Gladwyne Civic Said Goodbye to This Year's Scholarship Winner, Looking For Next Year's

Members of the Gladwyne Civic Association said goodbye to a member of their family, and are looking for another to fill her shoes.

Andrea Sobel, the receipient of last year's Gladwyne Civic Association Scholarship was awarded with a $1,000 check at the civic's meeting Tuesday after nearly a year of work.

"It has been an honor and a privledge to work with you," Karen Aydt, president of the association said. "You helped out with Gladwyne Clean Up Day and the Memorial Day Parade, you've really become a member here."

Sobel, a senior at Harriton High School, said the experience is one she won't soon forget.

"I remember applying last summer and I was hesitant, but it's something I'm very glad I did," she said. "I now realize the impact a civic association can have on a community."

The opportunity, Sobel said, allowed her to hear incredible stories about people in her neighborhood, meeting passionate people that care about the community and see, first-hand, the steps necessary to address and resolve an issue.

The purpose of the scholarship, the civic association's website stated, "is to encourage high school students to pursue their interest in civic responsibility through the attendance and involvement in current civic projects and issues in the community." The money must be used to pursue higher education.

But as the civic said goodbye to Sobel, they're looking toward the future and hoping to find another scholarship winner for the 2012-2013 school year.

Applications, that can be found on the civic's website, must be mailed or e-mailed by July 1 and the 2012-2012 scholarship winner will be notified in Spetember.

In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must live within the boundaries of the civic association.

If chosen, the awardee must:

• Attend a minimum of three civic association meetings between September and May. The annual meeting in October is a requirement. 
• Participate in Gladwyne Clean Up Day and the Memorial Day Parade
• Attend or view on telelvision, a minimum of four Lower Merion government meetings
• Meet with a township commissioner or school board director
• Meetin with the current president of the Gladwyne Civic Association 
• The winner must also summarize his or her experience in a written report presented at the June 2013 civic meeting.