Award – Representative Jamie Flick
- Legislative Leadership Award – Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El
- PSATC President’s Award – Commissioner Todd Miller
Contact
Susan Schrack Wood, Director of Communications, PA Municipal League, 717.645.9467 | swood@pml.org
Holli Hugendubler, Communications & Publications Manager, hhugendubler@pml.org
Britton Kosier, Digital Content & Design Manager, bkosier@pml.org
About The Pennsylvania Municipal League
The Pennsylvania Municipal League strengthens and empowers effective local government through advocacy, education, and support for our members. The League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that offers a wide array of municipal services including legislative advocacy, publications, education/training, consulting-based programs, and group insurance trusts. For more about the Pennsylvania Municipal League, please visit PML.org. Join the conversation on X, facebook.com/PaMunicipalLeague and LinkedIn. #StrengthThroughEngagement
About The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners
The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners (PSATC) represents Pennsylvania’s first class townships and their elected governing officials before the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the commonwealth’s various agencies. PSATC was founded in 1925 to distinguish itself from the second class townships which are much larger in number. First class townships are generally regarded as the “urban ring” around Pennsylvania’s cities. Many of our first class townships face issues similar to those of our commonwealth’s cities and urban boroughs, thereby making the association’s affiliation with the Pennsylvania Municipal League a natural fit. The League has been providing advocacy services to the PSATC for 41 years. For more information, please visit firstclasstownshippa.org.