SCOTT TOWNSHIP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — We have a special edition of “Here’s to you kid”. Two of the kids who were featured in our stories, which showcase the achievements of extraordinary kids, were honored at Lakeland Junior/Senior High School.

Patricia McAndrew, a senior at Lakeland, and Julie Bower, an eighth-grade student at Lakeland, are the 2024 winners of the Times Leader’s Book of Dreams and the Luzerne Foundation Scholarship.

McAndrew was highlighted for community service at the Wright Center and volunteering at her high school. What got her into community service was her mom, who led by example helping out at a local homeless shelter.

“I was completely shocked my mother tricked me into this and she said that the Red Cross was coming but I didn’t realize it was this I am absolutely grateful for this and this just makes me more dedicated and excited to just involve myself more in my community,” said McAndrew.

Bower, the second scholarship recipient, was featured as a here’s to you kid for giving back to kids in her community during the holidays.

“We’re like little Santa’s helpers but we’re for every holiday,” says Bower.

Both girls say their support systems at home are what helped them get to where they are.

“My mother kept me going and my father taught me what to do how to budget and stuff,” added Bower.

“Without my parents, I don’t think I would be able to accomplish this my mom has taught me everything since day one and my dad has always had my back and this is just one way I could make them proud,” stated McAndrew.

As for what’s next for the girls

“We’re just gonna continue what we’re doing and keep going forward,” continued Bower.

“I’m going to be attending Albright College down in reading for special education and my major in Spanish and I will be staying an extra year in college to get my teaching certificate in post-secondary education,” explained McAndrew.

Although she’s a graduate senior at Lakeland, it may still be in her future.

“Do you hope to maybe return here and teach?” asked 28/22 News.

“Oh my gosh that would be amazing to come back here and teach cause I’m my sister is also down in East Stroudsburg and she’s going for a physical education major so it would be fun if the both of us got back here to work at Lakeland again,” answered McAndrew.

Meanwhile, bower says while she continues her high school career. She’s going to keep up the good work.

“It’s good to give and it costs nothing to be nice,” said Bower.

Penn State was also at Thursday’s event, ready to match the scholarship if Patricia were to choose to go to the university.

If you know a kid making a difference in their community you can nominate them on our website.