Freeport's Bower, Lichtenfels videos win money for charities

Two Freeport Area School District video makers won grants to help their favorite charities.

The students participated in XTO Energy’s Community Leaders of Tomorrow contest, which encourages students to become involved in their communities. The contest runs at high schools throughout the region.

Mara Bowser, who graduated from Freeport this year, won first-place in her district. Her video won $1,500 for Freeport Meals on Wheels.

She received a $500 scholarship and iPad from XTO Energy.

Bowser has participated with Meals on Wheels since fourth grade.

“Volunteering has made me feel like I have made a positive impact in our community,” she said in an email. “I enjoy talking to people of all ages and receive tremendous satisfaction helping others.”

She said volunteering has “enriched my life by teaching me responsibility, accountability, and the importance of working as a team member…. and just how much our world needs more volunteers.”

Bowser plans on studying business and marketing at the University of Pittsburgh.

Alex Lichtenfels earned second place from XTO for his video nominating the outreach committee of Grace Presbyterian Church. Lichtenfels, who will return to Freeport Area in the fall, received an iPad and $500 for the church’s outreach committee.