LUDLOW, Vermont ??” Tim and Diane Mueller, owners of Okemo Mountain Resort, are pleased to announce the recipients of the Okemo Mountain Scholarship Awards for 2005/06.

Eleven academic scholarships are offered annually to employee students and employee dependents to assist them to further their scholastic endeavors. Criteria used to select the recipients include academic achievement, co-curricular involvement and the composition of an essay.

“This marks the 19th year that we have awarded scholarships to deserving high school and college students to help them to achieve their career goals,” commented Diane Mueller, owner of Okemo Mountain Resort. “These scholarship awards support our belief to foster education and enhance community spirit.”

Okemo Mountain Employee Scholarship Award ($1,000 each):
Okemo Mountain Employee Student Scholarship Awards are presented to high school or college students who are employed at Okemo during the winter season.

Erica Kelleher of Cromwell, CT is currently attending Lyndon State College in VT and is pursuing a career in Recreation Resource and Ski Resort Management. She has worked at Okemo as a part time ski instructor for the past four years, specializing in the children’s programs. Erica is pursuing a career in Marketing and Public Relations and aspires to operate her own ski area.

Amanda Osborne of Springfield, VT is a 2005 graduate of Springfield High School and plans to attend the University of Hew Haven in CT in the fall. She is pursuing a career in Forensic Science and would like to attend Graduate School after college. Her goal is to work in a Forensics Laboratory. Amanda has worked at Okemo for the past 4 years in Okemo’s Culinary Services.

Hannah Ingrid Parker of Chester, VT is a 2005 graduate of Green Mountain Union High School. She plans to attend Johnson State College in VT this fall and pursue a career in education. Hannah would like to be an Elementary teacher or Art teacher in the Chester/Ludlow region so she can contribute back to her community. She worked at Okemo last winter as a lift operator.

Ami Lucienne Rice of Springfield, VT is a 2005 graduate of Springfield High School and plans to attend the University of Vermont in the fall. Her love of animals led her to pursue a career as a Veterinarian and operate her own animal clinic or hospital. Ami worked in the Okemo Snow Stars department last winter.

Okemo Mountain Employee Dependent Scholarship Award ($1,000 each):
Okemo Mountain Dependent Student Scholarship Awards are presented to dependents of Okemo employees who are high school seniors or students enrolled in a degree program.

Jessica Glagov of Saratoga Springs, NY is a 2005 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. She plans to attend the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in MA in the fall and pursue a degree as a Doctor of Pharmacy. Jessica is the daughter of David Glagov, who has worked as snowboard instructor at Okemo for the past four years.

Julia Hoeh of Belmont, VT is a 2005 graduate of Black River High School. She plans to attend the University of Wisconsin in the fall and pursue a career in Wildlife Biology. Julia is the daughter of David Hoeh, who has worked at Okemo as a Safety Ambassador for the past four years.

Rebecca Muzzey of Chester, VT is a 2005 graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School and plans to attend SUNY Morrisville State College in the fall. Her passion for horses has led her to pursue a degree in Equine Science and Management and become a horse trainer/breeder. Rebecca is the daughter of Paul Muzzey, a Safety Ambassador at Okemo for the past two years.

Ashley Willumitis of Andover, VT is a 2005 graduate of Green Mountain Union High School. She plans to attend Cazenovia College in NY in the fall and major in Photography. She aspires to pursue a career in Photojournalism and someday own her own photography studio. Ashley is the daughter of Al Willumitis who has worked at Okemo for the past 8 years as a Supervisor in Okemo’s Custodial Services.

Thomas Croney Scholarship Award ($1,000 per year for 2 years):
Tom Croney Scholarship Award is presented to a student pursuing a career in a technical field and is given in the memory of Tom Croney, an Okemo employee who set an example through his dedication to Okemo and its guests.

Stephanie Karaffa of Springfield, VT is the recipient of the Thomas Croney Award. She is a 2005 graduate of Springfield High School and plans to attend Mount Ida College in Newton, MA and major in Graphic Design. Stephanie worked in Okemo’s Penguin Playground Day Care Facility last winter.

Creative Endeavors Scholarship Award:
Okemo Creative Endeavors Scholarship Award was created by the Okemo Fine Arts Council to assist employees and their dependents in furthering their interest in the arts. Awardees may attend programs and seminars related to art, drama, music and creative writing.

Kelen Beardsley of Springfield, VT is the recipient of the Creative Endeavors Scholarship Award. She plans to attend The Full Sail Educational Facility in Winterpark, FL and pursue a career in Audio Engineering. Kelen developed a love for music at a very early age and aspires to become a Record Producer. She is the daughter of Jay Beardsley, Okemo’s Facilities Director.

John F. Mueller Employee Student Scholarship Award ($1,000):
The John F. Mueller Scholarship Award was formed by the Okemo staff in memory of Dr. Mueller. This award is given to a student who is pursuing a career in medicine.

Mary Fiset of Wilmont, NH is the recipient of the John F. Mueller Scholarship Award. Mary is currently attending the University of New Hampshire and is enrolled in the Nursing program. After college, she would like to pursue a Master’s Degree and focus in Pediatric Orthopedics. Mary has worked at Mount Sunapee Resort in NH for the past six winters.

Okemo Mountain Resort began offering scholarship awards in 1988 to graduating seniors and college students and is pleased to continue the tradition annually. Past recipients may re-apply each year for Okemo??в„ўs scholarship awards.