Elisabeth Raub, a senior at Palmerton Area High School, was among 21 top-notch high school students recognized at the annual Mercy Presidential Scholarship dinner at Mount Aloysius College, in Cresson, Pa.

The College's Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions hosted the event to recognize prospective students who demonstrate a solid academic record and a commitment to home, school and community.On average, the students compiled a 3.7 Grade Point Average, and scored between 1100-1300 on the critical reading and math sections of the Scholastic Aptitude Tests.Raub, who plans to major in Elementary/Special Education at the college located in Cambria County, said that while academics is one prerequisite for the scholarship, so, too, is community involvement."The award is both an honor to receive and a significant portion of my annual college costs," Raub said. "Being one of 21 chosen is special, and I have had the opportunity to meet all my fellow recipients."Raub said she had to address the issue of her future major, and how she would use it to make a productive contribution after college. She also had to write an essay on her community endeavors and contributions, not to mention an interview where she was questioned by eight members of a committee that consisted of various people of rank at the school.As part of the scholarship requirements, Raub said she will have to choose a community internship, and contribute time on the project based on a designed plan.Raub said she regards herself as "well-rounded", and added that she looks forward to the next major step in her life."It's a very exciting time," she said. "It was at the scholarship awards dinner I made my decision to attend MAC. Everyone was so embracing and supportive, and I felt it was the best decision for me."Along with academics, Raub said she plans to play softball, where MAC just won the Division III Allegheny Mountain Collegiant Conference.After school, Raub said she plans to work, share time with her friends, play tournament softball, work with her horse, and take a course at Lehigh Carbon Community College to lighten her course load in the spring softball season.In addition to the Mercy Presidential Scholarship, Raub was recently awarded the Hospital Central Services, Inc. Blood Donor Requirement Scholarship through the Miller-Keystone Blood Center, for which she said she is extremely proud.Elisabeth is the daughter of Michael and Janet Raub.April Tewksbury and Nickolas Pleskonko, current Mercy Presidential Scholars, served as mistress and master of ceremonies and welcomed the scholarship recipients and their families to the college. The scholars also possess leadership abilities, participate in extra-curricular activities, volunteer and are involved in community service projects."This year's students reflect a broad background of leadership, academics and service," said Frank Crouse, vice president for Enrollment Management. "We look forward to their future contributions at Mount Aloysius College."Crouse continued with his praise of the students."Of the many students competing for a Mercy Presidential Scholarship at Mount Aloysius College, these students best reflect the mission, values and goals of the College," Crouse said. "The leadership qualities they possess and their commitment to community service is quite impressive. Not only will Mount Aloysius College serve these students well, but these students will contribute to the College."The Mercy Presidential Scholarship is valued at $10,000 per academic year, totaling $40,000 over a four-year period.For more information, contact the Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions toll-free at 888-823-2220.