HAWLEY, PA — In June, the Bernt Balchen Lodge #3-566, Sons of Norway, awarded three $500 scholarships for this year. The students were chosen for the difference they make in school and in their communities with their volunteer work, as well as their scholastic achievements. The students are Ashley Sloan, Victoria Rojas and Tyler Christianson.

Sloan and Rojas are two Wallenpaupack High School students. Christianson is the nephew of one of the members of Bernt Balchen Lodge, who attended Bacon Academy in Connecticut and has been a frequent visitor of Rowland, PA.

Sloan has been actively involved with volunteer work throughout her childhood, participating in child care at school, helped with Red Cross blood drives and is a member of the National Honor Society, among many other activities and affiliations. She has been accepted at Bloomsburg University and will be studying child psychology.

Rojas is a volunteer at the Hawley Borough Council and received the Gold Honor Award on the executive council with National Honor Society, among many other honors and activities. She has been accepted at Arcadia University, where she will major in biology, and she is planning to continue on to graduate study to become a physicians’ assistant.

Christianson is described by one of his teachers as a hardworking student and an exceptional leader, gracious and empathetic to others, a good student and very diligent in his studies. He has been accepted at Eastern Connecticut State University where he will develop his music and video production skills.

Bernt Balchen Lodge supports its scholarship program with various fundraisers throughout the year.  The next one is the Scandinavian Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 8 at the Lackawaxen Firehouse, 774 Route 590.