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Jacob Busch, a 2019 Warrior graduate of his beloved Wyoming Area High School, died tragically from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Monday, May 18, 2020 at a mere 19 years old. Jake, as his friends and family referred to him, gave forth that inner light that the universe reserves for the headstrong, adventurous, and brave. He was that unique brand of human that is capable of effortless leadership, empathy, and compassion, while maintaining a simple, humble approach to life. Jacob's early days saw him spending summer afternoons playing in West Pittston involved in Little League, Boy Scouts, and entertaining his wide variety of outdoor interests including riding his bike and scooter as well as hunting and fishing. “#19”; Jacob Busch was a Wide Receiver & Defensive Back for his Warriors football team for which he received the Coach’s “Warrior Pride" Award. He was one of a select few chosen to represent WA at the annual UNICO football game (2018-2019) which featured successful players from local high schools. In addition to a successful WA football career, he was also a member of the varsity baseball team and participated in track and field. He was a member of Student Council, Key Club, Homecoming Court, and Class Day Committee. His adoration & pride for Wyoming Area was clearly recognized by family friends & faculty alike as was evidenced by the outpouring of their love, support & sentiments. His family was overwhelmed by the large number of notes letters and generosity received from the Wyoming Area community after Jake’s untimely death. Jacob will be remembered as always being smartly dressed and always smiling. His laughter was contagious. Jake was truly happy in the presence of his family and friends. He adored laughing and joking with his younger sister-Ava. He truly loved Christmas and all the planning that went with it. Ava and Jake followed all the family traditions each year especially decorating the tree with their special ornaments. He loved music and enjoyed playing the guitar or skateboarding with his father, Jody. They also spent time hiking, working out and riding quads together. His dad also taught him to drive his standard shift, Camaro. Jacob was fortunate enough to have known all of his grandparents and to have had very special relationships with all of them. He hunted and fished with his Pop and Gram Callahan at their cabin in the Harrisburg area. He swam, worked construction, and chopped wood with his Grandfather Busch. Jacob's Mema Callahan was his go-to bestie, counselor, and advisor. There is nothing Jake would not do for his Mema. He never let her walk to her car alone whenever she was leaving their house after a visit. He will always be her “Baby Boy.” Jake's family was the center of his bright life. Jake became interested in the Camp Cadet Summer program offered to local schools and operated by the Pennsylvania State Police from Troop P out of Wyoming. Once enrolled in the program at age 13, it was evident that his love of the opportunity and his respect for the Troopers would blossom into more than a passing summer hobby. Jacob would go on to successfully complete this program and the next summer he was invited back as one of four from a field of 200 candidates to serve as a Junior Cadet counselor to upcoming student participants. As a result of his Camp Cadet experience and after serving as a counselor there, after he graduated from Wyoming Area High School he set his goals directly on the State Police Academy and entered and completed his freshman year at Bloomsburg University as a member of the Air Force ROTC and a Criminal Justice Major. Jacob's forward look always set his goals directly on the Academy with hopes of becoming that which he idolized, a Pennsylvania State Trooper. His wildly strong convictions towards helpfulness, equality, and assisting the "under-dog" drove his dreams. Spearheaded by his Mom, Amy Marie Callahan, this scholarship is being offered in Jake's memory to a Wyoming Area graduating senior who like Jake wants to pursue a career in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice. She is also looking for a senior who has been influenced by someone who is in one of these fields or careers. However, other majors/careers will be considered. The life of an exceptional young person such as Jacob adds light to the world, while producing a profound and positive impact on every person he or she meets. It is THAT light which should be the focus of this scholarship. The right way is not always the popular and the easy way. Jacob understood that standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character. Jake, at his young age, learned that happiness and personal reward are the natural consequences of doing the right thing. It is these important character traits mentioned here that we, as Jacob's family, both recognized to be strongly ingrained within him and feel the recipient of this scholarship award should also exemplify. Jake protected and always looked out for sister, Ava, and enjoyed dancing and singing with her. Ava expressed her relationship with her brother in these words: “He was the best brother and friend I had in my life. I will always remember and love him. Jake Busch, was not only my brother, but my best friend since my first breath. When I was winning he was there; when I was losing he was there; when I was suffering he was there; when I was crying he was there. Jake was the type person who knew exactly how you felt without having to say anything and he always knew how to put a smile on your face even on the most unbearable days. No matter how he was feeling, he always did everything to the best of his power in order to reach his true potential. Jake was so much more than he seemed. My brother is and will always be my biggest inspiration for all of my goals, aspirations, and achievements in life. I owe everything I have achieved to my brother. Even when I doubted myself he continued to push and encourage me to reach my true potential. You were the BEST, Jake and I will remember and love you forever.” His mother is totally devastated by her son’s untimely death. This is understandable when one hears about and often observed the love and bond they shared with each other. His mom, Amy, fighting back tears said: “my beloved son, Jacob, was as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside. His smile and laughter were contagious. He would always tell me I was his” Wonder Woman” and I hope he knew he will always be my “Superman.” He used to always tell me that I was his hero and he couldn’t have gotten as far in life without me. Truth is he was and will always be MY HERO! My life will never be the same. Our love and bond was like no other. We were as close as a mother and child could ever be. My heart will remain forever broken by this devastating loss. My sweet angel, Jacob Joseph, will remain “Forever 19” and I will keep his memory and love for life alive forever.” Rest in peace Jacob....love, Mom!♥
REQUIREMENTS: Carefully read over this statement and incorporate it into your essay: Jacob always strove to help those around him and the recipient of this award must be prepared to examine, elaborate and expand on this simple tenet. CRITERIA: Applicants to this scholarship must be Wyoming Area graduating seniors who plan on attending a trade or technical school, a community college or a 2 or 4 year college/ university. We are looking for a student interested in some form of public service, be it the military, law enforcement, criminal justice, first responders, etc. We are looking for an applicant who intends on embarking on a career which serves others. ESSAY: In a solid essay of at least 500 words, select from the following prompts. Indicate which one you have selected by including it in the first sentence of your essay. 1. What influenced you in the career choice you have made? 2. If Jake touched your life in any way, tell us how he did and how it has affected your life. 3. What part of Jake’s story affected you so that you decided to apply for this particular Scholarship? Tell us how and why. |