"The keys to success haven't changed. Hard work and sacrifice continue to be foremost in the formula."

But there's more, according to Dr. Andrew Jackson Lee Jr., the speaker at the 29th annual Mercer County Frontiers Club awards program last month at the Radisson Hotel of Sharon, Shenango Township.

"Being happy, finding time to laugh, and feeling good about yourself are all important ingredients in the formula," he noted. "Above all, don't forget where you came from."

Dr. Lee, a graduate of West Middlesex High School, is medical director of MedStar Physician Partners in Washington, D.C. Board certified in internal medicine, he received his bachelor of science degree from Grove City College and a doctor of medicine degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. He was a captain in the Air Force.

The Community Service Awards were presented to Robert Rice Jr. of Sharon for his years of volunteer service to the Sharon Tigers midget football program, and to the Showers of Blessings radio ministry for its nearly 33 years of Christian community broadcasting. The award for Showers of Blessings was accepted by the show's host, Sarah Hailstock of Sharon, and her assistant, Donna Moyer of Farrell.

The Community Service Award, established in 1975, is presented each year to minority individuals or organizations who unselfishly give volunteer service to the community.

The club presented six $550 scholarships to high school seniors. Recipients of the scholarship were: Sharmayne Bolling from Brookfield High School; Noel King from Sharon High School; and Alexis Henderson, Terence Johnson, Tracee Gavins and Ashley Smoot, all Farrell High School.

The Scholarship Recognition Award was presented to African-American graduates of area schools who completed an academic program above high school primarily in the year prior the Awards Program this year. The 2003 Scholar Recognition Award Recipients were:

   » Viola Denise Bournes, Farrell High School, associate degree in health information technology, Business Institute of Pennsylvania, Sharon.

   » Marques E. Byler, Sharon High School, associate degree in computer aided drafing and design, ITT Tech, Youngstown.

   » Clarice (Flint) Ford, Farrell High School, doctor of education degree, The Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara, Calif.

   » Lashandra Y. Guin, Farrell High School, bachelor of science degree in health science and community health, Slippery Rock University.

   » Margaret J. Hall, Farrell High School, bachelor of science degree in mathematics, Bennett College, Greensboro, N.C.

   » Barbara L. Hammond, Farrell High School, bachelor of science degree in speech pathology, Clarion University.

   » Tiffany J. Lorance, Farrell High School, bachelor degree in psychology, Chatham College, Pittsburgh.

   » Mary A. Odem, Sharon High School, bachelor of arts degree, Penn State University, University Park.

   » Rochelle L. Odem, Keystone Charter School, associate degree, Bradford School, Pittsburgh.

   » Calvin D. Phillips, Mercer High School, doctor of education degree in administration and leadership, Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

   » Iesha Prince, Sharon High School, diploma in cosmetology, Penn State Cosmetology, Sharon.

   » Kimberly I. Saunders, Farrell High School, bachelor of business administration, Slippery Rock University.

   » Celeste M. Sharper, Sharon High School, master of social work degree, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

   » Crystal Shephard, Hickory High School, associate of science degree of occupational therapy assistant, Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh.

   » Marcia A. Talbert, Farrell High School, masters degree in business administration, California State University, Los Angeles.

   » Kristen B. Ward, Brookfield High School, bachelor of arts and sciences degree, University of Akron (Ohio).

   » Tanisha (Guin) Watts, Farrell High School, bachelor of science degree in social work, Edinboro University.

   » Emmagene (Green) Williams, bachelor of science in nursing, Penn State University, Shenango Campus, Sharon.

The Frontiers Club is a community service organization. President of the club is William Murray, Sr.