Two Salem Teens Receive $5K Scholarships From Planet Fitness

SALEM, NH —Two Salem teens have received $5,000 scholarships from Planet Fitness for their efforts to create a kinder world for today's youth.

Anna Carbone and William Karantonis, who entered the scholarship contest through the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, are two of 50 teens nationally to receive grants from the fitness chain.

The scholarships are part of Planet Fitness' Judgement Free Generation philanthropic initiative, which aims to prevent bullying and promote kindness in local communities. The company has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the program.

Applications were submitted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America teens throughout the country, and the scholarships were awarded based on a personal essay, staff recommendation and video submission — all of which were about how the student demonstrated and perpetuated the values of kindness, acceptance and respect.

In her application, Carbone, who will attend Southern New Hampshire University, focused on the importance of mental health.

Carbone led Mental Health Awareness Month activities for her Keystone Club group at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. In that role, she ran activities that helped to educate middle schoolers about mental health issues.

Karantonis, who will attend the University of New England, also helped to organize Mental Health Awareness Month activities for the club, according to his application. He also helped to raise funds for club members to attend the Keystone National Conference.

With the $250,000 in scholarship money awarded this year, Planet Fitness now has contributed $900,000 in scholarships to 180 students since 2017.

"It's a privilege not only to continue our scholarship program this year, but to recognize and award 50 inspiring teens who are making a positive impact on today's world," Chris Rondeau, Planet Fitness' chief executive officer, said.

Rondeau continued: "With all that youth have been through over the past few years, it's inspirational to see how these scholarship recipients have committed to themselves, their peers and their communities."