Spencer & Hostler Awards

Stanley Hostler Essay Contest 

Stanley Hostler, Stan, was a friend and avid supporter of HSTA from its inception. He volunteered countless hours and was a fierce champion and advocate for the program. His wisdom, leadership and financial support were instrumental in building HSTA and provided hundreds of students, opportunity, and hope.

Stan Hostler Community Service Award

State Winners:

2025

  • Miranda Harper - Kanawha County HSTA

  • Anton Crudup - Harrison/Mon/Marion County HSTA

  • Hannah Zukchowski - Mountain HSTA

  • Layce Fickey - Ohio/Marshall County HSTA

2024

  • Lily Zukowski- Fayette County HSTA

  • Ethan Justice-McDowell County HSTA

  • Ja'el Thomas- Eastern Panhandle HSTA

  • Seth DeBiase-Monongalia/Marion County HSTA

 2023

  • Emily Browning - Cabell/Lincoln/Boone HSTA

  • Maria Providenti - Kanawha HSTA

  • Ashlyn Richardson - McDowell HSTA

  • Molly Long - Mt HSTA

  • Emily Druschel - Ohio/Marshall HSTA

Sara Spencer Essay Contest

Sara Spencer was a 13-year-old student and member of HSTA in Kanawha County. She had completed her first State Science Symposium and was looking forward to the beginning of summer when she was tragically killed in 1998, while she was out with friends one evening. Sara was taken from us too soon, but we remember her as a charming young lady who was quick to smile and had a beautiful, gentle, soul.  She loved music, children, her family and friends. To honor her memory and kind spirit, HSTA awards a scholarship to competing seniors who submit essays.

Sara Spencer State Winners

2025

  • Jiya Patel-Greenbrier/Fayette HSTA

  • Arianna Hale-Raleigh/Mercer HSTA

  • Addison McCormick-Harrison/Mon/Marion HSTA

  • Layce Fickey-Ohio/Marshall HSTA

2024 

  • Connie Gunnoe- Boone County HSTA

  • Patricia Ward- Ohio/Marshall County HSTA

  • Lily Zukchowski- Greenbrier/Fayette County HSTA

  • Kelsi Green- Logan/Mingo County HSTA

2023

  • Kathryn Spears-Ohio/Marshall HSTA

  • Autumn Reynolds-McDowell HSTA

  • Tanjana Johnson-Eastern Panhandle HSTA

  • Sidney Sheets-Greenbrier/Fayette HSTA

Regional Winners:  

  • Rylee Mathews- Braxton/Webster/Roane/ Calhoun HSTA

  • John Page IV- Cabell/Lincoln/Boone HSTA

  • Sydney Sheets- Greenbrier/Fayette HSTA

  • Maria Providenti- Kanawha HSTA

  • Autumn Reynolds- McDowell HSTA

  • Leah Banks- Mingo/Logan HSTA

  • Madisyn Simpson- Mt. HSTA

  • Kathryn Spears- Ohio, Marshall HSTA

  • Tanjana Johnson- Eastern Panhandle HSTA