Hartzell Memorial Scholarship receives check

By Lee Murray

TheNewsOutlet.org

youngstown

The Michael T. Hartzell Memorial Scholarship received a $1,500 check Friday from David and Christine Williams of Harmony Lodge, a Scandinavian club. Howard Hartzell and his wife, Mary Kay, were presented with the check outside YSU’s Alumni House on Wick Avenue.

“After this year, we’ve helped 73 kids,” said Howard Hartzell.

The Hartzells created the scholarship after their son’s death in 2003. Michael Hartzell, an officer in the Youngstown Police Department, was fatally shot in the line of duty. He was 26.

“Out of that tragedy, we’ve been able to help so many kids,” Howard Hartzell said.

The check comes from the remaining funds of the now dissolved Vasa club, which was part of the lodge. Christine Williams said that the board of trustees decided to donate to the Hartzell scholarship because they wanted to focus on education.

“We’re so honored that this gift is going to one of YSU’s most special scholarships,” said Paul McFadden, president of the Youngstown State University Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships to YSU students.

“[Michael Hartzell’s] memory is perpetuated by all the student recipients through the years.” McFadden said.

The fund awards scholarships to six YSU students each year. The amount awarded varies depending on what funds are available. According to the YSU’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships listings, three awards go to children of police officers serving in Youngstown; two awards go to the children of police officers serving in Mahoning, Columbiana, or Trumbull counties; and one award goes to a student from Austintown Fitch High School — Michael Hartzell’s former school — who intends to pursue a major in criminal justice.