Maria DeLuca Wins The Kari McCloskey Memorial Scholarship
Maria DeLuca, daughter of Frank and Joni DeLuca, was named the recipient of the inaugural Kari McCloskey Memorial Scholarship at the Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational in Erie, Pennsylvania, the largest co-ed gymnastics invitational in Pennsylvania.
Maria met the eligibility requirements for this scholarship as an Athlete Member of USA Gymnastics with an outstanding GPA and several athletic accomplishments. Maria competes as a Level 8 gymnast for Off Limits Gymnastics and Cheer in Neshannock Township. In addition to bringing home the scholarship from the Stars and Stripes Invitational, Maria also won first place on her vault, beam, and floor routines AND the All-Around for Level 8!
Congratulations, Maria! You continue to make your Lancer Community very proud!
About the Kari McCloskey Memorial Scholarship:
Kari “Kare Bear” McCloskey was a gymnast on Team Lighting (Erie, PA) for several years before being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at the young age of eleven. Kari ultimately lost her brave battle with cancer at the age of thirteen, but not before inspiring adults and children alike by her ability to fight with courage, strength, and a smile.
Erie Gymnastics Center and Team Lighting Booster Club were inspired to create a scholarship in Kari’s memory to honor her life and help her fellow gymnasts. The scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to a graduating senior gymnast — pursuing a post-secondary education — who possesses the same spirit as their beloved Kari.