Nellie Pederson Civic Library announces scholarship recipients

• Representing the Clifton Civic Improvement Society, Nellie Pederson Civic Library Executive Director Lewis Stansell (from left) presented scholarship awards to Levi Knox and Riley Finney during the Clifton High School Senior Banquet on Tuesday, May 14, at the Bosque Arts Center in Clifton. Lewis Stansell | Courtesy Photo

The Nellie Pederson Civic Library’s scholarships were awarded to Levi Knox and Riley Finney during the Clifton High School Senior Banquet on Tuesday, May 14, at the Bosque Arts Center in Clifton.

Both Levi and Riley will be attending McLennan Community College in Waco.

Levi will be in the MCC Fire Protection program, and Riley will be attending the MCC Fire Academy to become a firefighter/paramedic.

The scholarships were in the amount of $2,500 each. For the last 10 years, the Clifton Civic Improvement Society has awarded scholarships in honor of the Nellie Pederson Civic Library.

The scholarships are for those individuals who want to attend a technical, trade, or vocational school.

The longest-running service organization in Clifton, the Clifton Civic Improvement Society formed following a fire that destroyed an entire city block in historic downtown Clifton in 1905. The society’s annual turkey dinner fundraiser has been prepared and served since 1907.

Funds from the society’s activities have gone toward the purchase of fire trucks and equipment for the Clifton Volunteer Fire Department, the creation and maintenance of Clifton’s public library, kitchen equipment at the Clifton Civic Center, and more.

In addition, the society offers scholarships for continuing education for women.

The group’s members meet on the first Wednesday of the month (September to May) at the Clifton Civic Center located at 403 West Third Street in Clifton.