Phoenixville Student Earns Unique $5,000 Scholarship

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — A Phoenixville Area High School senior has been awarded a special $5,000 scholarship by the Phoenixville Community Education Foundation this week.

Senior Velkin Escobar was presented with the scholarship in honor of Johnny Long, a 1968 graduate of Phoenixville who could not afford to go to college, PCEF said.

Instead, Long enlisted in the Army. He was killed in a car accident on the way home from basic training.

According to PCEF, the donor of the scholarship funds was a classmate of Long's, and he wanted another student to have the chance to attend school. Here's what PCEF has to say about Velkin:

"Velkin has worked hard at PAHS (plus he had to learn English as he came here in 9th grade not knowing any), played varsity soccer and held a part-time job. He plans to attend the University of Valley Forge and wants to become a police officer."

Congratulations, Velkin!

Image courtesy Phoenixville Community Education Foundation