Scholarship categories are listed below. The color-coded icons below make it easy to scan the page to find scholarships of a particular interest.
Tyler Bender EMS Scholarship Fund
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Tyler Bender EMS Scholarship Fund
Tyler Bender recently graduated from the Center for Emergency Medicine, and he felt compelled to give back by starting this scholarship to encourage other individuals to consider the EMS field. There is a constant demand for well-trained and qualified EMS professionals. Tyler hopes that this scholarship fund will help attract individuals to the field and alleviate a shortage of EMS personnel.
Amount: $500 annually
Eligibility: Applicant must reside within the EMS region (Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Potter, Washington and Westmoreland.
Category:
- Registered and accepted into an EMR, EMT, AEMT or paramedic program.
- Proof of affiliation within an EMS agency within EMS West Region. (signed letter from services manager/director with their contact information).
Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship
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Gilbert J. “Gibby” Buerk was a graduate of SMAHS and was employed by St. Marys Ambulance. He was an EMT and had recently earned his certification as a paramedic. Gibby was a hard worker and an old soul at heart. His hand was always extended in a bid of friendship and helpfulness. His legacy will long live on in the many friends he had, and the kindness he showed to so many throughout his life.
Amount: To be determined
Eligibility: Elk and surrounding area High School seniors and non-traditional students in Elk County and surrounding area.
Category: EMT or Paramedic or other related field
- Active in community and school
- Demonstrate financial need
Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund
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Christian Ministry Scholarship sponsored by Faith Baptist Church
This scholarship was established by the Faith Baptist Church in St. Marys out of gratitude and appreciation for the love Jesus Christ has shown to us. It is our way of showing our support and thanks to those individuals who are dedicating their lives to the sharing of His love through His Word, so that others may come to know and experience that same love for themselves.
Amount: Minimum of $500 annually
Eligibility: High school senior or any individual entering a Christian Bible School program to prepare for Gospel ministry. Must be a resident of Elk, McKean or Cameron County.
- Upon the successful completion of a year of schooling, applicant may re-apply for the following year
- Submit essay explaining how the candidate came to Christ and what they believe God is calling them to do with their life. Please also include his/her college and career goals, not to exceed 300 words.
- Letter of recommendation from a non-family member who can speak to the candidate’s Christian character.
Donald Cicuzza Jr. Memorial Fund
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Donald Cicuzza Jr. was a 1973 graduate of JAHS, and within a year of joining the workforce he enlisted in the Army. A military career offered education and training to Don, first to become a mechanic to maintain and repair tanks then helicopters. Eventually education resulted in Don becoming an Army helicopter pilot, He retired as a Warrant Officer after 20 years of service, but unfortunately passed away after 10 years of retirement. This scholarship is offered in his memory to honor his pursuit of education during his army career.
Amount: Minimum of $500, determined annually
Eligibility: Johnsonburg Area High School
Category: Vocational, Technical
- Graduating senior from the Johnsonburg Area High School. The recipient would need to be living in Johnsonburg/Wilcox/Jones Township and either be graduating from Johnsonburg High School or if JAHS combines with other area public schools at some future date, their residence must be within what would have been the previous JAHS school district.
- Student must be pursuing a post-secondary Vocational or Technical Certificate or degree.
- Be active in in school and community activities and demonstrate academic aptitude and work ethic sufficient to succeed in his or her chosen field of study.
William and Veronica Conrad Scholarship Fund
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Bill and Veronica Conrad graduated from the St. Marys Area High School as members of the class of 1961 and are both proud “Flying Dutchmen.” Both Bill and Veronica graduated from the University of Miami, FL and Bill went on to receive his Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Bill was the Executive Director of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation for 47 years and Veronica was a teacher. Both have been very supportive of the animal shelters over the years in our region and continue to volunteer with many non-profits. This scholarship was established in part by the Stackpole- Hall Foundation to honor Bill for his long time service to the Foundation and his love of education.
Amount: A minimum of $600, determined annually
Eligibility: SMAHS graduating senior
Category: General, Vocational, Technical
- Must be a graduating senior from St. Marys Area High School
- Must be pursuing a post-secondary or 2-year vocational technical degree
- Must be active in school and community
David L. Delullo Memorial Scholarship
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David Delullo, Sr. was born in Force, PA. He and his wife raised nine children in St. Marys. He was self-employed in a number of different businesses. David was involved in various fund raising and charitable events that benefited children and families. This scholarship was established as a way to continue his generosity, dedication and commitment to helping those in need.
Amount: Approximately $1,000, determined annually
Eligibility: Elk County Residents. Graduating seniors and non-traditional students
Category: General
- Open to high school seniors and non-traditional students
- Must be a resident of Elk County
- Pursuing higher education
- Demonstrate financial need
Staff Sgt. Carl Enis Military Scholarship
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Staff Sgt. Carl Enis Military Scholarship Fund
Staff Sgt. Carl Enis was born and raised in Florida but had generational family ties to the McKean County area. He was passionate about the outdoors and was an expert at hunting and fishing in northern Pennsylvania when he visited his family. He studied at Florida State University where he received a Bachelor Degree of Science in Environmental Studies and a Master Degree in Business Administration. After college he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Pararescuemen, this is an Elite team of Guardian Angel Airmen.
Staff Sgt. Enis died at the age of 31 in a helicopter incident on the Syrian Iraq border and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Staff Sgt. Enis lived by the Pararescue Creed: “These things we do, that others may Live.”
To honor Staff Sgt. Enis, they renamed the Tally Ho Bridge in the Kinzua Creek region on Route 219 as the Staff Sgt. Carl Enis Memorial Bridge.
Amount: Approximately $500, determined annually
Eligibility: High School Senior or an adult learner
Category: High School senior at McKean, Cameron, Potter or Elk County High Schools or an adult learner. Adults must be a member of the National Guard, reserves, active duty in any branch of the service. Adults or high school seniors enrolled in the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC). Must be serving under honorable conditions.
- Attending a post-secondary program, certificate program or any qualified trade school
- Active in school and community
- Show academic merit (preference to those in scouting)
T.O. Fitch Memorial Scholarship
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T.O. Fitch’s life was cut short by COVID complications in 2021, but not before he made a lasting impact on Ridgway where he lived and worked. His key traits were sheer grit, a charitable heart that pushed community development efforts, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Although he no longer is able to inspire others to demonstrate these traits, it is the hope of his family that this scholarship will reward a student that exhibits similar traits and that they can create a comparable legacy of their own.
Amount: $500
Eligibility: High School seniors and non-traditional students residing in Elk County.
Category: General
- Non-traditional adult learner with a permanent residence in Elk County
- Graduating senior from any Elk County high school
- Pursuing a 2 or 4-year post-secondary degree or certificate program
- Have a minimum of a C average in high school
Donald E. Frank Memorial Scholarship
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Donald E. Frank played in and encouraged Johnsonburg sports programs and was instrumental and influential in establishing scholarship programs in Johnsonburg. He was very concerned about helping the Johnsonburg students. The Donald P. Frank Memorial scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from the Johnsonburg Area High School.
Amount: Approximately $500, determined annually
Eligibility: Johnsonburg High School
Category: Education; Social Services, Vocational
- Graduating senior from Johnsonburg Area High School
- Preference to students pursuing a degree in education or social services. Other vocational fields will be considered.
- Must be active in school or community activities
- Demonstrate financial need
Joseph and Delores Frey Family Scholarship
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Joseph and Delores “Toots” Samick Frey are lifelong residents of this area. They volunteered with the Christian Food Bank, Elk County Catholic School System, Cursillo Movement and Hospice. Joe was also a volunteer with the Ridgway Fire Department for 33 years. They loved traveling and have been to all 50 states and to many countries. They are extremely proud of their family and grandchildren. This scholarship is a tribute to their commitment to the Catholic school system.
Amount: Minimum $500, determined annually
Eligibility: ECCHS Graduating Senior
Category: General
- Graduating senior from Elk County Catholic High School
- Pursuing a post-secondary or certificate program
- Be active in school and community activities
- Demonstrate need
Hasselman/Hopton Memorial Scholarship
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This scholarship has been established in honor of all members of the Hasselman, Hopton, and Sherry Families but specifically Roger Hasselman and Mary (Sherry) Hopton. Roger M. Hasselman is the former owner of Alpha Sintered Metals, Inc. (ASM), Ridgway, PA. As a Pennsylvania State University mechanical engineering graduate, Mr. Hasselman was well qualified to grow ASM for over 3 decades manufacturing powder metal components. Mary C. Hopton had owned DuBois Optical Company, DuBois, PA. Mrs. Hopton was a pioneer of a women owned business throughout the 20th century. Her continued business education allowed her to continue and grow the eye glass business in DuBois long after her husband’s death.
Amount: Approximately $1,050, determined annually
Eligibility: Ridgway, St. Marys and Elk County Catholic High Schools or Non-traditional students
Category: General
- Graduating seniors or non-traditional students residing in the Ridgway and St. Marys school districts
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and enrolled in a college, university, community college, or vocational school in Pennsylvania
- Must be pursuing either an associates or baccalaureate degree
- Show an interest in being an entrepreneur
Seth T. Hockman Memorial Scholarship
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Seth Hockman graduated from the St. Marys Area High School, Class of 2011. Seth enjoyed fishing, riding dirt bikes, four-wheelers and spending time outdoors. His family and friends established this scholarship to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Amount: Approximately $800, determined annully
Eligibility: Elk County Residents. Graduating seniors and non-traditional students.
Category: Vocational or Trade School
- Must be a graduating senior or nontraditional student residing in Elk County
- Plan on attending a post-secondary a trade or vocational school
- Must carry at least a “C” average or above while in high school
Kaylee Marie Hostetler Memorial Scholarship
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Kaylee Marie Hostetlar Memorial Scholarship
On February 5, 2022 Kaylee Hostetlar passed away from a tragic ATV accident. She was a 9th grade student at Cameron County High School and a high honor student excelling in all subjects. Kaylee loved animals and her smile was sure to light up any room and she had the purest kindest heart. She welcomed everyone with a hug and a smile.
Amount: $550
Eligibility: Graduating senior from Cameron County High School
Category: Post-secondary education or certificate program
- Senior Cameron County High School
- Post-secondary education or certificate program
- Active in the community and school
James “Wes” Jones Memorial Scholarship
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James “Wes” Jones was raised in Johnsonburg and graduated from JAHS, the class of 1987. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Independence Aircraft Carrier during Desert Storm/Shield and spent much of his adult life out west. Wes was an adventurer and free spirit that cherished his family and friends and his high school class of 1987 wanted to honor Wes with this scholarship.
Amount: Approximately $500, determined annually
Eligibility: Johnsonburg Area High School
Category: Vocational
- Graduating Senior from Johnsonburg Area High School
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Attending a trade school
Jack Kestler Memorial Scholarship
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Jack graduated from Johnsonburg High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was part of the Normandy Invasion, but was captured by the Germans and held as a prisoner of war. Following his military service, he worked at the Johnsonburg Paper Mill and was active in the community serving the county of Elk as the County Treasurer and Auditor. He also served as the President of the Rotary Club and the Johnsonburg Welfare Chest Fund and took pleasure in hunting and traveling.
Amount: Minimum of $800, determined annually
Eligibility: Johnsonburg Area High School
Category: General, Vocational, Agriculture, Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees
- Graduating senior from the Johnsonburg Area High School. The recipient would need to be living in Johnsonburg/Wilcox/Jones Township and either be graduating from Johnsonburg High School or if JAHS combines with other area public schools at some future date, their residence must be within what would have been the previous JAHS school district.
- Pursuing a 2 or 4-year post-secondary education including technical school, associate and bachelor's degrees
- Preference should be given to a student who participated in the Vo-Ag classes and/or the Future Farmers of America organization.
- Consideration will be given to a student who is active in their school and community activities:
- Candidate should demonstrate financial need.
- The award shall be made without regard to scholastic excellence and to student who would not be in the top percentage of their class.
Leroy C. Krise Memorial Scholarship
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Leroy C. Krise, a resident of Ridgway, was involved in numerous businesses. He had a passion and great knowledge of the powdered metal industries in the Elk County area. Leroy was a very kind and generous man and was always helping someone in need. This scholarship has been established in his memory for Elk County residents.
Amount: Approximately $1,000, determined annually
Eligibility: Elk County Residents. Graduating seniors and non-traditional students
Category:General
- Open to high school seniors and non-traditional students
- Must be a resident of Elk County
- Pursuing higher education including technical schools
- Demonstrate financial need
Donn Elizbeth Walker Munz Memorial Scholarship
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Donn Elizabeth Walker Munz Scholarship Fund
Donn Walker Munz was a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School (ECCHS) Class of 1996 and passed away on October 29, 2021. Honoring the faith that guided Donn, and knowing the value and impact of her relationships and friendships she experienced at ECCHS, it is the Walker Munz families desire to establish the Donn Elizabth Walker Munz Scholarship Fund. The family of Donn hopes that through this charitable investment, and with the help of those who may contribute to this fund, current ECCHS students will be recognized for the qualities that Donn possessed and continue to make a difference through their lives while honoring Donn.
Amount: $500, determined annually
Eligibility: Elk County Catholic High School Senior who has received their sacrament of Confirmation into the Catholic Faith.
Category: Pursuing post-secondary course work
- Minimum of a cumulative high school average GPA 3.0
- Must have received the sacrament of Confirmation into the Catholic Faith
Helene K. Nawrocki Memorial Scholarship
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Helene K Nawrocki Memorial Scholarship
Helene Nawrocki was born and raised in the Philadelphia PA region. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from LaSalle University. Helene was employed in the ICU and as Director of Nursing at Delaware Valley Hospital. She also authored a Nurses’ Book of Courage and lectured at nursing seminars throughout the country. In 1996 after 20 years in the medical field, Helene and her husband moved to Potter County where she served as the Executive Director of the Potter County Education Council (PCEC).
The PCEC’s goal is to bring higher educational opportunities to the region. Helene never stopped learning and this scholarship is being offered for today’s students to continue their education through the Northern PA Regional College.
Amount: TBD
Eligibility: Enrolled or will be attending Northern PA Regional College (NPRC)
Category: Pursuing a post-secondary 2-year degree or a work force development training or dual enrollment.
- Priority will be given to students in Potter and McKean County, but if there are no eligible students all students within the NPRC footprint will be able to apply
- Must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA average
Lisa Pecora Scholarship For NPRC Students
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This scholarship fund was established to honor Lisa Pecora’s dedication to the Education Consortium of the Upper Allegany (ECUA) and Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC).
Lisa Pecora is a founding member of the Education Consortium of the Upper Allegany, serving as Treasurer. ECUA was established in 2009 with a goal to provide open admission, low-cost, high quality post-secondary education to communities that had never been served by these opportunities. ECUA founding members worked with state officials to seek a permanent solution to provide affordable, accessible technical and associate degree programs in northwestern Pennsylvania resulting in a College Plan. The College Plan approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education officially established the Northern Pennsylvania Regional college in May 2017. NPRC began operating as an independent institution in January 2020. NPRC is authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to grant degrees and certificates, and is proudly pursuing institutional accreditation. Lisa continues her dedication to the College’s mission currently serving as the Director of Human Resources.
Amount: TBD
Eligibility: Enrolled or accepted to Northern PA Regional College (NPRC)
Category: Pursuing a post-secondary degree or high school students attending NPRC classes through dual enrollment. Preference given to McKean County and Titusville High School.
- Present student or future students attending NPRC
- Dual Enrollment for high school students through NPRC
- Preference for students in McKean or Titusville High School
- Be active in school and community
Rolfe Sportsmen Club Scholarship
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The members of the Rolfe Sportsmen Club created the Rolfe Sportsmen Club Scholarship in order to help a young adult within their community achieve their post-secondary dreams. The student who is awarded the scholarship must be a graduating senior from the Johnsonburg Area High School, pursuing a post-secondary education institution and must be active in the school and community.
Amount: Approximately $1,700, determined annually
Eligibility: Johnsonburg Area High School
Category: General
- Graduating senior from Johnsonburg Area High School
- Pursuing a post-secondary education, including trade school
- Active in school and in the community
- Academically carry at least a C average or above
William and Arlene Rothrock Memorial Fund
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William and Arlene Rothrock Memorial Fund
The William and Arlene Rothrock Memorial Fund was created to provide continuing educational opportunities for students.
Bill and Arlene relocated from the Harrisburg area to Elk County in 1950 and chose this area to raise their family and dedicate the rest of their lives. They instilled in their children and grandchildren the love of the outdoors and the ethics of hard work, dedication, perseverance and giving back to the community.
It is the intention of this scholarship portion of this memorial fund to be awarded to a recipient who exhibits similar traits.
Amount: $500
Eligibility: Graduating High School Senior from Elk County or a non-traditional adult student from Elk County.
Category: 2 or 4-year degree or trade school post-secondary program
- Resident high school senior from Elk County
- Be active in School and community activities
- Demonstrate need
St. Marys American Legion Post 103 Scholarship
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The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion of our fellow service members and veterans. The local St. Marys American Legion Post 103 established this scholarship to promote patriotism and to give back to family members, while encouraging education for our future leaders of our community.
Amount: Minimum $500, determined annually
Eligibility: St. Marys Area High School, Elk County Catholic High School
Category: General
- Graduating senior from SMAHS or ECCHS
- Pursuing a post-secondary education or certificate program
- Active in school and community activities
- Has a minimum of a C average
- Parent, grandparent or legal guardian must be a Class A member of the St. Marys Legion Post 103
St. Marys Sons of the American Legion Post 103 Scholarship
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The St. Marys Sons of the American Legion Post 103 is a patriotic service organization. The members are made up of male descendants of people who served in the United States Armed Forces, specified by the American Legion. The St. Marys Sons of the American Legion’s mission is to serve veterans, the military and their families.
Amount: Minimum of $500, determined annually
Eligibility: St. Marys Area High School, Elk County Catholic High School
Category: General
- Graduating senior from SMAHS or ECCHS
- Pursuing a post-secondary education or certificate program
- Active in school and community activities including and legion programs (ex: ball, rifle club, etc.)
Taylor Schutz Memorial Lady Dutch Basketball Scholarship
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Taylor Schutz was an all-around athlete, and true to each sport she played. Two sports that Taylor was most devoted to were volleyball and basketball. Taylor had a sincere love of the game, and it meant more to her to be a part of a team than to receive any type of individual recognition. She modeled sportsmanship and fair play in competition. Taylor inspired those who were fortunate enough to know her either on or off the court. Because of her impact on the Lady Dutch Basketball program the Lady Dutch Basketball Booster choose to establish this scholarship.
Amount: Minimum of $500, determined annually
Eligibility: St. Marys Area High School
Category: General (for 4 year basketball participant)
- Graduating female senior from St. Marys Area High School
- Must have participated on the SMAHS Lady Dutch basketball team all 4 years
- Attending 4 year post-secondary program or 2 year vocational school
- Shows excellence in academics, athletics
- Demonstrates financial need
SGL Scholarship
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Because SGL Carbon, LLC recognized the lack of scholarship funds available to area students, they chose to issue annual scholarships that recognize high school seniors who have displayed outstanding qualities including, but are not limited to: academic achievement, leadership, community service, and athletic accomplishment. SGL hoped that this scholarship will help our community's students relieve a portion of the cumbersome financial burden synonymous with higher education.
Amount: Approximately $500, determined annually
Eligibility: SMAHS or ECC senior
Category: Engineering, Business or Machining
- Graduating senior
- Preferences given to students pursuing a degree in engineering or business discipline or a trade school for machining.
- Active in school and community
Laurence & Mary Thorwart Sr. Memorial Scholarship
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Laurence was a lifelong resident of Johnsonburg and served during WW2. He landed in Normandy and led the Army Combat engineers across western Europe to Berlin. Mary was born in Ridgway, but after their marriage in 1948 she lived the rest of her home life in Johnsonburg. They raised five children, who were all members of the JAHS National Honor Society. Along with his brothers he owned and operated the Thorco Bottling Company in Johnsonburg. Laurence was active in the Community for many years and Mary was an active member of Holy Rosary Church. The children wish to honor their parents for their lifelong devotion to Johnsonburg through a perpetual scholarship to be presented annually to a senior who will be matriculating to higher education.
Amount: Approximately $500, determined annually
Eligibility: Johnsonburg Area High School
Category: General
- Graduating senior from Johnsonburg Area High School
- Preference given to student pursuing engineering, science, or technical field
- Pursuing a 2 or 4 year post-secondary education including technical, associate or bachelor degree
- Active in school and community activities
Patty Walters Scholarship
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Patty Walters was a long time employee of Northwest Savings Bank in Johnsonburg. When she lost her battle with cancer her co-workers and family worked together to establish this scholarship. Patty loved the outdoors and her community. To qualify for this scholarship, you must be a student in the Johnsonburg Area High School living in Johnsonburg/Wilcox/Jones Township. The student must be accepted at a post-secondary 4-year university, community college or vocational or trade school.
Amount: Minimum of $500, determined annually
Eligibility: Johnsonburg Area High School
Category: General
- Graduating senior from Johnsonburg Area High School
- Be accepted at a post-secondary 4-year university, community college, or vocational or trade School
Corporal Adam M. Wolfel Memorial Scholarship
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U.S. Marine Corporal Adam M. Wolfel was born in 1991 in St. Marys, the son of Michael and Jane Ritter Wolfel, brother of Amanda and father of his son Poston. He graduated from St. Marys Area High School in 2009 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a rifleman and machine gunner. Adam’s natural leadership qualities were evident throughout his deployments to Marjah, Afghanistan and Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharge in October 2013 as a decorated corporal. Family and friends established this fund to honor Adam’s memory with this “forever” scholarship.
Amount: Approximately $625, determined annually
Eligibility: Elk County
Category: Vocational
- Graduating senior, resident of Elk County
- Be accepted at a one to two year trade school
- Must carry at least a C average
Randy K. Yetzer Memorial Scholarship
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Randy K. Yetzer was a lifelong resident of the area and received an associate degree from Triangle Tech in construction. After working for numerous construction companies over the years he had a dream of owning his own business and he eventually reached that goal by establishing Yetzer Builders and then Yetzer Contracting.
To provide for his wife and 4 children he had to take a different career path for a while, but was eventually able to achieve his dream of owning his own business. He was a well-respected businessman and he will always be remembered for offering a helping hand to anyone that needed assistance.
Randy always believed in trade schools, and some of his best employees were students. Having a trade was very important to him, by developing a skill and being able to work with your hands he felt anyone could have a successful career. The success that he achieved was from working hard and never giving up.
Randy’s family established this scholarship in his name to provide financial assistance to a student who is going into the trades and has a good work ethic.
Amount: Two $500 scholarships -- one to SMAHS and one to ECCHS, determined annually
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors from SMAHS and ECCHS
Category: Vocational
- Pursuing a post-secondary certificate or a 2-year program in the trades or vocational school
- SMAHS and ECCHS graduating senior
- Be active in school and community
