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

 2023 Stan Hostler Winners are:

  • Emily Browning-Cabell, Lincoln, Boone
  • Maria Providenti-Kanawha
  • Ashlyn Richardson-McDowell
  • Molly Long-Mt. HSTA
  • Emily Druschel- Ohio, Marshall

  2023 Stan Hostler State Wide Winners:

  • Ashlyn Richardson-McDowell
  • Molly Long-Mountain HSTA
  • Emily Browning- Cabell/Lincoln/Boone
  • Maria Providenti-Kanawha

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 Essay Contest

2023 Regional winners are:  

  • Rylee Mathews- Braxton, Webster, Roane, Calhoun Region
  • John Page IV- Cabell, Lincoln, Boone Region
  • Sydney Sheets- Greenbrier, Fayette Region
  • Maria Providenti- Kanawha Region 
  • Autumn Reynolds- McDowell
  • Leah Banks- Mingo, Logan
  • Madisyn Simpson- Mt. HSTA
  • Kathryn Spears- Ohio, Marshall
  • Tanjana Johnson- Eastern Panhandle 
2023 Sara Spencer State Wide Winners:
  • Kathryn Spears-Ohio/Marshall
  • Autumn Reynolds-McDowell
  • Tanjana Johnson-Eastern Panhandle
  • Sidney Sheets-Greenbrier/Fayette