PHOTOS: Lechner, Wilson Earn Class of ’57 Scholarships

Mason Lechner and Rayden “R.J.” Wilson are the first recipients of a scholarship established this year by the Lincoln High School Class of 1957.

Each was awarded $1,000 to help them continue their education in a two-year program.

Mason is now taking classes at New Castle School of Trades where he plans to earn a degree in electrical technologies. R.J, is going to Butler County Community College for a degree in exercise science and plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy.

Mason, son of Gregg and Diane Lechner of Wurtemburg Rd., spent part of this summer on a mission trip to North Carolina where he helped rebuild a youth center that was destroyed by a hurricane. He previously did mission trips to Alabama, Erie and New Castle.

He’s involved in Willing Workers through St. Peter’s Reform Church in Zelienople, in which he joins other students in taking care of older people’s yards, raising money to fund stables at Glade Run School in Zelienople and helping with dinners and projects at the church. Three years ago he started his own lawn business, which continues to grow. He works on the family farm and raised cows to sell to raise money to help with tuition costs.

Active in 4-H since fourth grade, he is in the shooting sports-archery program at Castlewood Rod and Gun Club and teaches new members safety procedures and shooting techniques. He also helps with Autumn Bash, an event involving about 500 individuals with varying disabilities.

R.J., son of Richard and Barbara Wilson of Clover Ave., was born with severe hypermobility which was an adversity in his childhood. Although he was told he was unfit or unable to do sports when he was young, he was motivated and got involved in sports. He plans to use his degree to help student athletes and those with disabilities.

He earned letters in soccer, football, track and stage crew and was in Concert Choir, Robotics Club and the musical in high school. He also took dance lessons at Studio P from preschool through 10th grade.
He helped with the Carpenters’ Project, at a soup kitchen in Ambridge for five years, volunteers at the local library, worked at the Beaver County YMCA in 2019 and has been employed since 2020 by Veka, where he plans to work part-time while in college.

Since 2017 R.J. has been a teaching assistant in the religious school at Beth Samuel Jewish Center in Ambridge where he helps elementary students.

The 1957 scholarship committee added $2,000 in scholarship funds this year to help those continuing their education at a trade school, community college, nursing or cosmetology program or similar school. The class also gives a $5,000 scholarship and $500 essay award each year. This year’s winner was Molly McCommons.