Robert Martini Scholarship Awarded

Recently the Elk County Community Foundation awarded the Robert Martini Scholarship to 6 seniors from Brockway Area and Dubois Area High Schools. From Brockway Area are Michelle Mancuso, Ian Grecco, and Justin Salada, while those from Dubois Area are Brittany Bly, Erika Syktich, and Renee Pentz. This scholarship is awarded to seniors in those two high schools who play an active role in their school and community.

Michelle Mancuso is the daughter of Jody and Michael Mancuso. While at Brockway Area High School she was Senior Class President, Rotary Interact Club President, Varsity Club President, National Honor Society Treasurer, and Ski Club Treasurer. She was also a member of student council, Academically Inclined Minds Gifted Program, Who’s Who, A+ Team, Drama Club, Varsity B Show, and Medical Explorers. Michelle was involved in various academic competition teams, peer tutoring and a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Course. On top of her academic and leadership roles she was also very active in her school’s sports programs. Michelle was recently named Female Athlete of the Year at the Brockway All Sports Banquet, was two-year Captain of the basketball team, the Most Valuable Player, and named to the Kozel District Nine Basketball All-Stars, Alleghany Mountain League (AML) Basketball All-Stars, and Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday Basketball All-Star Team. In Girl’s soccer, Michelle was two-year Captain, twice named Most Valuable Player, and was named to the Upper Alleghany Valley Soccer League All-Stars. Finally, in softball she was Captain as well as named to the AML Softball All-Star team and the Courier Express/Tri-County Softball All-Star team. She also earned three varsity letters in golf and lettered in Cross Country. Michelle has been named the Old Fashioned 4th of July Queen for this year and is currently employed at Phoenix Sintered and Sheetz of Brockway. This fall Michelle plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh and major in pre-medicine.

Ian Grecco is the son of Kevin and Lisa Grecco. While at Brockway Area High School, Ian was the Vice President of the National Honor Society, Treasurer of the Anti Bullying Committee, as well as a member of Aims, the Library Club, Interact, Atacs, Varsity Club, Prom Committee, Wrestling and Baseball Teams, and participated in Blood Drives and the Math Competition. Ian is also a Dale Carnegie graduate and a member of St. Tobias Catholic Church. As a member of the Wrestling team he was named to the first team District 9 wrestling conference in 2010; with 102 wins he was named the 6th member of the century club of Brockway, a Two-Time Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association, and First Team All Academic Wrestling Team. In 2010 he was 2nd in the district and 4th at regionals. Ian was also a three-time Big Dog Tournament Finalist and the 2009 Champion. He earned 4 varsity letters in wrestling along with being the 2009-2010 captain. Ian was also a stand-out athlete in baseball. He was a two-time First Team Northern Allegheny Baseball All Star Second Basemen. Ian had 4 varsity letters in baseball and was the 2010 captain. He will be attending Mercyhurst University, Erie PA, in the fall majoring in Intelligence Studies.

Justin Salada, son of Gary and Kimberly Salada, is a member of the 2010 class from Brockway Area High School. While at BAHS, Justin was a 4 year member of the Marching Band, 4 year member of the Senior High Concert Band, a 3 year member of the Senior High Chorus, and a 4 year member of the Jazz Band. He was also in the Drama Club, National Honor Society, International Thespian Society, and was the 10th grade class Treasurer. Justin participated in PMEA District, Regional, and State Band Festivals in grades 10-12, and IU9 Honors band in grades 9-12. He was a part of the SAT 1200 Club, SAT Math 650 Club, A+ Team, a Dale Carnegie Graduate. Justin also received numerous honors for being an outstanding member of the band. He was 1st Chair PMEA District 3 Band in 2008 and 2010, 1st Chair PMEA Region 2 Band in 2009, 1st Chair IU6 Honors band in 2008 and 2009, and 5th Chair PMEA All State Concert Band in 2009. Justin participated in the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band. While in high school Justin also served as a Brockway Volunteer Jr. Fireman and volunteered at the St. Tobias Catholic Church. He is currently employed at Sears and Movie Time. This Fall Justin will be attending Clarion University to earn a Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education and hopes to go on to receive his masters and doctorate in Music Education as well.

Brittany Bly is the daughter of Beth and Chuck Bly of Treasure Lake. While at Dubois Area High School Brittany was involved on the Track and Field and Cross Country teams. She was also a member of the Student Council, where she held the title of Treasurer, Student Ambassadors, National Honor Society, and Physics Club, where she was also the Treasurer. Brittany is currently employed by the Towne Market in Treasure Lake. This Fall Brittany will be attending Misericordia University and will be majoring in Occupational Therapy.

Renee Pentz is the daughter of Mark and Joanne Pentz of Rockton. Renee attended Dubois Area High School and while there she was a member of the National Honor Society and student council. She was also a member and captain of the High School Varsity Rifle Team. Ms. Pentz was also a member of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Youth Council. Renee graduated Summa Cum Laude Honors from Dubois Area. This fall Renee will be studying in the accelerated Physician Assistant Program at Gannon University in Erie, PA.

Erika Syktich is the daughter of Paul and Jackie Syktich of Dubois. During her 4 years at Dubois Area High School Erika was a member of the Girl’s Tennis Team, Softball Team, and the Diving Team; she held Captains Positions on both the Tennis Team and the Diving Team. She was a peer mediator, where she served as treasurer her Sophomore Year and President her Junior and Senior Years. Erika was also a member of the Ski Club, National Honor Society, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Student Ambassadors, and volunteered at the Children’s Miracle Network. Erika was a Dual Enrollment Student with Dubois Business College, where she was also employed as an Administrative Office Worker. She was also employed at Black Tai Restaurant and was a child care worker. This fall Erika will be attending Robert Morris University and will study Broadcast Journalism.