Landon Thoman            

This marks the second year of the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association Scholarship Fund, and this year’s scholarships are made possible through a generous donation in memory of Curtis Thoman. Curtis was a dedicated 40-year member of the Association who devoted countless hours to preserving and supporting the organization he loved. Curtis passed away in January of this year. He volunteered with the Farmers Flea Market for 12 years, helped mow the grounds alongside his family for five years, and was well known for his passion for John Deere equipment. For several years, visitors could find Curtis proudly displaying his John Deere D at the showgrounds, and he passed that enthusiasm on to the next generation by introducing his grandchildren to John Deere with 60 and 70 lawn tractors.

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Our first scholarship recipient has been a member of the Association for seven years and will be attending college this fall. Throughout her time with the organization, she has volunteered extensively in many areas, including helping the treasurer count and collect money, entering raffle data into spreadsheets, monitoring the scavenger hunt during Touch-A-Truck, picking up trash around the grounds, assembling informational signs, collecting gate admissions during tractor pulls, and much more. Her willingness to step in wherever needed has made a tremendous impact on the Association. It is our honor to present the Curtis Thoman Memorial Scholarship, on behalf of the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association, to Madelyn Brown, who will be attending Shippensburg University.

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Our second scholarship recipient has been a member for five years and plans to attend technical school this fall. Many visitors recognize him as one of the drivers of the barrel train during many of our events, but his contributions extend beyond that role. He has also assisted with entering raffle information into spreadsheets and has consistently volunteered his time to help the Association succeed. His dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to service embody the spirit of this scholarship program. We are proud to present the Curtis Thoman Memorial Scholarship, on behalf of the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association, to Bradley Demnicki, who will be attending Pennsylvania College of Technology.

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This year also marks an exciting milestone for the scholarship program itself. In 2025, the inaugural year of the program, only one application was received due to the membership and volunteer-hour requirements. This year, however, we received three outstanding applications from deserving young members who have each demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the Association and its mission. Because of the strength of this year’s applicants, the Board made the decision to award a third scholarship in recognition of another individual whose dedication and service stood out in every way.

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Our third scholarship recipient has been part of the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association for nearly his entire life. Over the years, he has devoted countless hours volunteering throughout the organization, including extensive work in the Souvenir Stand and the Farmers Flea Market. As part of his Eagle Scout Project, he designed and created informational display centers that are now being used around the grounds during our events — many of you may have seen them during the Spring Show this past weekend. His lifelong dedication to the Association makes him exceptionally deserving of this recognition. We are proud to present the $1,000 Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association Scholarship to Landon Thoman who will be attending Lehigh University this fall.