The Abington Police Athletic League (PAL) announced today that Troy Leaks, a 2026 graduate of Abington Senior High School, has been named this year’s recipient of the Val O. Ward Memorial Scholarship.

The annual scholarship awards $1,000 to a graduating senior and was founded after the 2021 passing of Ms. Valerie Ward, a kindergarten teacher in the Abington School District, former president of the Willow Grove NAACP, and board secretary for the Abington PAL.

From the PAL’s announcement:

Troy was a familiar face at PAL, attending most weekends and spending countless hours on the basketball court. His dedication, commitment, and love of the game truly made him a valued member of our PAL family. With this scholarship, we remember Miss Val, who was a staple at PAL, where she could be found every weekend at the registration table, welcoming members and making everyone feel at home. She was a volunteer extraordinaire who gave her time, energy, and heart so generously to PAL and, most importantly, to the children in our community. We are proud to recognize Troy with this scholarship and wish him continued success as he takes the next step in his journey.

In related news, Lee’s Hoagie House of Abington Township presented a $1,000 scholarship to Aniyah Williams, described as “an outstanding high school senior involved with Abington PAL in memory of our longtime delivery driver, Robert Allen—a wonderful human who famously played the saxophone on Sister Sledge’s hit, ‘We Are Family.'”

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.