(Bangor, PA) The Board of Directors of Merchants Bank is pleased to announce that Robert R. Smith, Jr. is the recipient of the annual Ronald H. "Pete" Cann Academic Scholarship. Scholarship gifts to date have totaled $2,250. the Directors established the Scholarship in 2003 to honor past President and Director Emeritus, Ronald H. 'Pete" Cann, who retired that year after 50 years of service with the Bank. He passed away on August 27, 2004. The scholarships have been awarded to children of the Bank’s employees and Directors  who have completed their first year of college or trade school.

Candidates for the scholarship must exemplify the attributes of Cann, who was well known for his honesty, integrity, and dedication to community service. As a business leader, Cann was focused on “giving back” to the community, and would be especially proud of this year’s recipient. Smith, the son of Robert and Tracey S. Smith, Senior Vice President of Branch Administration at Merchants, will begin his junior year at East Stroudsburg University, majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation from ESU, he hopes to pursue a career with the State Police, advancing into the Secret Service. In addition to attending college, Smith devotes his time to serving as a member of his local fire company, as well as participating in community projects such as the annual clean up of the Delaware River.

“I’m grateful to the Directors of Merchants Bank for awarding this scholarship to me,” said Robert Smith. “This will help me achieve my goal of serving the public as a law enforcement officer when I earn my college degree,” added Smith.

“It’s such a pleasure to present this award to Robert in honor of Pete Cann,” said Richard M. Hotchkiss, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Merchants Bank. “Pete was a very well respected member of the community and he would be happy to have the opportunity to recognize Robert’s achievements and support his education, “ added Hotchkiss.