The Utica Roadrunners handed out scholarships Wednesday evening to deserving seniors from local high schools. Out of multiple applicants, only four were chosen.
At the Utica Rec Center before the start of the practice run, runners gathered around as the scholarships were presented.
Theresa Dristle from Jordan Elbridge received the Utica Roadrunner Award.
Trevor Kline and Brieann Lohmann were awarded the Paul Ohlmabum scholarship. Kline is a VVS graduate while Lohmann went to Mount Markham, they're both cross country and track stars.
Longtime runner and namesake for the scholarship, Paul Ohlbaum, was in attendance and gave a nice speech during the presentation.
"I'm very proud to be here," said Ohlbaum. "I've been involved in the development runs since 1970. Goes way back before most of you were even born. I'm still active, I'm gonna run the 5K Boilermaker this year. I'll be 84 next month. I wanna encourage everybody to keep running your whole life. You're doing a wonderful thing and I'm just proud of all of you."
One important person was missing, Whitesboro grad Thomas Colicci. He is the Howard Rubin award recipient.
The $500 scholarships are a one-time award to be used for tuition, fees, or residential costs at an accredited college or university