ECCF 2020 Scholarships Awarded

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2020 Scholarships Awarded

The Elk County Community Foundation awarded a total of 170 scholarships to local students this year, adding up to a sum of nearly $242,000 in scholarship funds. The recipients of these scholarships are graduating seniors from the surrounding areas. Out of the 170 scholarships; 29 scholarships went to seniors from Elk County Catholic, 42 went to seniors from Saint Marys Area, 37 went to seniors from Johnsonburg Area, 26 went to seniors from Ridgway Area. Also, 15 additional scholarships were awarded to students who are already in attendance at a post-secondary institution.  There were 21 awards given to student in McKean, Cameron, Clearfield and Potter Counties.  Eight new scholarship funds were established and awarded in 2020.

The young adults that are receiving these scholarships are the future of this community.  Donors who have established these scholarships are contributing to our future leaders.  The Elk County Community Foundation Board extends their gratitude to those who have seen the need and believe in the youth of today.   Anyone interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the Foundation at 814-834-2125 or read more about the foundation on their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org .

Eugene M. & Naomi S. Brady Memorial Family Scholarship

Trey Schneider COLLEGE $2724

Cassidy King COLLEGE $2724

Michaela Quiggle JAHS $2724

Kolton Mehalko JAHS $2724

Joseph Williams Memorial Medical Scholarship

Sophia Yanak COLLEGE $4600

Catherine Moran Scholarship

Trey Schneider COLLEGE $4000

Cassidy King COLLEGE $4000

Michaela Quiggle JAHS $2000

Sydney Barnett JAHS $2000

Daniel Dillinger JAHS $2000

Kolton Mehalko JAHS $2000

Michele A. Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Madison Jansen COLLEGE $2000

Leroy C. Krise Memorial Scholarship

Brianna Quiggle COLLEGE $1075

Ella McElhany & Muade B. Schimmelfeng Memorial Scholarship

Emily Catalano COLLEGE $1100

Allison Gier COLLEGE $1100

Andrew Breier COLLEGE $1100

Sabatino Cerroni COLLEGE $1100

Olivia Sorg ECC $1100

Gregory Simon RAHS $1100

Chloe Horning RAHS $1100

Contact Technologies Scholarship

Madelyne Kear COLLEGE $500

Marley Sorg ECC $500

Scott Lewis JAHS $500

Abagail V. Dobson Memorial Scholarship

Rebecca Meyer COLLEGE $500

Inez Bull Piano Scholarship

Simon Glatt COLLEGE $2000

Abigail Mosier SMAHS $6500

Faith Baptist Church Scholarship

Joseph Schrengost COLLEGE $500

Christian Cordero Scholarship

Colby Nussbaum ECC $500

Lions Club of St. Marys Scholarship

Ellie Fledderman ECC $600

Allison Schlimm SMAHS $600

Jordan Adams Memorial Award

Julie Hoffman ECC $500

St. Marys American Legion Post #103 Scholarship

Taylor Newton ECC $300

Allison Schlimm SMAHS $300

Nicholas J. Sinibaldi Music Scholarship

Logan Hanes ECC $1000

Paul Gornati SMAHS $1000

St. Marys Jaycees Community Involvement Scholarship

Bailey Bauer ECC $800

VanVranken Scholarship

Alicia Kim ECC $20,000 over 4 years

Isabella Galbo RAHS $20,000 over 4 years

Gus & Helen Wolf Memorial Scholarship

Sophie Neubert ECC $1750

Joseph & Delores Frey Family Scholarship

Carly Renwick ECC $500

Helene Bowley Memorial Scholarship

Sophie Neubert ECC $1750

Victoria Glatt ECC $1750

Maddison Taylor ECC $1750

Kyle Gardner SMAHS $1300

Tessa Grotzinger SMAHS $1300

Zachary Hart SMAHS $1300

Cain Pfoutz SMAHS $1300

Jenna Morgan JAHS $1318

Daniel Dillinger JAHS $1318

Cole Kilhoffer JAHS $1318

Andia Parana JAHS $1318

Hannah Emerson RAHS $1055

Laney Gilmore RAHS $1055

Cassie Redmond RAHS $1055

Gabriella Rohr RAHS $1055

Robert Briggs RAHS $1055

Howard M. Keebler Memorial Scholarship

Madyson Dellaquila ECC $500

Jade Zuchowski SMAHS $500

Straub Brewery, Inc. Scholarship

Maddison Taylor ECC $1000

Sophie Neubert ECC $1000

Kaylee Muccio SMAHS $1000

Cain Pfoutz SMAHS $1000

SGL LLC Scholarship

Regis Wortman ECC $500

Isaac Brock ECC $500

Cain Pfoutz SMAHS $500

Zachary Hart SMAHS $500

Lynn Nicklas Music Scholarship

Logan Hanes ECC $2000

Emily Wolfe ECC $2000

Dr. John E. Schloder Fine Arts Scholarship

Alicia Kim ECC $500

St. Benedict Scholarship

Sophie Neubert ECC $500

St. Marys Rotary Scholarship

Ellie Fledderman ECC $2000 over 4 years

Baird Bankovich SMAHS $2000 over 4 years

Edna Geitner Bennett Memorial Scholarship

Hannah Barnett ECC $1000

McGrady Family Fund

Sophie Neubert ECC $1000

Lucy Anthony SMAHS $1000

Sydney Barnett JAHS $1000

Austin Erich RAHS $1000

Andrew Kennedy MLHS $1000

Lauren Mullen BPHS $1000

River Zimmerman NPRC $1000

Gilbert & Dorothy Hoehn Scholarship

Bailey Bauer ECC $2000

Gloria Jean McAllister Kneidel & Patrick Charles Jessup Scholarship

Benjamin Hoffman ECC $500

Chelsea Hunt ECC $500

Alex Bauer SMAHS $500

Madison Phillips SMAHS $500

Angie Bertolasio Memorial Scholarship

Zachary Hart SMAHS $1000

Dean Schrecengost Memorial Scholarship

Allison Gutowski SMAHS $1000

Lori DeAngelo Memorial Scholarship

Paul Gornati SMAHS $1000

Wapiti Roost Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship

Katie Krull SMAHS $500

Seth T. Hockman Memorial Scholarship

Kevin Kuhar SMAHS $850

Hasselman/Hopton Memorial Scholarship

Kevin Kuhar SMAHS $1300

St. Marys American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship

Carly Bankovich SMAHS $500

St. Marys Sons of the American Legion Post #103 Scholarship

Tessa Grotzinger SMAHS $500

Arlan J. and Dale Horwitz Clayton Engineering Scholarship

Katie Krull SMAHS $2000

Mary I. Filano Memorial Scholarship

Kyle Gardner SMAHS $775

William & Veronica Conrad Scholarship

Gregory Tettis SMAHS $625

David L. DeLullo Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Jade Zuchowski SMAHS $1100

Elk Diabetes Nursing Scholarship

Tori Gudac SMAHS $575

Martha C. Selle Memorial Scholarship

Anthony Whitaker SMAHS $8000 over 4 years

Adam Cherry Memorial Scholarship

Paul Gornati SMAHS $500

Christopher Forster Memorial Scholarship

Allison Beimel SMAHS $1000

Corporal Adam M. Wolfel Memorial Scholarship

Wyatt Hayes SMAHS $750

Taylor Schutz Lady Dutch Basketball Scholarship

Lauren Eckert SMAHS $500

Bev Hogan Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Chloe Eckert SMAHS $700

William C. Peters Memorial Scholarship

Katie Krull SMAHS $2000

Baird Bankovich SMAHS $500

Zachary Hart SMAHS $500

Gregory Tettis SMAHS $500

Lisa Lepovetsky Memorial Scholarship

Rachel Mertz SMAHS $700

Kathy Lepovetsky Memorial Scholarship

Alexandra Williams SMAHS $500

Jade Zuchowski SMAHS $500

Alyssa Schneider SMAHS $500

Caribardi Family Scholarship

Mason Milliard JAHS $1100

Donald Cicuzza Jr. Memorial Fund

Garret Gregori JAHS $550

Fitch Family Scholarship

Caroline Fitch JAHS $525

Jack Kestler Memorial Scholarship

Garret Gregori JAHS $875

Elk County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Scott Lewis JAHS $625

James “Wes” Jones Memorial Scholarship

William Austin III JAHS $500

Johnsonburg Rotary Alva K. Gregory Memorial Scholarship

Sydney Barnett JAHS $1000

Andi Parana JAHS $1000

Dr. Sandra Calkins Kowaslki Nursing Scholarship

Maria Jones JAHS $1000

Johnsonburg Alumni & Friends Scholarship

Sydney Barnett JAHS $500

Scott Lewis JAHS $500

Kolton Mehalko JAHS $500

Jenna Morgan JAHS $500

Johnsonburg American Legion Post #501 Scholarship

Mason Milliard JAHS $1000

Thomas Detwiler Scholarship Sponsored by Domtar, Johnsonburg Mill

Kolton Mehalko JAHS $1000

Rams Gridiron Football Scholarship

Cole Kilhoffer JAHS $500

Rolfe Sportsmen Club Scholarship

Gino Gregori JAHS $1750

Wilcox American Legion Scholarship

Maria Jones JAHS $650

Patty Walters Memorial Scholarship

Scott Lewis JAHS $500

Paul Robert & Friedia Roberta Calkins Rolfe Scholarship

Michaela Quiggle JAHS $4000 over 4 years

Gloria Finno Scholarship

Lauren Larner JAHS $675

Lillian Finno Scholarship

Maria Jones JAHS $675

Laurence & Mary Thorwart Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Rachel Douglas JAHS $525

Johnsonburg Class of 1964 Scholarship

Haylee Cherry JAHS $700

Donald E. Frank Memorial Scholarship

Caroline Fitch JAHS $500

Ridgway Rotary Scholarship

Austin Erich RAHS $500

Dick Fava Memorial Scholarship

Gabriella Rohr RAHS $500

Dr. Maurus Sorg Memorial Scholarship

Austin Erich RAHS $625

Dominick Consolo Liberal Arts Scholarship

Naomi Aboussou RAHS $525

Jacqueline M. Renaud National Honor Society Memorial Scholarship

Isabella Galbo RAHS $1000

Frank Clark Memorial Scholarship

Matthew Dush RAHS $800

Judge Vernon “Buddy” Roof Scholarship

Isabella Galbo RAHS $500

Herbert B. Lenze Marching Band Scholarship

Naomi Aboussou RAHS $4000 over 4 years

Herbert B. Lenze Boys Basketball Scholarship

Matthew Dush RAHS $4000 over 4 years

Josh Launer Memorial Scholarship

Sara Shankle RAHS $700

Grandinetti Educational Scholarship

Austin Erich RAHS $500

Jones Family Scholarship

Austin Erich RAHS $4000 over 4 years

Jetta Barclay RAHS $4000 over 4 years

Michele M. Spence Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Emma Cobaugh RAHS $750

Ridgway Area High School Alumni Scholarship

Delana Spong RAHS $600

Katherine Kilhoffer Walsh Nursing Scholarship

Connor Grazioli RAHS $725

Virginia Leahy Memorial Scholarship

Connor Grazioli RAHS $475

Beyond Elk County

Robert P. Martini Scholarship

Chase Husted DAHS $1100

Emma Ruttiger DAHS $1100

Alexandra Volpe DAHS $1100

Chanell Britten BAHS $1100

Shaughnessea Richardson BAHS $1100

Sara Trunzo BAHS $1100

Austin Education Foundation Scholarship

Taylor Brewer AAHS $3500 over 4 years

Charles McCloskey Memorial Scholarship

Taylor Brewer AAHS $1000

Parker Glover AAHS $1000

Amber Brandt AAHS $1000

Payton Shupe AAHS $1000

Gene “Toots” Staiger Scholarship

Travis Gleason CAHS (Coudersport) $500

Blair Hornung Scholarship

Emily Richnafsky CCSD $500

Gladys Schultz Memorial Scholarship

Hannah Shaffer CCSD $500

Gloria V. Anderson Scholarship Sponsored by the Singing Dutchmen

Hannah Uber CCSD $1000

Ruth Reed Memorial Scholarship

Sierra Darts EHS $500

Van Vranken Scholarships

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Van Vranken Scholarships

The Van Vranken Scholarship Fund, administered by The Elk County Community Foundation, recently awarded $20,000 to Alicia Kim and Isabella Galbo over 4 years. Alicia is a 2020 graduate of Elk County Catholic High School and is attending Slippery Rock University for musical theatre. Isabella is a 2020 graduate of Ridgway Area High School and is attending Duquesne University for physician assistant.

Althea Van Vranken Buehler’s desired to establish the Van Vranken Scholarship to provide an opportunity for deserving Elk County students, in the field of music and the medical field, to achieve their career goals. Althea wanted to make a greater impact for a few students by providing a larger award. Her goal is to make four or five awards over the next couple years.

A $20,000 scholarship award will be disbursed over the next four years to each of the students. The desire for impacting Elk County students came from Mrs. Buehler’s parents focus on education, and their untiring volunteer efforts, many years ago when they lived in Elk County. This love of the county, and respect for higher education has been passed onto their children and grandchildren. Althea felt it was time to pass the bounty of this philosophy to others in the community while honoring her parent values!

The Elk County Community Foundation Board extends their gratitude to Mrs. Buehler, who has seen a need to support the youth of today. If you have questions about the Foundation or are interested in establishing a scholarship, please contact us at 814-834-2125 or check out our website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org.

Pictured with Althea is both winning recipients:  Alicia Kim and Isabella Galbo.

Johnsonburg Seniors Awarded 37 ECCF Scholarships

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Johnsonburg seniors awarded 37 ECCF scholarships

 The Elk County Community Foundation awarded a total of 170 scholarships to local students this year, adding up to a sum of nearly $242,000 in scholarship funds.

The recipients of these scholarships are graduating seniors from the surrounding area. Out of the 170 scholarships; 29 scholarships went to seniors for Elk County Catholic, 42 went to seniors from St. Marys Area, 37 went to seniors from Johnsonburg area, 26 went to seniors from Ridgway Area. Also, 15 additional scholarships were awarded to students who are already in attendance at post-secondary institutions.

There were 21 awards given to students in McKean, Cameron, Clearfield and Potter Counties. Eight new scholarship funds were established and awarded in 2020.

“The young adults that are receiving these scholarships are the future of this community. Donors who have established these scholarships are contributing to our future leaders,” said Paula Fritz Eddy, ECCF executive director. “The Elk County Community Foundation Board extend their gratitude to those who have seen the need and believe in the youth of today.”

Anyone interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the Foundation at 814 834-2125 or read more about the Foundation on their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org.

The following is the list of scholarships winners from the Johnsonburg Area High School and college recipients:

William Austin received the James “Wes” Jones Memorial Scholarship for $500

Sydney Barnett received the Catherine Moran Scholarship for $2000, the Johnsonburg Alumni & Friends Scholarship for $500, Johnsonburg Rotary Alva K.Gregory Memorial Scholarship for $1000, McGrady Family Scholarship for $1000.

Haylee Cherry received the Johnsonburg Class of 1964 Scholarship for $700.

Daniel Dillinger received the Helene Bowley Memorial Scholarship for $1318 and the Catherine Moran Scholarship for $2000.

Rachel Douglas received the Laurence & Mary Thorwart Sr. Memorial Scholarship for $525.

Caroline Fitch received the Donald E. Frank Memorial Scholarship for $500 and the Fitch Family Scholarship for $525.

Garett Gregori received the Donald Cicuzza Jr. Memorial Fund for $550 and the Jack Kestler Memorial Scholarship for $875.

Gino Gregori received the Rolfe Sportsmen Club Scholarship for $1750.

Maria Jones received the Dr. Sandra Calkins Kowalski Nursing Scholarship for $1000, the Lillian Finno Scholarship for $675, and the Wilcox American Scholarship for $650.

Cole Kilhoffer received the Rams Gridiron Football Scholarship for $500 and the Helene Bowley Scholarship for $1318.

Lauren Larner received the Gloria Finno Scholarship for $675.

Scott Lewis received the Contact Technologies Scholarship for $500, the Elk County Farm Bureau Scholarship for $625, the Johnsonburg Alumni & Friends Scholarship for $500 and the Patty Walters Memorial Scholarship for $500.

Kolton Mehalko received the Catherine Moran Scholarship for $2000, the

Eugene M. & Naomi S. Brady Memorial Family Scholarship for $2724, the Johnsonburg Alumni & Friends Scholarship for $500, the Thomas Detwiler Scholarship Sponsored by Domtar, Johnsonburg Mill for $1000.

Mason Milliard received the Caribardi Family Scholarship for $1100 and the Johnsonburg American Legion Post #501 Scholarship for $1000.

Jenna Morgan received the Helene Bowley Memorial Scholarship for $1318 and the Johnsonburg Alumni & Friends Scholarship for $500.

Andi Parana received the Helene Bowley Memorial Scholarship for $1318 and the Johnsonburg Rotary Alva K.Gregory Memorial Scholarship for $1000.

Michaela Quiggle received the Catherine Moran Scholarship for $2000, the Eugene M. & Naomi S. Brady Memorial Family Scholarship for $2724 and the Paul Robert & Friedia Roberta Calkins scholarship for $4000 over four years.

Cassidy King received the Catherine Moran Scholarship for $4000 and the Eugene M. & Naomi S. Brady Memorial Family Scholarship for $2724.

Trey Schneider received the Catherine Moran Scholarship for $4000 and the Eugene M. & Naomi S. Brady Memorial Family Scholarship for $2724.

Brianna Quiggle received the Leroy Krise Memorial Scholarship for $1075.

Sportsmen’s Club Receives Grant for New Equipment

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Sportsmen’s Club Receives Grant for New Equipment.

The Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund, a donor advised fund at the Elk County Community Foundation, recently made a grant award to the St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club.  The award helped fund a new riding lawn mower.  Recently, Paula Fritz Eddy, on right, Executive Director of the Community Foundation and Dr. William Conrad, on the left, Advisory member to the Stackpole Family Fund visited the Sportsmen’s Club to see their new equipment.   Jerry Olson, board director, standing and Dan Caskey operator of the mower and honorary director were anxious to show them the new Husqvarna mower purchased from Steve’s Lawnmower Sales and Service.

The Club was in need of a new riding mower to help maintain the 8 to 10 acres of lawn they cut.   Approximately 20-25 volunteer hours per week is spent mowing grass and maintaining the equipment and grounds. The Sportsmen’s Club was organized in 1935 for the promotion of all types of hunting and fishing sports, as well as shooting sports.   The club also encourages the promotion of conservation of fish and wildlife.    The Club is actively involved in local hunter safety classes, Conservation Leadership School and supports the Elk County Youth Field Day, Elk County Envirothon and maintains and excellent rifle range, trap and skeet field as well as renting the facilities to many other groups, organizations and individuals.

The mission of the Elk County Community Foundation is to strengthen our region through development, stewardship and grant making as donors achieve their philanthropic goals.  Its vision is to connect people who care with causes that matter.  The Foundation assists donors who have an interest in starting a fund to benefit nearly any charitable organization or cause that they have a vested interest in, whether as a named fund or in the memory of a deceased family member or friend. The Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund is just one of 170+ funds.  Their next round of grant applications is due July 15th.  The information about their grant criteria can be found on the Community Foundations website; www.elkcountyfoundation.org. With the current needs of COVID related expenses for nonprofit agencies, the Stackpole Family will prioritize this round of awards to focus on the health care and education fields particularly serving the disabled, youth and the elderly population.   Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Foundation for more information either by calling 814-834-2125 or visiting its website.

 Pictured from L to R

Dr. William Conrad, Jerry Olson, Dan Caskey and Paula Fritz Eddy

Grants to Shade Tree Commission Fund Years of Growth

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ECCF: 20 Years: celebrating our past ~ inspiring our future

ECCF Grants Support Christian Food Bank since 2006

Grants to Shade Tree Commission Fund Years of Growth

Trees have a positive effect on many aspects of people’s lives, including their health, homes, businesses, recreation, drinking water and air quality. The Elk County Community Foundation has supported the work of the City of St. Marys Shade Tree Commission by awarded grants totaling $9,950 over the years.

A grant of $2,500 from the Elk County Development Fund in 2006 helped the Shade Tree Commission enhance the beautiful surroundings at Memorial Park; a $2,200 grant in 2013 provided shade trees for city parks; and $2,750 was awarded for the Erie Avenue tree replacement project in 2014. A $2,500 grant from the Harrison & Muriel Dauer Stackpole Fund in 2008 was utilized by the Shade Tree Commission to expand their programs.

The City of St. Marys Shade Tree Commission (STC), in existence since 1995, is committed to the planting and maintenance of trees, as well as removal of failing trees in order to beautify the City of St. Marys, making it appealing to the residents and visitors while ensuring St. Marys remains green. The city earned the prestigious recognition of Tree City USA status in 2005. The STC is an all-volunteer group, with 5 members appointed to their positions by City Council. Current members are David Larkin, chairperson; Gail Shturtz, vice-chairperson;  Stephen Bagley, Cly Hornung; and Lisa Sorg. Toby Herzing from DCNR serves as a consultant to the group. Larkin stated, “The Shade Tree Commission members are committed to maintaining the trees that help beautify our city. There are hundreds of lovely trees along city streets and in our parks for the visual enjoyment of our residents. The trees are also beneficial for health purposes.”

According to Cly Hornung, committee member, the Shade Tree Commission maintains from 600-700 city trees. A city tree is defined as a tree between the curb and sidewalk, or those in city parks and designated public areas. The trees were originally inventoried and recorded using GPS tracking by a Penn State student for a graduate studies project. The STC committee updates the inventory yearly and takes an annual tour of the city.

One of the signature projects of STC is their involvement in providing education to elementary school students in St. Marys, normally on or around Arbor Day. Each year educational materials are distributed to all of the students to teach them the importance of trees. The STC alternates elementary schools yearly with a program that provides a special lesson about trees to 4th graders, who are then each given a sapling to plant at their own chosen location. The following year the same students, now 5th graders, gather to help plant a tree in their honor somewhere in the city during a special program in celebration of Arbor Day.

The Shade Tree Commission also plants trees purchased by family members in honor or in memory of loved ones. Families can participate in the planting, and a recognition sign is placed near the tree.

Funding trees for Shade Tree Commission efforts is just one of the ways the Elk County Community Foundation is helping our communities grow. Since it was first established 20 years ago, the Foundation has invested over 5 million dollars into growing our community resources by funding grants for worthy projects, and scholarships to help our students further their education.

Elk County Community Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization that provides grantmaking support for the needs of our local communities from funds that it maintains and administers on behalf of multiple donors. As a public charity, the Community Foundations also seeks support from the general public to help grow and maintain general community development funds. For more information visit their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org or call the office at 834.2125.

Photo: Eric Wolfe, ECCF Board member, Shade Tree members, Lisa Sorg, Cly Hornung, Gail Shturtz, David Larkin, and Tom Wagner, ECCF Board.