Dr. Kistler Scholarship Fund - Encouraging Educational Excellence

In 1977 the Kistler Elementary School in Wilkes-Barre was dedicated in honor of Dr. David W. Kistler. Humbled by the honor, Dr. Kistler began to look for a way to thank the community and at the same time, create a means to encourage education excellence for middle-school students at the school. It took almost two years, but it has become one of the true fund success stories of The Luzerne Foundation.

The David W. Kistler Scholarship Fund was created in 1979 providing scholarships to students graduating from the sixth grade at the Kistler Elementary School who shows academic achievement, good citizenship, personal accomplishments and economic need. The twist to the story is that the actual scholarship is awarded at the successful completion of high school!

“There is a great need at the school,” notes Dr. Kistler, “as 49% of the students qualify for free lunches. This tells me they will need assistance when they reach the time to go to college.” Dr. Kistler has a special place in his heart for public education and sees it as an example of how democracy should work. “Even if a student has no money, if he or she studies hard and does well, doors will open for them in the future,” he added.

Dr. Kistler noted that he has no input on the selection of the recipients each year. This is done by a committee at the school who look for two or three sixth grade students who have done well in all areas of their academic career to date. By providing college scholarships, Dr. Kistler hopes to encourage these students to continue their good work through high school and he feels the program also impacts those who aren’t chosen by showing them the possibilities of success.

“The Foundation does a marvelous job of administering the Scholarship Fund,” according to Dr. Kistler. “It would not have happened without them and I know the Fund will be still be there when I’m gone and that’s important to me.”

Some of the students stay in touch with Dr. Kistler with letters and updates on their college careers. The first recipient has now graduated from college and there are families who have had multiple children receive the award. For Dr. Kistler, it’s all about giving back to his community and motivating and inspiring young students to strive for an education.