MT. POCONO - Sixteen college scholarships in the amount of $200 were awarded to students pursuing higher education by Rep. Mario M. Scavello (R-Monroe).

The funds will help students pay for college expenses. Over the past 18 years, Scavello has contributed a significant portion of his salary to benefit students. The cumulative total over that time is more than $233,000 in donations to eligible students.

"These days, students and parents appreciate all the help they can get when it comes to the cost of college," said Scavello. "Student scholarships are one way I contribute to the community I am honored to serve."

During his years of public service, Scavello has always chosen to donate a portion of his salary toward student scholarships. This has been his policy since he was elected mayor of Mt. Pocono, and was continued when he was Monroe County commissioner. He plans to continue this program through his public service career.

The scholarships are awarded to students living in the 176th Legislative District who reside in the Pocono Mountain, Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg school districts. Students must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the scholarship. The funds must be used to help pay for expenses to attend higher education institutions in the coming school year.