2012 Scholarships Winners

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The Elk County Community Foundation awarded a total of 87 scholarships to local students this year totaling over $100,600 in scholarship funds. Graduating seniors from area high schools were the recipients. Seventeen scholarships went Elk County Catholic, twenty four to St. Marys Area, twelve to Johnsonburg Area, twenty-two to Ridgway Area, and four went to Kane Area High School. Another six scholarships were given to students at DuBois and Brockway Area High Schools totaling three at each school. Also, three additional scholarships were awarded to students who were already in attendance at a post-secondary institution.

The dollars given to these students will impact generations to come as these young adults begin to shape our communities. 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.

Grant Applications are now available

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Application for Elk County Community Foundation

The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of North Central Pennsylvania, announces their annual granting cycle applications are now available to area nonprofit organizations. The ECCF welcomes applications for funding as part of its mission to promote the betterment of Elk County and to enhance the quality of the life for all residents. Applications will be accepted through July 15, 2012 and are available by calling the ECCF’s office at 834-2125 or via their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com. The form is now must completed electronically and returned via email.

Funds will be award for such community development initiatives that will enhance the economic and community well-being of Elk County. Distribution from the grants can be used to meet special project or program needs of organizations serving the people of Elk County. The Foundation encourages organizations that will serve a particular need of the community and will make a lasting impact on the overall community to apply. The Foundation seeks to fund projects or activities that will serve the needs of many in the community rather than the needs of a few individuals. Projects should include activities that are innovative and have a plan to be sustained themselves. In addition, grants are made to support programs serving all persons regardless of race, religion or creed and are made only to tax-exempt, charitable organizations.

Organizations that feel they meet the above criteria of the economic and community development are invited to submit their application to the foundation. Grants will be reviewed and approved by the end of August. The funds come from the Foundation’s endowed Community Economic and Development fund and the Fund of the Future general endowment.

In 2011, over $31,500 was awarded to several organizations which include:

The St. Marys Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for their Revolving Loan Program

Vietnam Vets #720

ECCOTA

Elk Regional Medical Center

ECCHS Band Boosters

St. Marys Sportsmen’s

Johnsonburg Fire Department

Oak Manor Inc.

Flying Dove Ranch Inc.

Dickinson Center Inc. Crossroads Program (Picture attached of their new classroom facility that was partially funded with this grant.)

The Foundation also administers a number of other funds that grant throughout the year. Check out the other Grant application on their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com. ECCF is a non profit organization that manages endowed funds established by donors for area non-profit organizations. Donor gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

GrafTech USA LLC Scholarship

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Graf Tech USA LLC Scholarship

The Graf Tech USA LLC Scholarship, administered by the Elk County Community Foundation, awarded $20,000 over 4 years to Jessica Franco. Jessica is the first recipient of this scholarship. She is the daughter of Linda Franco, and they reside in Ridgway. Jessica is a 2012 graduate from Elk County Catholic High School, and her post-secondary education plans are to attend Duquesne University with a major in Occupational Therapy and Psychology. Graf Tech USA LLC, located in St. Marys, is part of the GrafTech International Ltd. Family of companies. The GrafTech organization has more than 125 years of experience in graphite material science. The GrafTech team is committed to giving back the communities where they operate. Their focus is on encouraging youth education. GrafTech is proud to administer a scholarship to an Elk County Catholic graduate in hopes of contributing support to their continued pursuit of academic excellence. The Elk County Community Foundation currently administers 46 scholarship funds and 37 agency and donor advised fund. If you are interested in establishing a fund please contact the Elk County Community Foundation at 814-834-2125 or check out our website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com

Michelle A. Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship

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Michelle A. Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The Michelle A. Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund,
administered by the Elk County Community Foundation, awarded $1050 to Adrienne
Polaski. She is the daughter of Ken
and Linda Polaski and is pursuing a degree in Nursing from the University of
Pitt. Adrienne is from Johnsonburg and
is a 2010 graduate Elk County Catholic High School. Michele Campbell was a hardworking and
dedicated nursing student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. As the number one student in her class,
Michele was dedicated to helping others and learning to be the best nurse she
could be. Her parents, Joyce and Jim Campbell, on either side of Adrienne, established
this scholarship in her memory. The Elk County Community Foundation currently
administers 46 scholarship funds and 37 agency and donor advised fund. If you are interested in establishing a fund
please contact the Elk County Community Foundation at 814-834-2125 or check out
their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

SGL Carbon, LLC Support Local Students with Scholarships

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SGL Carbon, LLC Support Local Students with Scholarships

Recently, Plant Manager, Tom Detsch, standing on left, and
Kathy Nero, standing on right, from SGL Carbon met with student who were
selected to be awarded $500 each in the form of a scholarship from SGL Carbon,
LLC. Mike Fox ,sitting on right, and
Dalton Fantechi, sitting in middle from St. Marys Area High School and Dan Johnson, from Elk County Catholic,
sitting on left, shared their plans for the future with the SGL officials.
Missing from the photo is Brent Polaski from ECC. Mr. Detsch encouraged the boys 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. This is
the second year they have supported local student in with this scholarship.
This scholarship is administered by the Elk County Community Foundation. These scholarships recognize high school seniors who have displayed
outstanding qualities in academic achievement, leadership, and community
service.

The dollars given
to these students will impact generations to come as these young adults shape
our communities. The Elk County Community Foundation Board
extends their gratitude to SGL who has seen a need and believes in the youth of
today. Anyone interested in
establishing a scholarship can contact the Foundation at 814-834-2125 or get
more information from the website, www.elkcountyfoundation.com