Incoming Penn State Scranton student awarded Semiquincentennial Scholarship

DUNMORE, Pa. — Before he begins his studies at Penn State Scranton this fall, incoming student Anthony Betti has already earned recognition at the state level.

Betti, a graduating senior from Mid Valley Secondary Center, was selected as a recipient of the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship, a competitive award recognizing student leadership, service and civic engagement. He was one of just 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applicants statewide and the only recipient from Lackawanna County.

“Receiving the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship means more to me than I can fully express,” Betti said. “When I learned I was one of only 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applicants, it didn’t just feel like an achievement — it felt like a pivotal moment in my life.”

The scholarship is part of Pennsylvania’s commemoration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and honors students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving their communities.

“I am truly honored to receive this accolade and deeply grateful to my parents, teachers and mentors for guiding, challenging and helping me grow into the person I am today,” Betti said.

As part of the recognition, Betti attended a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, where scholarship recipients met Gov. Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro.

“Attending the luncheon at the Governor’s Residence made this honor even more meaningful,” Betti said. “Hearing Gov. Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro speak with such conviction about Pennsylvania’s future and the responsibility young leaders will carry left a lasting impression on me.”

Betti said the recognition reinforced his commitment to leadership and service as he prepares to begin his college career.

“This scholarship has strengthened my confidence and sense of purpose,” he said. “It has deepened my commitment to the next phase of my academic and professional journey and means a great deal to start that journey at Penn State this fall.”

Throughout high school, Betti built an extensive record of leadership and community involvement. He participated in cross-country, track and field, National Honor Society, Mock Trial, the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and several leadership development programs. He also serves as the elected judge of elections for Throop Borough’s 4th Ward.

“I believe what set me apart as a scholarship recipient was the depth of my leadership experience and my commitment to serving my school and community,” Betti said.

This fall, Betti will begin pursuing a finance degree through Penn State’s 2+2 Plan, starting at Penn State Scranton before completing his degree at University Park through the Smeal College of Business.

“Penn State has always been my first choice,” Betti said. “The business program’s strength and reputation, along with internship opportunities and real-world experience, made it the ideal place to begin my studies.”

He said the Scranton campus appealed to him because of its close-knit atmosphere and personalized student support.

“I was drawn to the strong sense of community on the Scranton campus and to the University’s commitment to student support. I value starting at a smaller campus where faculty will know me, invest in me, and genuinely want me to succeed,” Betti said.

Betti hopes to use his education to make a difference in northeastern Pennsylvania.

“As I pursue a degree in finance, I aim to develop the expertise to support small businesses, expand access to financial services, and contribute to community development,” he said. “Ultimately, I want to apply what I learn to help strengthen the local economy and create opportunities for the next generation.”

Looking ahead, Betti plans to continue building on the values that have guided his academic and community involvement.

“Lackawanna County has many strengths — small businesses that form the backbone of our towns, families working hard to build stability, and local organizations committed to helping our communities grow,” Betti said. “With a finance degree, I hope to contribute meaningfully to that growth.”