MASSENA - SeaComm Federal Credit Union recently awarded five St. Lawrence County students with the Shirley J. Eagles Memorial Scholarships.

The local recipients were Harlee Hartson and Jake Linstad, both of Massena; Erica Bates of Canton; Lilliana Akins of Parishville; and Dawson Matthews of Russell. Each student received a $1,000 scholarship. 

Harlee Hartson, son of Melissa Bell of Massena, graduated from St. Lawrence Central High School with a GPA of 91. An avid volunteer, Harlee helped out with blood drives, food distribution, as well as the 2024 winter carnival experience. Besides volunteering, Harlee also works at McDonalds, picking up 12 hours per week. Harlee has been accepted to SUNY Canton and plans to study cybersecurity starting in the fall of 2024. 

Jake Linstad is the son of Russell and Ally Linstad of Massena. Graduating from Massena High School, Jake maintained a GPA of 88.21. A stellar athlete, Jake has won awards for both hockey and football. He volunteers at The Morning Blend, a breakfast shop open during the first 4 school periods. There he would make sandwiches and coffee orders. Outside of school, Jake works at Morley’s in Massena where he busses and hosts for 20 hours a week. In the fall, Jake will be studying cybersecurity at SUNY Canton.    

Dawson Matthews, son of Dereck Matthews and Laurie White of Russell, recently graduated from Edwards Knox Central School with a 93.77 GPA. His excellent academic performance helped Dawson earn the Excelsior and Academic Excellence Scholarships. Outside of the classroom Dawson was an active member of the National Honor Society, volunteering with the group on multiple occasions. This fall, Dawson will be attending Clarkson University where he will major in engineering. 

Erica Bates is the daughter of John and Andrea Bates of Canton. Erica has graduated from Madrid Waddington High School with a GPA of 95.60. Throughout her high school career, Erica was involved in multiple clubs, sports teams, and was a member of National Honor Society. Outside of school, Erica has held multiple jobs, including positions at United Helpers and Breezy Maples Farms. Erica will be attending the nursing program at Elmira College, where her past academic achievements have earned her the Presidential Scholarship.

Lilliana Akins is the daughter of Maurice and Sheryl Carter of Parishville. Lilliana graduated from Parishville-Hopkinton High School with a GPA of 92.83. Outside the classroom, Lilliana has experience working in bookstores as well as volunteering her time in thrift stores and historical societies. She currently volunteers for the Potsdam Humane Society. Lilliana will be attending SUNY Oswego in the fall where she was awarded a Dean Scholarship. She is leaning towards a major in zoology with a minor in art. 

The SeaComm Shirley J. Eagles scholarships are awarded each year to college bound students in memory of long time SeaComm employee Shirley Eagles, who lost her life in a tragic car accident in 2004. Winners are selected based on a wide variety of criteria including academics, volunteer service, scholastic awards, and financial need.