Parker McClellan, of Altoona, is the recipient of three Lock Haven University scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year. McClellan is a senior criminal justice major, Army ROTC cadet and a member of the Bald Eagle wrestling team.
McClellan received the Daniel Pyle Memorial Scholarship, The Jim Berkebile Wrestling Scholarship and Fall Classic Wrestling Scholarship in large part because of his leadership skills, as well as his academic and athletic merits.
Set to graduate in May, McClellan is anticipating his commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Army. He said his ROTC cadre, his coaches and the financial boost from his scholarships were pivotal in helping him achieve his goals.
"I thought that LHU would be a great fit for me for several reasons," McClellan said. "One of my main goals was to be a Division I wrestler, as well as to earn a commission into the military during my time in college. LHU has made it possible for me to accomplish both of these goals, while also obtaining a degree in criminal justice."
McClellan lauded his scholarships as primary motivators that helped him remain focused both in the classroom and on the mat.
"Without the scholarships generously awarded to me, I do not believe that my college education would have been as attainable," he said. "Being an LHU student has given me opportunities that I do not think I could find anywhere else."
Along with boasting a GPA greater than 3.0, McClellan also won more than 50 matches during his LHU wrestling career. He said his scholarships were often at the fore of his psyche when competing.
"At the beginning of each semester, I always think about the opportunities that have been given to me which push me to be the very best that I can in all of my athletic endeavors," McClellan said. "Being a smaller program has really showed me that you should be proud to be a part of a brotherhood like Lock Haven University wrestling."
McClellan is excited to begin his military career following graduation, and also said that he will be thinking of the donors of the Daniel Pyle Memorial Scholarship at his commissioning ceremony.
"I remember writing to them (donors) at the beginning of the year and mentioning that I would be thinking about their generosity when I was commissioned as an officer," he said. "That time is soon approaching, and I am forever grateful for their generosity."
"I aspire to be a great leader as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army," he added. "Being an ROTC cadet at LHU has made me look forward to a career in the military. "I could not have the opportunities to be in the position that I am today without the help of my cadre."
