The family and friends of Mark C Lepkowski will use the proceeds from a benefit concert held on August 3 to start the Mark C Lepkowski Memorial Scholarship. Full details of the scholarship have not yet been determined, however, students with strong ties to music will be contenders for the financial assistance the scholarship will offer.

  Mark C Lepkowski was an Owego native and graduate of Owego Free Academy. He was an officer and jet pilot in the U.S. Air Force and worked for Lockheed Martin. Mark co-founded the Sa-Sa-Na Loft Astronomy Society and loved astronomy, private piloting, sky diving and motorcycling. He was also an inventor, builder and woodworker. Mark was the former choir director for St. Patrick's Church and composed some of the music being used today. He was an avid guitar and piano player and performed in many area groups and also as a solo artist. Mark's passion for music has left a mark on so many people, and his genius for songwriting and composing will live on through the music he created. Mark's encouragement to others, his good nature, his adventurous spirit and his kind generous heart will be with us always. In the spirit of giving that Mark was known for, the giving continues in his name via the scholarship.

  Donations to the scholarship fund can be made out to the Mark C Lepkowski Memorial Scholarship fund and sent to P.O. Box 285 Owego, NY 13827.