Foundation Supports Catholic Education

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Through a number of different funds, the Elk County Community Foundation supports the efforts of the Elk County Catholic School System (ECCSS). There are four funds that contribute to ECCSS in various ways, totaling over $74,000 annually.

The annual distribution of the Harold C. and Marguerite M. Lenze Tuition Assistance Fund and a portion of the Thomas and Mary Rita Valentine Fund provide tuition assistance for students. The remainder of the Valentine Fund as well as a portion of the Edna Geitner Bennett Memorial Fund and the ECCSS Endowment Fund offer support for the general operations of the school system.

“It is critical for ECCSS to ensure that Catholic education remains affordable for the families we serve,” said ECCSS president Sam MacDonald. “The grants we receive from the Community Foundation help us provide first-rate programming in academics, extracurricular and faith formation while minimizing tuition increases. Along with other endowments held at the school, many of these dollars help all students while keeping the cost of tuition low.”

Both Harold and “Midge” were long-time, generous benefactors of Catholic education in our community. Thomas and Mary Rita had a strong faith and supported the Catholic schools in St. Marys even though they had no children of their own.

The aforementioned are just a few of the 150 funds held at the Elk County Community Foundation that have a story on why people support their community. 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. 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. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Community Foundation for more information either by calling 814-834-2125 or visiting its website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

Pictured from left to right are John Schneider, Elk County Catholic High School/St. Marys Catholic Middle School principal; Debbie Slay, St. Marys Catholic Elementary School principal; Gennaro Aiello, Elk County Community Foundation president; Sue Jansen, Elk County Catholic School System advancement director; Paula Fritz Eddy, Elk County Community Foundation executive director; and Sam MacDonald, Elk County Catholic School System president.

Ole Bull Violin and Inez Bull Piano Scholarships

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The Ole Bull Violin and the Inez Bull Piano Scholarships that were established at the Elk County Community Foundation, by the Inez S. Bull Foundation recipients were recently awarded. Board member Deanna Young, (right) met with one recipient, Kaitlyn Hallock (left) to present her award of $2,250. Kaitlyn was the recipient of the Inez Bull Piano Scholarship and Rosemary Wargo was the recipient of the Ole Bull Violin scholarship for the same amount, but was unable to attend the presentation.

To qualify for either one of the above mentioned scholarships, student must have graduated from a high school in Potter, Tioga, Elk, McKean, Cameron or Clinton county and be majoring in music. The scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation who will distribute over $184,000 in 2017. These scholarships recognize high school seniors who have displayed outstanding qualities in academic achievement, leadership, and community service. In addition to this award the Community Foundation is involved with the Partnership for Access to Higher Educations (PATH) and will nominate all students who receive a scholarship from them to the PATH program. This program is administered through PHEAA which provides matching dollars to qualified candidates. Last year the Foundation had over $66,000 matched to 64 students in our area.

The Elk County Community Foundation Board extends their gratitude to The Inez S. Bull Foundation who has seen a need in promoting the performing arts and believes in the youth of today. Anyone interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the Foundation at 814-834-2125

Richard Miller Memorial Scholarship

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Recently, Elk County Community Foundation recently announced the winner of the Richard Miller Memorial Scholarship. Richard’s wife Vicki recently present Emma Daghir with the $1000 Scholarship award. Emma is the daughter Andrew and Lisa Daghir of St. Marys. Emma attends Edinboro University and is majoring in Environmental Science-Biology.

Richard Miller was a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Biology. A resident of St. Marys, he was a teacher in the St. Marys Area School District for 35 years. He enjoyed nature and being outdoors and was active in the Environthon Club at SMAHS, achieving State Champion one year. He was an environmentalist and served as a U.S. Army Corp Ranger. His family and friends established this scholarship in his name to encourage environmental studies that would lead to a career as a park manager or park.

The Community Foundation currently administers 90 scholarship funds. If you are interested in establishing a scholarship fund please contact the Foundation at 814-834-2125 or check out their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

Pictured L to R

Emma Daghir and Vicki Miller

Michelle A. Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship

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The Michelle A. Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund, administered by The Elk County Community Foundation, recently awarded $1,700 to Alexa Marciniak, a 2015 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. Alexa is the daughter of David and Jane Marciniak of Johnsonburg. Alexa is heading into her junior year studying nursing at Duquesne University.

Michelle Campbell, the number one student in her nursing class, was dedicated to helping others and learning to be the best nurse she could be. Pictured with Alexa are Michelle’s mother, Joyce and her sister, Candy Frey, who have established this scholarship in her memory. If you have questions about the Foundation or are interested in establishing a fund, please contact us at 814-834-2125 or check out our website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

Straub Brewery Supports Local Students with Scholarships

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Elk County Community Foundation recently announced the 2017 Straub Brewery Scholarship winners. Employees from Straub Brewery came out to congratulate the winners from Elk County Catholic and St. Marys Area High Schools. These students were selected and awarded $1000 each in the form of a scholarship from the Straub Brewery Fund administered by the Elk County Community Foundation. Employee are on either side of the scholarship winners from left to right: George Hasselman, from Straubs; Joe Messineo, ECCHS, Kelsey Hasselman, and Jennifer Rearick, of SMA; Bill Brock from Straubs and in the back row all from Straubs is Cathy Lenze, Vince Assetta and Aaron Holsopple Jared Braun from ECC was unable to attend the picture. Straub Brewery has supported local students with this scholarship for thirteen years. These scholarships recognize high school seniors who have displayed outstanding qualities in academic achievement, leadership, and community service.