Community Foundation’s Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund awards $14,225 in Grants

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The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) was pleased to award a total of $14,225 in grant monies from the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund. These dollars will go toward several different projects that will serve and aid the community. This is the second year that the endowed fund has awarded grant dollars to eligible organizations, schools, and religious groups that benefit the residents of the Johnsonburg Area School District.

From this year’s distribution, grants were awarded to Helping Hands Food Pantry to assist in food purchasing, Johnsonburg Area School District for select teachers to attend an educational technology expo and conference, Johnsonburg Senior Citizens Club for basement doors, Johnsonburg Borough for public trash cans downtown, Johnsonburg Community Trust for new bay window roofs, and the Johnsonburg Fire Department for saws and other equipment.

The Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund has awarded over $28,000 in granting dollars since its establishment in 2021. This endowment was created with a check from the selling of the Johnsonburg Community TV Company, with the intention of helping the residents of the Johnsonburg Area School District.

The Elk County Community Foundation oversees multiple granting cycles throughout the year. For more information about grant opportunities or an interest in establishing a fund through ECCF, visit our website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org. Our office can also be contacted at 814-834-2125. Feel free to check out our social media pages for updates. The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a non-profit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in our geographic area by partnering with philanthropic donors to help them meet their charitable goals.

Pictured Left to right seated is the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Advisory Committee, Janice Carnovale, Alfred Maletto, Barb Duffy and Charlie Constable. Standing is Paula Fritz Eddy, Community Foundation Executive Director, Ron King of Helping Hands Food Pantry, Rachel Kilhoffer from the Johnsonburg Borough, Stephanie Distler of the Johnsonburg Community Trust, Larry Pistner of the Johnsonburg Area Senior Center Club,  Tom Costanzo and Neal Constable of the Johnsonburg Fire Department and Karen Haberberger from the Johnsonburg Area School District.

Elk County Catholic awarded $74,585 from Community Foundation Funds

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The Elk County Community Foundation, (ECCF) was pleased to award a total of $74,585 in grants to the Elk County Catholic School System (ECCSS). The grants are awarded annually to the school system through distributions from four individual funds that were established to benefit the school. The fund donors have entrusted the Elk County Community Foundation with administering these funds as they carry out the charitable wishes of each of the donors.

The Elk County School System Fund is an Agency Endowment Fund. The school was one of the original supporters of the Foundation when they created this fund many years ago. These funds are established by nonprofit organizations to provide perpetual income in support of future operations. A percentage of the fund is available each year to the agency. The fund distributed $600 this year to ECCSS.

The remaining three funds are Designated Funds. These funds are established by donors who wish to support the good work of one or more designated organizations. Almost any 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, municipality, or faith-based organization can be designated to receive support for its mission. The annual distribution of the fund dollars is managed by the Elk County Community Foundation.

The Edna Geitner Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $1,475 to the school. This scholarship fund awards at least $1,000 annually to a student. The fund makes an annual distribution that is split between the scholarship and the general needs of the Elk County Catholic School System.

The Harold C. and Marguerite M. Lenze Tuition Assistance Fund for the St. Marys Catholic Elementary and Middle Schools awarded $42,019. This designated fund was left to ECCF in the estate plans of Harold and Midge Lenze. The fund makes an annual distribution to SMCEMS to be used for tuition assistance for families in need regardless of income.

The R. Thomas and Mary Rita Valentine Charitable Fund for the Elk County Catholic School System is a designated fund left to ECCF in the estate of Tom and Mary Rita Valentine. It distributed $30,491 to ECCSS this year. The fund makes an annual 2.5% distribution to be used for tuition assistance for families and to support the operation of the school system.

The Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies (CFNA) is the parent company of the Elk County Community Foundation and the McKean County Community Foundation. CFNA is a non-profit organization that strives to strengthen our region through development, stewardship and grant making as it works with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals. Donors can learn more about establishing a fund by contacting the Foundation at 1-814-834-2125, or visiting the ECCF website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org.

The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) presented a check for $74,585 to the Elk County Catholic School System as an annual distribution from four individual funds administered by the Foundation. Sam MacDonald, President of ECCSS, Franki Herzing, Director of Advancement, Paula Fritz Eddy, ECCF Executive Director, and Tom Wagner, President of ECCF Board of Directors.

ECCF awards scholarships to Class of 2023

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The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, acknowledged the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 by awarding 178 scholarships totaling over $297,000 to students in Elk and surrounding counties. Thanks to the generous donations from individuals, families, and organizations, 119 scholarship funds are currently administered at ECCF to benefit local students.

The recipients of these scholarships are graduating seniors from the surrounding areas. Out of the 172 scholarships; 35 scholarships went to seniors from Elk County Catholic HS, 52 to seniors from St. Marys Area High School, 43 to seniors from Johnsonburg Area High School, and 30 to seniors from Ridgway Area High School. Also, 14 additional scholarships were awarded to students who are already in attendance at a post-secondary institution, and 4 were awarded to rising freshman attending ECCHS in the fall. There were 17 awards given to students from surrounding schools. Seven new scholarship funds were established and awarded in 2023.

By providing scholarship assistance, we can enable greater success in college, providing backing for deserving students who want to graduate with their degree and give back to society. 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.

Elk County Scholarships were awarded to these individuals:

Jordan Adams Memorial Award

Allison Geci (ECCHS – $500)

Gloria V. Anderson Scholarship

Abigail Pociask (SMAHS – $1000)

David F. Auman Memorial Scholarship

Tessa Fledderman (ECCHS – $500)

St. Benedict’s Scholarship

Adam Straub (ECCHS – $500)

Edna Geitner Bennett Memorial Scholarship

Josephine Lawrie (ECCHS – $1475)

Angie Bertolasio Memorial Scholarship

Vincent Lenze (SMAHS – $1000)

Helene Bowley Memorial Scholarship

Rylie Belsole (ECCHS – $1035)

Madison Bierley (ECCHS – $1035)

David Constable (RAHS – $646)

Rosa DePrater (SMAHS – $1725)

Sophia Gerg (ECCHS – $1035)

Vernon Handley (RAHS – $646)

Joli Herzog (RAHS – $646)

Michael Jacobs (ECCHS – $1035)

Julia Jones (JAHS – $1035)

Abby King (JAHS – $1035)

Vincent Lenze (SMAHS – $1725)

Hannah Miller (RAHS – $646)

Emma Myers (JAHS – $1035)

Erik Panebianco (RAHS – $646)

Emily Peluso (JAHS – $1035)

Julia Pruett (RAHS – $646)

Sarah Reedy (ECCHS – $1035)

Kayla Reynolds (RAHS – $646)

Kaleb Santiso (RAHS – $646)

Annasophia Stauffer (JAHS – $1035)

Matthew Wehler (SMAHS – $1725)

Eugene M. & Naomi S. Brady Memorial Family Scholarship

Abby Haight (JAHS – $2140)

Ella Lindberg (JAHS – $2140)

Andi Parana (COLLEGE– $2140)

Autumn Sorg (JAHS – $2140)

Ella Stauffer (COLLEGE – $2140)

Vincent & Mary Ann Brunelli Memorial Scholarship

Isabella Catalone (SMAHS – $500)

Melinda Watkavitch (SMAHS – $500)

Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship

Rylie Belsole (ECCHS – $500)

Olivia Eckels (SMAHS – $500)

Isabella Field (SMAHS – $500)

William R. Buhite Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Erik Panebianco (RAHS – $500)

Paul Robert & Frieda Roberta Calkins-Rolfe Scholarship

Aiden Zimmerman (JAHS – $4000)

Michele A. Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Kristen Kirst (COLLEGE – $2300)

Caribardi Family Scholarship

Hannah Williams (JAHS – $1225)

Evelyn Kosco Chase Scholarship

Hannah Kemmer (COLLEGE – $500)

Adam Cherry Memorial Scholarship

Abigail Pociask (SMAHS – $500)

Donald Cicuzza Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Kole Asti (JAHS – $600)

Frank Clark Memorial Scholarship

Erik Panebianco (RAHS – $900)

Thomas C. Detwiler Scholarship

Aiden Zimmerman (JAHS – $1000)

Arlan J. & Dale Horwitz Clayton Engineering Scholarship

Jayce Lechien (JAHS – $2000)

William & Veronica Conrad Scholarship

Owen Smith (SMAHS – $650)

Christian Cordero Memorial Scholarship

Franco Williams (SMCMS – $500)

Lori De’Angelo Memorial Scholarship

Abigail Pociask (SMAHS – $1000)

David L. Delullo Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Lilia Lion (COLLEGE – $1000)

Elk Diabetes Nursing Scholarship

Isabella Field (SMAHS – $600)

Abagail V. Dobson Memorial Scholarship

Lauren Rakieski (SMAHS – $500)

Elk County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Emily Peluso (JAHS – $675)

Dick Fava Memorial Scholarship

Italia Cicione (ECCHS – $500)

Mary I. Filano Memorial Scholarship

Elijah Rippey (SMAHS – $800)

Gloria Finno Scholarship

Autumn Sorg (JAHS – $700)

Lillian Finno Scholarship

Emma Bienkowski (JAHS – $700)

Fitch Family Scholarship

Aaron Myers (JAHS – $575)

T.O. Fitch Memorial Scholarship

Aaron Weinkauf (COLLEGE – $500)

Christopher Forster Memorial Scholarship

Kylee Kline (SMAHS – $1000)

Donald E. Frank Memorial Scholarship

Autumn Sorg (JAHS – $525)

Joseph & Delores Frey Scholarship

Andrea Gradl (ECCHS – $575)

Golumbic Art Scholarship

Tiaura Walden (SMAHS – $2100)

Grandinetti Educational Scholarship

Alexia Hoffman (RAHS – $500)

Hasselman/Hopton Memorial Scholarship

Matthew Blythe (SMAHS – $1350)

Seth T. Hockman Memorial Scholarship

Madalynn Troha (ECCHS – $950)

Gilbert & Dorothy Hoehn Memorial Scholarship

Gabrielle Weisner (ECCHS – $2000)

Bev Hogan Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Olivia Smith (SMAHS – $725)

Johnsonburg Alumni & Friends Scholarship

Justin Barnett (JAHS – $500)

Emma Bienkowski (JAHS – $500)

Marcus Crowe (JAHS – $500)

Aaron Myers (JAHS – $500)

Emma Myers (JAHS – $500)

Johnsonburg American Legion Post #501 Scholarship

Marcus Crowe (JAHS – $1000)

Johnsonburg Class of 1964 Scholarship

Aaron Myers (JAHS – $700)

Johnsonburg Rotary Alva K. Gregory Memorial Scholarship

Nicklous Cherry (ECCHS – $1000)

Hannah Williams (JAHS – $1000)

Jones Family Fund Scholarship

Julia Pruett (RAHS – $4000)

Kaleb Santiso (RAHS – $4000)

James “Wes” Jones Memorial Scholarship

Kole Asti (JAHS – $500)

Howard M. Keebler Memorial Scholarship

Andrea Gradl (ECCHS – $500)

Logan Mosier (SMAHS – $500)

Jack Kestler Memorial Scholarship

Justin Barnett (JAHS – $875)

Kathryn Kilhoffer-Walsh Nursing Scholarship

Kayla Reynolds (RAHS – $750)

Raymond W. Jr.& Elsie M. Klaiber Scholarship

Franco Williams (SMCMS – $10,000)

Gloria Jean McAllister Kneidel & Patrick Charles Jessup Scholarship

Caitlin Blessel (SMAHS – $250)

Madison Marzullo (ECCHS – $250)

Anna Micale (ECCHS – $250)

Elijah Rippey (SMAHS – $250)

Dr. Sandra Calkins Kowalski Nursing Scholarship

Hannah Williams (JAHS – $1000)

Leroy C. Krise Memorial Scholarship

Ethan Schlimm (SMAHS – $1000)

David Larkin Memorial Scholarship

Lauren Rakieski (SMAHS – $500)

Annasophia Stauffer (JAHS – $500)

Josie VanAlstine (ECCHS – $500)

Josh Launer Memorial Scholarship

Alesha Shirey (RAHS – $750)

Virginia Leahy Memorial Scholarship

Rhianna Cherry (RAHS – $475)

Wayne Leahy Memorial Scholarship

Emily Peluso (JAHS – $550)

Herbert B. Lenze Boys Basketball Scholarship

Jack Benninger (RAHS – $4000)

Herbert B. Lenze Marching Band Scholarship

Kyle Baker (RAHS – $4000)

Kathy Lepovetsky Memorial Scholarship

Danielle Rolley (SMAHS – $500)

Eilla Sesnior (SMAHS – $500)

Kendall Young (SMAHS – $500)

Lisa Lepovetsky Memorial Scholarship

Abigail Pociask (SMAHS – $500)

Matthew Wehler (SMAHS – $500)

Emma Linette & Richard Martin McClain Memorial Scholarship

Alesha Shirey (RAHS – $5000)

Lions Club of St. Marys Scholarship

Ellie Baron (ECCHS – $750)

Olivia Eckels (SMAHS – $750)

Hailey Matheson Memorial Scholarship

Italia Cicione (ECCHS – $500)

Ella McElhany & Maude B. Schimmelfeng Memorial Scholarship

Mary Cerroni (COLLEGE – $950)

Joli Herzog (RAHS – $950)

Josephine Lawrie (ECCHS – $950)

Anthony Messineio (ECCHS – $950)

Edward Messineo (COLLEGE – $950)

Hannah Miller (RAHS – $950)

Joseph Tettis (ECCHS – $950)

Alayna Vigilione (RAHS – $950)

McGrady Family Fund Scholarship

Lydia Anderson (ECCHS – $1250)

Kylee Kline (SMAHS – $1250)

Aaron Myers (JAHS – $1250)

Catherine Moran Memorial Scholarship

Emma Bienkowksi (JAHS – $2277)

Megan Bienkowski (COLLEGE – $3000)

Jefferson Freeburg (COLLEGE – $3000)

Kaelynne Hoffman (JAHS – $2277)

Aaron Myers (JAHS – $2277)

Shana Polaski (COLLEGE – $3000)

Lynn Nicklas Music Scholarship

Abigail Pociask (SMAHS – $2000)

William G. Peters Memorial Scholarship

Caitlin Blessel (SMAHS – $1000)

Killian Ramsey (SMAHS – $2000)

Matthew Wehler (SMAHS – $2000)

Patty Pfoutz Scholarship

Sage Lynch (SMCMS – $800)

Christian Schmidt (SMCMS – $800)

Doug Price Memorial Scholarship

Logan Mosier (SMAHS – $500)

Rams Gridiron Football Scholarship

Marcus Crowe (JAHS – $500)

Ruth E. Reed Nursing Scholarship

Kendall Young (SMAHS – $625)

Jacqueline M. Renaud National Honor Society Memorial Scholarship

Alec DeVallance (RAHS – $1175)

Ridgway Area High School Alumni Scholarship

Julia Pruett (RAHS – $700)

Ridgway Rotary Scholarship

Kyle Baker (RAHS – $500)

Rolfe Sportsmen Club Scholarship

Rylie Halquist (JAHS – $1800)

Judge Vernon “Buddy” Roof Memorial Scholarship

Julia Pruett (RAHS – $1000)

William & Arlene Rothrock Memorial Scholarship

Jacquelyn Schatz (COLLEGE – $500)

Dean Schrecengost Memorial Scholarship

Elias Nedimyer (SMAHS – $1000)

Taylor Schutz Lady Dutch Basketball Scholarship

Isabella Catalone (SMAHS – $500)

Olivia Eckels (SMAHS – $250)

Martha C. Selle Memorial Scholarship

Lauren Rakieski (SMAHS – $8000)

SGL, LLC Scholarship

Brandi Jo Casper (ECCHS – $500)

Charles Coudriet (SMAHS – $500)

Allison Geci (ECCHS – $500)

Owen Smith (SMAHS – $500)

Dr. Les A. & Donna V. Shull Education Scholarship

Kyle Baker (RAHS – $500)

Nicholas J. Sinibaldi Music Scholarship

Elias Nedimyer (SMAHS – $960)

Matthew Wehler (SMAHS – $960)

Michele M. Spence Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Kayla Reynolds (RAHS – $1000)

R. Dauer Stackpole Scholarship

Alec DeVallance (RAHS – $4000)

St. Marys American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship

Andrea Gradl (ECCHS – $500)

St. Marys American Legion Post #103 Scholarship

Elias Nedimyer (SMAHS – $500)

St. Marys Jaycees Community Involvement Scholarship

Anna Micale (ECCHS – $825)

St. Marys Rotary Scholarship

Tessa Fledderman (ECCHS – $1500)

Mya Klaiber (SMAHS – $2000)

Sarah Reedy (ECCHS – $500)

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

Olivia Eckels (SMAHS – $500)

Straub Brewery, Inc. Scholarship

Caitlin Blessel (SMAHS – $1000)

Isabella Catalone (SMAHS – $1000)

Madisyn Hetrick (ECCHS – $1000)

Rachel Sloff (ECCHS – $1000)

Dr. Maurus Sorg Memorial Scholarship

Kyle Baker (RAHS – $700)

Ellen Taylor Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Rosa DePrater (SMAHS – $500)

Laurence & Mary Thorwart Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Abby King (JAHS – $725)

John & Bette Wachob Scholarship

Hannah Williams (JAHS – $1000)

Patty Walters Memorial Scholarship

Brent Defranco (JAHS – $500)

Wapiti Roost National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship

Emma Myers (JAHS – $500)

Wilcox American Legion Scholarship

Kendal Mehalko (JAHS – $675)

Gus & Helen Wolf Memorial Scholarship

Adam Straub (ECCHS – $1800)

Corporal Adam M. Wolfel Memorial Scholarship

Kole Asti (JAHS – $750)

Randy Yetzer Memorial Scholarship

Owen Smith (ECCHS – $500)

Madalynn Troha (ECCHS – $500)

Kirst receives Campbell Nursing Scholarship

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The Michelle A. Campbell memorial Nursing Scholarship fund was established at the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) in memory Michelle Campbell, a dedicated nursing student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford who was ranked number one student in her nursing class.  She was known for her helpfulness and openness to learning. This scholarship is awarded to a second year or higher post-secondary nursing student who has graduated from an Elk County high school and shows a passion for nursing.

The 2023 recipient for the Michelle A. Campbell memorial Nursing Scholarship is Kristen Kirst. Kirsten is a 2018 graduate of Elk County Catholic High School who is currently attending UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at Hamot and pursuing a Registered Nursing Degree. Pictured is Kristen (center) alongside Michelle’s mother, Joyce Campbell ( R), and Michelle’s sister, Candy Frey (L ). Michelle’s family established this scholarship in 2002, one of the first scholarships the Foundation established. The family enjoys meeting the recipient of the award and learning about their passion for nursing.

The Elk County Community Foundation Board extends their gratitude to the Campbell family who have seen a need to support the youth of today, while honoring the memory of a loved one. The Elk County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies.  If you have questions about the Foundation or are interested in establishing a fund in honor or in memory of a loved one, please contact us at 814-834-2125 or check out our website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org.

Eccf awards Martini scholarships

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ECCF awards Martini Scholarship to local students

The Robert P. Martini Scholarship, held at the Elk County Community Foundation, was recently awarded to five local students. This scholarship, established in Robert’s memory, is given to graduating seniors in both Brockway where he worked, and DuBois where he lived. Students awarded this scholarship include Emily Michalski and Taylor Rhed from Brockway Area High School, as well as Gabrielle Orzechowski, Madelyn Crabtree, and Morgan Bojalad from DuBois Area High School. Congratulations to this year’s five scholarship recipients who each received a $1,375 scholarship.

This scholarship is held by the Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies. The Community Foundation provides the administrative and investment management services that make it easy for donors to accomplish their charitable wishes. Funds established by charitable donors support our communities through the awarding of grants and scholarships. For more information, please contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125