The Bradford Public Schools Foundation named three seniors of Bradford Area High School Class of 2017 as recipients of the Bradford Instrumental Music Scholarship.

These graduating seniors — Victoria Autieri, Katelyn Blake and Abigail Leposa — were selected through a competitive application process that evaluated a variety of factors, including the students’ contributions to the instrumental music program at Bradford Area High School as well as their leadership abilities, community involvement, and work ethic.

The scholarship awards were presented during the Senior Awards ceremony held at the Bradford Area High School.

Victoria Autieri, daughter of Victor and Camila Autieri, was an active member of not only the instrumental music department but also marching band, concert band and wind ensemble, attending district band, region band, district jazz and Intermediate Unit 9 band festivals and serving as drum major her junior and senior years. She also participated in Key Club, the school’s blood drive, DECA, service as president her senior year, Model UN, student council, the National Honor Society and the National Technical Society. Autieri donated many hours to community events including Vacation Bible School, Evergreen Elm, gown steaming for graduation, Kiwanis Kapers and Crook Farm.

Autieri will attend Grove City College, focusing her studies on accounting and finance.  

Katelyn Blake, daughter of Jason and Tracy Blake, will continue her education at Mansfield University in the field of psychology and plans to be part of the Mansfield marching band and the symphonic band.

Blake participated in marching band serving upper woodwind section leader her senior year. Other instrumental talents included concert band, orchestra, choir, IU9 band, district band, region band and the Pennsylvania Pearl Harbor Honors Band. Her activities include drama club editor, key club editor, prom committee, student council homeroom representative and National Honor Society. She volunteered her time at the senior center, the YWCA, Kiwanis International, American Red Cross, School Street Elementary School and the McKean County Special Olympics.

Abigail Leposa, daughter of Tom and Bonnie Leposa, was involved in marching band, where she was section leader her senior year; she also participated in concert band, wind, jazz and percussion ensembles. Leposa attended IU9, district band, region band and traveled to Hawaii with the Pennsylvania Pearl Harbor Honors Band. She also took piano lessons for five years.  She was a member of Key Club and the National Honor Society. She was a Girl Scout for 13 years and an active member of her church.

Leposa will attend Edinboro University and pursue a degree in speech pathology.

The Bradford Instrumental Music Scholarship Program originated in 2007 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the music program, enriching the environment in the school and community with numerous performances in concerts, competitions, parades, music festivals and athletic events.