Lincoln High Student Receives $1,000 McDonald’s Scholarship

ELLWOOD CITY, PA (June 7, 2017) – McDonald’s of Ellwood City and the Beaver County Foundation are pleased to announce that Dominic Nocera of Lincoln High School is the recipient of the 2017 Dom Viccari-McDonald’s of Ellwood City Scholarship.

Nocera will receive $1,000 towards his college tuition in recognition of his academic achievement, leadership ability and community service.

A check presentation is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 at McDonald’s of Ellwood City.

Established in 2014, the annual scholarship is named to honor the man who worked tirelessly to improve Ellwood City for all residents, first as a five-term council member and three-term council president, and later as Borough Manager for seven and half years until his retirement in 2013.

Last week, Nocera graduated from Lincoln High School, Viccari’s alma mater. In addition to his academic achievements, Nocera maintained an active extracurricular schedule through involvement with National Honor Society, Club Hope, District Chorus, Honors Chorus, several band groups, Peer Leadership, Student Council, History Club and the school’s annual musical. He has also served as a bible school assistant and altar server at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

In the fall, Nocera will attend the Pennsylvania State University, Beaver Campus where he will study biomedical engineering.

“This scholarship should not be seen as granting money to the ‘best student’,” said Paul Sweeney, Owner/Operator of McDonald’s of Ellwood City and several other Golden Arches locations across western PA. “Not only does Dominic demonstrate academic excellence, but he also embodies a dedication to community service and leadership, which honors Dom Viccari’s legacy here in Ellwood City.”

Viccari graduated from Ellwood City’s Lincoln High School in 1952 with high honors and was then employed by The Ellwood City Ledger for 52 years. Through his various positions of leadership and service, he has made an unforgettable mark on Ellwood City.

Viccari continues to serve the community as Second Vice President of the Ellwood City Historical Society and as a member of the Lawrence County Planning Commission. He recently finished a term on the Ellwood City Library Board of Trustees and volunteers with the Ellwood City Share the Harvest group of volunteers who grow produce for the Holy Redeemer Ministerium food bank that he formed in 2012.

“Dominic is an outstanding student and I am so proud and humbled that he is receiving a scholarship in my name. I am confident he will continue to be a passionate and inspiring leader in Ellwood City and beyond,” said Viccari.

More than 700 young people were eligible to apply for this year’s scholarship, which was open to high school seniors graduating from Lincoln High School or Riverside High School and planning to attend two- or four-year vocational or academic schools.

The scholarship is administered by The Beaver County Foundation that administers many programs throughout the area. Individuals and groups who wish to honor Viccari’s contribution to the community can make contributions by mailing checks with a notation of Viccari /McDonald’s Scholarship to the foundation at P.O.Box 569, Beaver, Pa 15009.