Although Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) could not hold an awards night for the Class of 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association (ULTWMA) bestowed CVHS seniors with funds in the amounts of $1,000 each.
Recipients were Grace Braught, Lindsey Mousch, John William Nissley, and April Peles.
Grace is the daughter of Charles Braught III, who served overseas in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for six years and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal. Charles was deployed during Operation Desert Storm from November 1990 to April 1991. Charles received the Combat Action Ribbon, two Meritorious Unit Citation awards, the Presidential Unit Citation - awarded to Task Force Ripper elements - and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal.
In the fall, Grace plans to attend West Virginia University to major in history.
Lindsey is the daughter of Keith M. Mousch, who served overseas in the USMC for five years. Keith was deployed during the Persian Gulf War as an aviation electrician and a member of a helicopter aircrew.
Lindsey plans to attend Lebanon Valley College in the fall to study early childhood and special education.
John is the son of Leslie Smith-Nissley, who served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years. In the fall, John intends to continue his education at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, where he will study computer systems technology.
April is the daughter of Ron Peles, who served four years with the USMC and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Ron received an honorable discharge in 1988.
April will join the military after high school. In the fall, April plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Health Science.
Bob Zook, president of ULTWMA, said that the organization was established shortly after World War II in honor of local veterans. "We now honor all veterans in the Conestoga Valley School District," noted Zook. "We provide funds to selected CVHS graduates who are children of U.S. veterans of any military branch to honor their parents' service to this great country."
ULTWMA is a nonprofit, volunteer organization located at 54 W. Main St., Leola. ULTWMA organizes and hosts community events that honor the military service of all local residents. Readers who would like to learn more about the organization may visit http://www.ultwma.org.
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