Alyssa Cannistraci Receives Clark-Yalda Scholarship in Atmospheric Science

MILLERSVILLE, PA (06/02/2014)(readMedia)--  Alyssa Cannistraci, Sykesville, Md., has been selected to receive the Clark-Yalda Scholarship in Atmospheric Science. Cannistraci will graduate from Century High School and will attend Millersville University of Pennsylvania this fall to study meteorology.

The Clark-Yalda Scholarship is an award for a freshman majoring in meteorology who ranked in the top quarter of their class and shows evidence of strong science and mathematics skills. The scholarship is for $1,664.

Cannistraci pursued a traditional college preparatory curriculum in high school, completing several courses at an honors-level and one, English Language and Composition, at the Advanced Placement level. She had near perfect attendance, missing only three days of school and attending for 1,300 consecutive days.

Cannistraci volunteered at summer camps, including art camp, 4-H Camp, Vacation Bible School and volunteers monthly at the South Carroll Food Pantry. She also led volunteer efforts and Christmas caroling for a disabled boy in her community. She was a member of the Executive Board for the Class of 2014, a member of the National Honors Society, the Tri-M Music Honors Society and an officer in the Student Government Association. She played the violin in the school orchestra throughout high school and was active in Girl Scouting. She actively participated in her church youth group and assisted as a crew leader for the Vacation Bible School. Alyssa also organized fund raising efforts for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy research. As an active participant in the Leadership, Experience and Opportunity Club, she helped deliver holiday meals to the less fortunate, played bingo with senior citizens and performed other similar tasks.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a top-ranked, public university located in the northeast region of the United States. It is committed to offering students a high quality, comprehensive university experience of exceptional value. Dedicated to providing nationally recognized programs that embrace the liberal arts, Millersville offers academic opportunities that are supported by outstanding faculty who are accomplished scholars and practitioners. Founded in 1855 as the first Normal School in Pennsylvania, Millersville University is one of 14 universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.