Scholarship

All Southmoreland High School seniors are eligible to apply for the Scottdale Fall Festival Scholarship. Applicants must write an essay detailing their involvement in their community, school, church or other groups. They need to explain what they like best about their hometown and how they would improve it. The desire of the Festival Committee is that these young people will take on leadership positions in Scottdale or whatever town they end up calling “home.” For the application see the Southmoreland High School Guidance Department or apply today by

Olivia Price2019 Winner – Olivia Price

Activites
Gifted (9-12), Mock Trial (9), Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) (9-12), Reading Buddies (9-12), French Club (9-11), Youth Education Association (YEA) (9-12), Student Council (9-12), Cheerleading (9-12), Varsity Club (9-12), Business and Professional Women (BPW) (9-10), The Future Is Mine (TFIM) (10-12), Yearbook (12), Lunch Bunch (12)

Honors, Awards, Recognition, and Achievements
Vice President of Class (9-11), National Honor Society (11-12), French Honor Society (10-11), All-Academic Team (9-12), Letter Winner (9-12), Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) All-American Cheerleader (9-12), Group Effort for Maximum Success (GEMS) (9-12), Westmoreland County Gifted Coalition Game Jam Competition First Place (10), Graduate of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (10), Graduate of Westinghouse Science Honors Institute (11), Graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Emerging Scholars Academy (LESA) (11), Student Council Treasurer (12), Scottie Spirit Student of the Month (12)

Leadership Positions
Vice President of Class (9-11), Midget Cheerleading Coach (10-11), Vice President of French Club (11), Student Council Treasurer (12), Captain of the Cheerleading Squad (12), YEA Secretary (12), High School Leader of the Make-A-Difference Club of the Laurel Highlands YMCA (12)

Hobbies
In my spare time, you will find me either supporting the sports teams at my school, volunteering at events at the Elementary School or in my community, playing the piano and ukulele, or spending time with my family and friends.

Volunteer Work 9-12 (Total Greater Than 500 Hours)
Reading Buddies, RAK, Make A Difference Club, Swishes for Wishes (A volunteer basketball game to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation), Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Bump It Up (Fundraiser for the Make A Wish Foundation), Carving and Caring (fall themed community project for kids), Kindergarten Kick-Off, Kindergarten Screenings, Read Across America, Relay for Life, BPW, Westmoreland County Food Bank, Senior Center, Community Easter Egg Hunt, Scottdale Historical Society, Westmoreland County You have A Friend Day (a day spent with elementary kids with disabilities), Salvation Army, Lunch Bunch.

Influences In My Life
I am most powerfully influenced by my family for the innumerable attributes that led to their many successes. My dad for the persistence to devote the long, draining hours he spent working through the ranks of the prison system until he was Deputy at the State Correctional Institution of Somerset. My mom for her endless selflessness in dedicating her entire life to myself and my sister. My grandfather for risking everything to start a business in the field he loved. My grandmother for always accepting and loving everybody who crossed her path, and whose positivity still radiates in the lives of everyone she met. My uncle for constantly pushing my cousins, my sister and I to change the world. My love for cheerleading and community service has taught me leadership skills. Finally, my love for my friends has taught me the importance of communication, positivity, and humility.

Future Plan
In the future I aspire to become a doctor of Osteopathic medicine as the principles of this type of medicine directly align to my personal beliefs. I intend to pursue a bachelor of science in biology before continuing on to medical school at LECOM. I hope to one day work in a pediatric hospital, such as UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, as a pediatric anesthesiologist.

Haley Robbins2018 Winner – Hayley Robbins
The 2018 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship is awarded to a Southmoreland senior. This young woman is involved in the community and has demonstrated strong leadership qualities. The 2018 scholarship recipient is Hayley Robbins. Hayley was involved, as a volunteer, with the Christ United Methodist Church Spaghetti dinners, Erie Mission Trips, CUMC food banks, Breakfast with Santa, Autism Walk, CUMC Vacation Bible School, Honor’s dinner, Buddy Day, Fall Festival, Christmas Caroling, Kindergarten Screening, Hobgoblin Hike, Lunch Bunch, Safe from the Sun Melanoma Walk, and Learning For Life. She enjoyed playing tennis and is a very determined young woman. Hayley said her Aunt Christine taught her the importance of hard-work and determination. She went on to say “her aunt is the head nurse in California, she went back to college to get her Master’s degree while juggling a busy family life”. Here ant is her inspiration because she knows that going into the medical field is difficult, but her aunt went back to school while working and providing for her family. Hayley said, “My aunt has shown me that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to with hard-work”. Heyley’s future plans are to go to Chatham University to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She wants to major in children Occupational Therapy, and hopefully end up working at a hospital or school.

Bailey Stapleton2017 Winner – Bailey A. Stapleton
The 2017 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship is awarded to a Southmoreland senior.  This young man is involved in the community and has displayed strong leadership qualities.  The 2017 scholarship recipient is Bailey Stapleton. Bailey was involved, as a volunteer, with the Wooddale Bible Brethren Church and the Boy Scouts of America.  As a Scout he participated in many BSA volunteer activities.  Baileywas also involved with Southmoreland’s Golf team, Varsity Club, Art Council, Reading Buddies, and the Indian Creek Valley Sportsman Association.  His grandfather, DomerWiltrout, has always motivated him to do his best whether it beplaying a sport or doing school work. Bailey said “My involvement on the golf team has taught me to dedicate myself to work hard, and to strive for success.”  He went on to say “Scouting has influenced me to be more helpful and get more involved in community service projects.”  Also his Aunt Michelle has inspired him to take more chances in life and to live life to the fullest. Bailey will pursue higher education at Westmoreland County Community College for two years and then transfer to Penn State to finish a degree in Accounting.

Blaise Wisniewski2016 Winner – Blaise Wisniewski
The 2016 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship is awarded to a Southmoreland senior.  This person is involved in the community and has displayed leadership qualities.  The 2016 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship winner is Blaise Wisniewski. Blaise has been involved with school activities such as Concert Band, Jazz Band/Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Chorus Highlander Choir.  Some of her Honors and Accolades include, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, PMEA All-State Musician, and NAfME All-Eastern Honors Concert Band. Some other volunteering activities within the community include Jim Sheppard Music Instruction: private saxophone lessons and quartet/studio performances, Scottdale Fall Festival Student Representative (2015-2016)/Committee Member, and St. John’s Byzantine Catholic Church: C.C.D. member, acolyte, choir member.  Blaine’s parents serve as her most notable influence and goes on to say “I am very blessed to have parents who love and care about me very much”. They are her rock and have continuously supported Blaise in all that she does. Without her parents, she said ” I would not have a greater understanding of life and the knowledge of how to respond to life-changing moments”.  Blaise goes on to say “At the end of each and every day, my parents are there for me; my parents are my best friends”. Blaise will continue her education at Pennsylvania State University, University Park to obtain a BSN and will attend graduate school to be an eventual nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and to specialize within pediatrics. Through advanced practice nursing, she will be able to achieve her life goal of positively impacting individuals while enjoying a high degree of autonomy and professional respect.

Henry Riley2015 Winner – Henry Riley
The 2015 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship is awarded to a Southmoreland senior.  This person is involved in the community and has displayed leadership qualities.  The 2015 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship winner is Henry Riley. Henry has been involved with school activities such as Captain Varsity Soccer Team 4 years, Captain Varsity Tennis Team 4 Years, Class of 2015 Treasurer 4 Years, National Honor Society 2 Years, National Honor Society Treasurer 1 Year, Six Man Crazy Club 1 Year, Alpha 4 Years, Student Council 1 Year, Spanish Club 2 Years, YEA 1 Year. Some other volunteering activities include Co-organizer of the Scottdale Summer Slam- Partnered with Scottdale Parks and Recreation Committee to raise funds for the YMCA Healthy Kids Campaign.  Also, founding member of the YMCA of Laurel Highlands Make A Difference Club- a member from 6th grade through 12th- Currently a Teen Adviser to the group. Henry plans to attend The Ohio State University the Fisher School of Business where he plans to specialize in finance.  He is also a member of the John Glenn School of Public Affairs learning community.  Ultimately Henry would like to go to law school.  Two of Henry’s biggest influences were his soccer coach Chris Hixson and his Uncle James Echard.  Henry and his Uncle Jim share a love of watching baseball.  They enjoying going to Pirate games and as a graduation gift his Uncle Jim and Aunt Jan gave him an MLB passbook as it’s his dream to visit every baseball park in the U.S. and to fill his passbook.  Henry also loves watching Football and is looking forward to cheering on The Buckeyes.

Paige Weaver2014 Winner –  Paige Weaver
The 2014 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship is awarded to a Southmoreland senior. This person is involved in the community and has displayed leadership qualities. The 2014 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship winner is Paige Weaver. Paige has been involved with school activities such as Southmoreland Varsity Soccer (Captain), Southmoreland Varsity Track and Field (Captain), Southmoreland Varsity Basketball (Captain), Varsity Club, Classic Soccer, Youth Education Association (President), Students for Life Choices, Spanish Club, Art Council, Concert Chorus, Powderpuff Football, Hoop-It-Up Basketball Tournament, Bump-It-Up Volleyball Tournament, Student Council, Student School Board Representative, Science Club, Physics Olympics, Westinghouse Honors Science Institute, Rotary Youth Leadership Association, Once A Month Teaching Program, and World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. Some other volunteering activities include Volunteer at Friendship Hill National Park-helped to create a PowerPoint on the Life of Albert Gallatin that is now on display at the Library of Geneva in Geneva, Switzerland, Volunteer at West Overton Museum, Advocate for Autism Awareness, Youth Education Association Events, St. Pius 5K, Chris Kiefer 5K, Camp Counselor at Camp Antiochian, Coach and Train Youth Soccer for Century United Soccer Club, Window Painting for the Scottdale Fall Festival, Scottdale Fall Festival Clean Up, and Recondition Scenery for the Overly Country Christmas Display. Paige plans to attend Randolph-Macon College in Richmond, VA, where she has been accepted into the Honors Program and the Leadership Fellows Program. She intends to major in history and art history. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree, she aspires to obtain a PhD and become a museum curator or college professor.

Zoe Farrell2013 Winner – Zoe Farrell
The 2013 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship is awarded to a Southmoreland senior. This person is involved in the community and has displayed leadership qualities. The 2013 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship winner is Zoe Farrell. Zoe has been involved with school activities such as Southmoreland Senior Video, Reading Team, SEAS club, Spanish Club, Mock Trial, SLC (President 12th grade), Journalism Club, Science Club, and a Co- Editor while working on publishing a Literary Magazine for Southmoreland High School. She was involved with the community by volunteering for over 750 hours at Frick Hospital Coffee shop and as a member of the Care Team for the Hospital. Some other volunteering activities include assisted in a Dance Recital, helped at Scottdale Fall Festival during the Parade, participated in concession and ticket stand at the Girls Football Game, assisted in Jacob’s Creek/ Owensdale Church Bible School, assisted in Terrific Tuesdays at Jacob’s Creek, helped in the Student Life Choices Summit, designed Historical Society’s House Touring Flyers, participated in the Historical Society’s Porch Tour, planned SLC’s Grimm Reaper Day, created video for Grimm Reaper Day, and assisted The Red Cross Blood drive. Zoe plans to achieve her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Seton Hill University and then join their Physicians Assistant program. Zoe’s grandmother being diagnosed with Dementia has influenced her life by giving her the determination to live her life to the fullest. Zoe went on to say “her disease has impacted my life in every aspect, making me realize what truly is important in family, friends, and life.” The other influences in Zoe’s life have been her mother, Melissa Farrell, and her two sisters, Quinn and Rory. Zoe said “Both of my sisters have impacted my life by giving me a sense of companionship and friendship. Those two girls will always have my back, and I theirs.” Zoe’s mom has taught her morals and the life lessons most people learn when they start living on their own. Zoelearned to be independent, strong willed, and self-reliant under her guidance.

Morgan Sirianni2012 Winner – Morgan Sirianni
The 2012 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship is awarded to a Southmoreland senior. This person is involved in the community and has displayed leadership qualities. The 2012 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship winner is Morgan Sirianni. Morgan has been involved with school activities such as All Academic Team, National Honors Society, National Honors Society Vice President, Youth Education Association Vice President, Mock Trial Best Advocate, German National Honors Society, Junior Statesmen of America Summer Program Graduate, Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week Chief Executive Officer, Marching Band Historian, Group Effort for Maximum Success (GEMS), Mt. View 4-H Club Vice President, Outdoor Odyssey Mentor, Fay West Honors Band, and Scottie Scholar- January. She was involved with the community by volunteering for The Health Fair, Walk For Autism, Powder-puff for Make a Wish, Salvation Army bell ringer, Outdoor Odyssey Mentor, March for Parks, Angel Food Ministries, The Dash 5k walk and run, Hunger Garden, Blood Drive, Bunny Hop for Leukemia, Leukemia Awareness Night, Westmoreland Fair Clean up. Morgan is attending The Pennsylvania State University to major in Supply Chain Management. Her biggest influence in life is her participation in the 4-H Group. She had this to say, “My participation in 4-H has taught me to never give up, try my hardest, and to believe in myself. Throughout my time with this organization I have evolved and grown to a person who is confident and believes in herself.” Morgan also recognized how important her participation was with the marching band by saying, “With my involvement in marching band I have learned how to work as a team and to strive for nothing but the best. I have learned that an organization is only as strong as its weakest link, and I will not be that link.”

Lori Gonda2011 Winner – Lori Gonda
The 2011 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship is awarded to a Southmoreland senior. This person is involved in the community and has displayed leadership qualities. The 2011 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship winner is Lori Gonda. Lori has been involved with school activities ranging from Powderpuff Football to The Dash 5K in Memory of Chris Kiefer. She also has been part of the Color guard as a Co-Captain, the French National Honor Society, Group Effort for Maximum Success, and Science Olympiad Bronze and Silver Metal in Meteorology. She was involved with the community by volunteering for the Scottdale Library Summer Reading Program. Lori is attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania to major in Elementary Education Grades Fourth through Eighth with concentrations in Mathematics and Science. She would also like to minor in Special Education. The biggest influence in Lori’s life was her dad. She had this to say “My dad was never around when I was younger, but my sophomore year my dad was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. I spent the next three months with him until he passed away. It taught me the consequences of smoking and to take the most of the time you have, because you never know when life may take an unexpected turn and you never get the chance to say I love you or Goodbye.” One day Lori would like to be involved with Winter guard, and teach at the

Rachel Zaffina2010 Winner – Rachel Zaffina
The 2010 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship is awarded to a Southmoreland senior. This person is involved in the community and has displayed leadership qualities. The 2010 Scottdale Fall Festival scholarship winner is Rachel Zaffina. Through her High school career Rachel was involved in many activities ranging from tennis to the art council. Rachel was the vice president of the class of 2010 and involved in many clubs. Rachel plans to attend St. Vincent College in order to earn her Bachelor’s degree in teaching. Her goal is major in elementary education and minor in special education. She said, “Being a teacher would help me give back the education I had been given, and hopefully be an inspiration to a student, just like the teachers have been for me.” She went on to say “Even if I was to only make an impact on one child’s life, it would be worth my time.” She would like to be that teacher that everyone is comfortable coming to, no matter what the situation. She would like to minor in special education because she believes those children are not given the same opportunities as the main stream students.

Andrew Dzambo2009 Winner – Andrew Dzambo
The 2009 Scottdale Fall Festival Scholarship is awarded each year to one high school student who is involved in community activities. This person has leadership qualities, shows dedication and is actively involved in the community. This year the scholarship has been awarded to Andrew Dzambo, Southmoreland Class of 2009.

Throughout his high school career Andrew was involved in many activities. Andrew was a member of many clubs and organizations including Student’s for Life’s Choices, Science Club, Spanish Club, Chess Club, Reading Team, Varsity Club, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and ALPHA. Also, Andrew was Co-Captain of the Golf Team and member of the Academic Quiz Team.<

During his time at Southmoreland High School, Andrew played a vital role in the community. He is a representative of the Everson Junior Council and also founder of the Everson Junior Civics Organization. Andrew also volunteered for the Everson VFW Bingo, Scottdale Fall Festival and Picnic in the Park.

Since graduation Andrew has been accepted at Penn State University Park campus and will start classes in the fall majoring in Meteorology.

Update September 2017
Andrew Dzambo finished his B.S. degree in Meteorology in 2013, a M.S. in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma in 2015, and is currently studying for a Ph.D. in meteorology at the University of Wisconsin -Madison.

Andrew said “Reflecting back on my freshmen year at Penn State – the education I received there was amazing, but paying for it was especially challenging early on. With the aid of the Scottdale Fall Festival scholarships plus a number of other scholarships and grants I received, I had received just enough to put myself through school without having to take on a large sum of student loan debt.  From the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU – for keeping the Scholarship going, and for providing others a chance to pursue their dreams as I have. The last 8 years of course haven’t been without tough challenges, but in this age where tuition seems to increase at every opportune moment, it’s great to see the community pulling together to help their own. My time in school from 2009 through now has been a dream come true – and the Scholarship really helped me in a time I really needed it.”

He went on to say “I returned yesterday from year 2 of a large project I’m involved with – NASA’s Observation of Aerosols Above Clouds and their Interactions (ORACLES) campaign. We deployed last year to the country of Namibia (west Africa, west of South Africa) and this year we deployed to São Tomé (island country on the equator, off Africa’s west coast). I helped operate an airborne radar on one of NASA’s P-3 aircraft. We got 12 total research flights in this year – data from which will eventually become part of my dissertation. The end goal of this project is to provide validation for atmospheric chemistry and global climate models – a vital part of climate science that’s been really hard to accurately model, and the observations taken from these experiments will help constrain the models such that we get a more accurate result.”

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