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.

SGL Carbon, LLC Support Local Students with Scholarships

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The Elk County Community Foundation recently announced SGL Carbon, LLC scholarship winners. Plant Manager, Tom Detsch, standing on the right and Human Resources Manager, Kathy Kennedy, on the left, from SGL Carbon met with students who were selected to be awarded $500 each in the form of a scholarship from SGL Carbon, LLC. The recipients were from left to right, Dan Stauffer, Cheyanne Merritt, Griffin Wurm and Charlie Bobby. Cheyanne and Griffin recently graduated from St. Marys Area High School while Charlie and Dan graduated from Elk County Catholic High School. Charlie will be attending Penn State University, Dan will attend St. Bonaventure University, and Cheyanne and Griffin will both be attending Penn State Erie; the Behrend College this fall. Mr. Detsch encouraged the students to work hard and congratulated them on being chosen for this award. SGL Group – The Carbon Company – is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of carbon-based products. SGL has supported local students with this scholarship for six years.

St. Marys Rotary Presents Scholarship

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The St. Marys Rotary Club presented a scholarship to SMAHS Senior Jennifer Rearick. Jennifer is pictured here with Club President Greg Snelick and Club Secretary Vern Kreckel III. Congratulations Jennifer! St. Marys Rotary, thanks for your partnership!

Valone Recongized

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Don Valone, on the left, was recently presented a plaque by Gennaro Aiello, newly elected Board President of the Elk County Community Foundation for his dedicated service. Don had been on the Board of Directors and served in many leadership roles for over 12 years. He was active on the Investment Committee for most of his tenure and also served as Secretary, Vice President, President and chaired the nominating committee. Don assured the group that he will continue to support the Foundation and serve if needed. The plaque presented reads:
Thank you for your dedication and perseverance during the formative years of the Elk County Community Foundation. Because of your willingness to volunteer your time, treasures and expertise with us, we have grown and will continue to give back to the community for generations to come.

The Dobson Fund Supports Education

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The Dobson Fund Supports Education

The Doug and Charlotte Dobson Memorial Fund, a donor advised fund at the Elk County Community Foundation, recently made a grant award to Francis S. Grandinetti Elementary school. The award funds experiential learning experiences using eight different special learning opportunities through Mrs. Marcia Raubenstrauch’s classroom. These programs have provided students with the ability to make connections between formal learning and real life…. Opportunities beyond the traditional classroom allow students to become excited, adventurous, and to be able to think differently. Annually the family of Doug and Charlotte Dobson has the opportunity to direct dollars to projects that enhance the community in which they lived. The Dobson Fund is one of over 140 funds held at The Elk County Community Foundation.

Recently one of the programs funded by the grant took place. Gifted students from fourth through eighth grade were provided an incredible experience where they were able to work closely with Gene Boni and Roland Boni, the local artists who own and run MudSlide Pottery. The students were engaged in learning about the history of pottery, the chemistry of glazing, and understanding both the artistic side of design and the business of running a pottery shop. Students worked with the artists at school and then went to the studio to learn how to produce pottery. Throughout this project the emphasis was on critical thinking and solving problems in the real world.

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. As mentioned, the Doug and Charlotte Dobson Memorial Fund is just one of many funds; each with a different story and each for a different purpose. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Foundation for more information either by calling 814-834-2125 or visiting its website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com