Vahlberg Earns AAYSA Merit Scholarship

Severna Park resident Charlie Vahlberg was awarded one of five Anne Arundel Youth Soccer Association (AAYSA) Arundel Cup Scholarships.

According to AAYSA scholarship director Alex Knoll, applicants were tasked with writing an essay in response to a choice of questions with topics ranging from sportsmanship to how youth soccer has made the applicant a better person.

AAYSA received 15 entries to this year's scholarship essay contest and awarded five $2,000 scholarships. The award can be used to help with tuition, books or other school-related fees. Seniors in high school who are slated to graduate with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and have played on an AAYSA soccer team for at least one season are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Each year, AAYSA awards up to $15,000 in scholarships to high school seniors who plan to continue their education through an undergraduate degree program or certification from an accredited college, university or technology school. The scholarships are funded by the entry fees of the Arundel Cup soccer tournament.

Vahlberg, who has played the last four years with a U19 Green Hornets rec squad, is on track to attend the Pennsylvania-based Grove City College to study design and innovation with a minor in computer science.

The rising college freshman and current Chartridge resident said he plans to play intramural soccer in the fall with a goal to make the college’s team in the spring.

“Charlie has been a leader on our teams, both on and off the field,” said Doug Mules, Vahlberg’s coach for his most recent Green Hornets team. “He always has a positive attitude that brings out the best in those around him.”