The children of three PPL employees have been named winners in the 2002 National Merit and National Achievement scholarship competitions.

Elizabeth A. Blickley of Allentown, Pa., daughter of Philip J. Blickley, senior technologist-Technology Development, and Susan C. Blickley, senior integrator-Information Solutions, both in PPL’s Information Services Department, and Matthew J. Kiefer of Glencoe, Ill., son of James B. Kiefer, director of Midwest Operations for PPL Global, received four-year scholarship awards and a certificate in the National Merit Scholarship program.

Katura C. Thomas of Allentown, Pa., daughter of Mark N. Thomas, procurement specialist in PPL’s Procurement Department, received a four-year National Achievement Scholarship and certificate. Both programs are administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corp.

Blickley, a senior at Parkland High School, North Whitehall Township, Pa., plans to attend Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University and major in engineering.

Kiefer, a senior at New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Ill., plans to attend the Boston University and major in international relations. A senior at Catasauqua High School in Catasauqua, Pa., Thomas plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana and major in pharmacy.

"It’s an honor for PPL to be able to support and recognize the academic achievements, extracurricular accomplishments and leadership skills of the children of PPL employees," said Larry Sparta, PPL’s Education Relations director. PPL has been a sponsor of the scholarship programs since 1965.

"PPL is committed to supporting educational programs," Sparta said. "Our efforts include financial support for colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations and community events, as well as a full slate of energy and environmental education programs and electrical safety initiatives."

In addition, more than 1,500 PPL employees contribute more than 170,000 hours annually to various organizations through the company's Community of Volunteers program.

Blickley, Kiefer and Thomas were selected from students in the nationwide National Merit Program who advanced to the finalist level of the competition. Finalists are the highest-scoring entrants in each state, representing less than 1 percent of the state’s seniors. About 400 corporate sponsors representing nearly all sectors of American industry provide funding for the scholarship awards.

"These students are our future leaders," Sparta said. "We’re proud to recognize them through the National Merit and National Achievement scholarship programs."