Bailee Stello, an IUP Punxsutawney degree student, and Kelsey Young, an IUP Punxsutawney Baking and Pastry student, are winners of the 2023–24 IUP Punxsutawney Essay Scholarship for their essay on being a successful college student and how a particular class, faculty member, extracurricular activity, or even something from their past led to their success.
Learning how to manage time and other priorities during the freshman year can lead to a successful college career, and Bailee and Kelsey did just that this past fall.
Bailee mentioned how faculty member Erin Conlin helped her be successful during her fall semester. "I feel that my US History class during the fall semester set me up for success. This class provided a collaborative and supportive environment which I found comfortable to learn in. My professor encouraged questions which, overall, helped me close up any loose ends I was unsure of."
Kelsey's fall semester stemmed more from past experiences and finding ways to not give up. She mentioned how her life sometimes feels like Lego pieces. "Sometimes the pieces fit, and you have success, but sometimes you're missing the pieces and feel like you can't keep going. Even though all you must do is create a different path and 'build a new Lego house'."
Bailee and Kelsey were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship toward their spring 2024 semester. Bailee is a 2023 high school graduate from Punxsutawney Area High School, and Kelsey is a 2023 high school graduate from West Forest High School, Tionesta, Pa.
Congratulations, Bailee and Kelsey!