Scholarship Awards for 2024-2025 Have Been Announced!
The Community Foundation is honored to award yearly scholarships to help advance Lancaster County students’ education. We thank our generous donors for their passion in supporting the next 100 years and beyond. This year, we are proud to award 43 scholarships to extraordinary students pursuing careers in various fields such as nursing, education, business, computer science, environmental science, and the arts.
Thanks to you and countless other students’ hard work, we know that our community’s future is looking Extraordinary, and we can’t wait to see what you all accomplish in your next chapter!
ALBERT S. ROSMAN SCHOLARSHIP
Available to Conestoga Valley High School students regardless of the field of study. $1,500 for one year.
Danae Ulrich
Danae played on the girls’ lacrosse and field hockey teams from 7th to 12th grade and was captain in the 2023-2024 field hockey season. In 11th grade, Danae joined the National Honors Society and the Science National Honors Society and is currently the president of the National Honors Society. In 10th grade, Danae joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has been a leader for the past two years. Danae also participated in the North Museum Science Fair and was recognized for a chemistry project.
CHARLES W. SHOFF SCHOLARSHIP
Available to Lancaster County students planning a course of study in Geology, Medicine, Agriculture, Mechanical Engineering, or Mechanical Drafting. $1,000 per year, renewable.
Audrey Hovan
Attending Temple University and majoring in Nursing.
Janelle Miller
Janelle was involved in Marching Band (Secretary, President), Donegal Performing Arts Tech Crew (Crew Lead), Dance Classes at Raven T24Studio, Jazz Band, National Honor Society (President), and Key Club. Janelle was also part of Donegal News Network, Link Crew, Peer Tutoring, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Math Honor Society. Janelle received the Rotary Student of the Month award, Director’s Award for Band, and Best Marcher Award. Additionally, Janelle participated in LLMEA County Band, Youth Group at Trinity Lutheran Church, babysitting, and the Philadelphia Service Trip.
Kamryn Andes
Kamryn is a scholar in Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College and works as a peer educator for Schreyer’s freshman orientation program. Kamryn is involved in DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship, serving on the leadership team and leading a bible study. Kamryn is the volunteer chair for the Pre-Vet Club and competes in Penn State’s Curling Club. When home from college, Kamryn works as a vet assistant at the Lancaster PETS Hospital. Kamryn intends on becoming a small animal veterinarian in the future.
Nolan Armstrong
Throughout my high school career, I have been involved in various clubs and activities that my school had to offer. I joined the Technology Student Association in 7th grade and led the club as President from 2021-2022. Our chapter team was named state champion at the 2022 PATSA State Conference in a parliamentary procedure-based competition. In my 11th and 12th grade years, I was an active member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society, where I helped organize fundraising events for those in financial need and environmental sustainability. I also participated in the North Museum Science and Engineering Fair, where I was recognized by the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers for my research paper on internal combustion engines. I look forward to continuing my education at the University of Michigan and commissioning as a United States Air Force Officer through the University’s Air Force ROTC program.
GEORGE W. MCKIBBIN SCHOLARSHIP
Available to African American students from Lancaster County. $2,000 per year, renewable.
Eden Addisu
Attending Brown University and majoring in Public Health.
Kensington Edmond
I am a part of Math Honors Society and Science Olympiad. I held leadership positions in tennis, 4-H, Key Club and National Honor Society. I have received awards in 4-H and tennis. I volunteered a summer to teach kids tennis.
Rayahna Clerico
Tiyya Geiger
Tiyya Geiger is a recent graduate and IB Diploma Candidate of McCaskey High School. She plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania to study Political Science and Sociology with a concentration in Educational Policy. Some of her high school achievements include being president of both the Black Student Union and National Honors Society, Editor-in-Chief of the McCaskey Vidette, founder of the school’s first Peer Tutoring Program, and winning awards in Model UN.
Xavier Samuel
Studying economics/engineering at Wesleyan University.
JACK AND GINNY LYKINS SCHOLARSHIP
The Jack and Ginny Lykins Scholarship Fund is intended to fund full-time, post-secondary education for qualified students expressing interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math, computer science) or healthcare curricula. $3,000 per year renewable.
1 scholarship available for the 2024-2025 school year.
William Russell
William is a part of the Messiah Men’s Swimming Team. In addition, he has a big passion for backpacking, having completed treks over fifty miles. Some honors and awards he has received include the rank of Eagle in Scouting, a bronze medal in the National German Exam, and being in the top ten percent of his high school graduating class.
JAMES R. BUESCHER SCHOLARSHIP
Available to Lancaster County students planning a course of study in Creative Writing, Journalism, Marketing, Mass Communication, and Media Studies. $550 for one year.
Payton Shoenfelt
In school, Payton has been a member of Student Council, Mini-THON, and Interact Club for all four years. This year, Payton also joined the Broadcasting Club. Payton has served as Student Council and Mini-THON President for the last two years and was selected last year to serve on the Mini-THON State-Wide Leadership Council. Additionally, Payton is employed at Pleasant View Retirement Community as a receptionist.
Jason M. Truitt Scholarship
Available to any current, graduating high school senior or recent graduate who is or was a Big or Little with Big Brother Big Sisters of Lancaster County. $400 for one year.
Lillian Rickabaugh
My name is Lillian Rickabaugh and I will be attending Millersville University to earn a degree in Social Work. In high school I have been involved in marching band and the theatre program all four years. My community service activities include Bigs and Littles, Club Ophelia, PEP Club, and Homework Helpers. I am a member of the National Honors Society. My hobbies include sewing, crocheting, and gardening.
JOSEPH AND CLAUDINE HESS SCHOLARSHIP
Available to all Lancaster County students regardless of the field of study. $2,000 per year, renewable.
Audrey Hovan
Attending Temple University and majoring in Nursing.
Emmy Varner
My name is Emmy Varner and I will be a sophomore at Messiah University, studying for a degree in elementary education. At college, I am a part of the Handbell Choir, Outdoor’s Club, and Education Association of Messiah. I also volunteer as a part of Tabitha’s and the Curator Club at the Oakes Museum. Currently I am working as a camp counselor at Camp Hebron. A fun fact about myself is that I enjoy crocheting amigurumi animals.
Grace Fafel
Grace Fafel is a resident of Conestoga and is a 2022 Penn Manor High School graduate. While attending high school she was active in chorus, musical theatre, orchestra, student government, and community volunteering. Grace is passionate about music and as the daughter of a Penn Manor school teacher, she is also passionate about education. Also, as someone with Type 1 Diabetes, Grace is also passionate about advocating for others who face similar challenges. Grace is excited to begin her college journey at Lancaster Bible College in the fall to pursue a degree in Music Education.
Grace Forry
Hi my name is Grace Forry I am a recent graduate from Hempfield High School. I will be attending Grove City College in the fall to major in Middle Level Math and Science Education and Elementary Education. I will also be playing lacrosse at Grove City.
Hannah Kline
My name is Hannah Kline, and I will be attending Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College at the University Park campus to pursue a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. In addition to my studies, I hope to further pursue my interests in rock climbing, cooking, and film. I also look forward to joining a research lab while on campus. Ultimately, I hope to earn my Ph.D. in biophysics and end up in medical research.
Hannah Adair
Hello! My name is Hannah Adair and I just recently graduated from Manheim Central High School. In high school, I was involved in various clubs and Honors societies such as Student Council, Interact Club, Spanish Club, National Hispanic Honors Society, National Math Honors Society, and National Honors Society. I have played soccer for 15 years, playing for various club teams as well as my high school soccer team. I look forward to attending Messiah University to major in Health and Physical Education and play on the Women’s soccer team.
Isabella Astuto
Isabella Astuto is a rising sophomore majoring in Creative Writing at Emerson College in Boston, with minors in Journalism and Media Studies. They grew up in Mount Joy and went to Lancaster Mennonite High School. In their freshman year of college they were on the staff of The Emerson Review and was Executive Secretary and Writing, Literature, and Publishing Senator for the Student Government Association. They made Dean’s List both semesters and have been published in publications outside of college, such as jfa human rights journal and Moonscape Press.
Iyana Nissley
Attending Drexel University and studying Biomedical Engineering.
Lauren Leister
Lauren Leister is the daughter of Tim & Bethany Leister. She graduated from Warwick High School in June of 2023 and will be attending The College of William & Mary, majoring in Public Policy. Following college graduation, she plans to attend law school. In her free time, Lauren enjoys playing field hockey and lacrosse, running, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
Lejla Hamzic
During my freshman year at Slippery Rock University, I was elected one of four as a Freshman Senator in the Slippery Rock Student Government Association. Within this position, I delegated with a committee to plan various events on campus, such as a safety management event, homecoming elections, and efforts to better the lives of freshmen on campus. At the end of the first semester, I made the Dean’s List with a 4.0 GPA. I have interests in music and the outdoors!
Luke Redcay
Luke Redcay (18) is a recent graduate of Manheim Central High School. He is the son of Eric and Denise Redcay and resides in Mount Joy, PA. While a student at Manheim Central, Luke exceled in both academics and athletics. He was honored to be named captain of both the Varsity Soccer and Track & Field teams during his Senior year. He is active in his church youth group at Manheim BIC. Luke has a love for all things outdoors and new adventures. He will be attending Messiah University in the Fall to pursue a degree in Engineering.
Maria Longenecker
Maria is a 2022 graduate of JP McCaskey High School and plans on attending Eastern Mennonite University in the fall to major in biology with a minor in Spanish.
Melody Pha
Paige Snyder
Paige Snyder is the daughter of Ryan and Jamie Snyder. She is a member of the graduating class of 2022 from Manheim Central High School. Paige is an attendee at Manheim Brethren in Christ church where she serves as a small group leader for middle schoolers and is on the worship team. Paige played varsity soccer and basketball during her high school years. In addition to athletics, she is an active member of many clubs and societies in school such as Spanish club, medical careers club and national honor society to name a few. Paige also serves as the co president of student council and interact club, both community service oriented organizations. After high school, Paige plans to attend Lock Haven University studying with the goal of becoming a physician assistant.
Savannah Stauffer
I, Savannah Stauffer, am a senior at Ephrata High School. I am involved in my church youth group, and with that comes a lot of volunteer opportunities. Every summer, my youth group goes on a weeklong mission trip. In 2019, we went to Juniata County and helped build a retaining wall for a local camp. In 2020, we went to Gatlinburg, TN to help build a large deck for a local coffee shop. This past summer, we went to Costa Rica to serve at a local church in Guadalupe. In June, we are going to Harrisburg, PA for our summer mission trip! In addition, to our summer mission trips, I also go on winter weekend trips to Reading, PA to help paint and remodel Arrow’s Christian School. This building is currently a church being renovated into a school. While I am an incredibly active member of my youth group, I am also involved in several school clubs. I am currently president of my school Bible Study club. I organize the events and decide what needs to be discussed during our leadership meetings. I plan who is teaching for the week, leading prayer, and worship. I have served as vice president and on the leadership team in my previous years of high school. Additionally, I am president of Science National Honors Society and was vice president last year. In this organization, we plan events in which high school students can volunteer in a science manner. I am also a member of Link Crew, an organization of upper-class students helping with the freshman transition to high school. Lastly, I am an active member of the National Honors Society where students complete volunteer work in their community. Some of the awards I have received throughout high school include being selected by the Denver & Ephrata Rotary Club as the student of the month for October 2022, receiving 3rd place at the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair in the material science category, placing silver on the level two National German Exam, and placing bronze on the level three National German Exam.
Sophia Harrill
Sophia Harrill is the daughter of Galen and Zlatka Harrill of Manheim. She graduated from Manheim Central High School’s Class of 2022 and will be attending Lafayette College for Chemical Engineering with the hopes of eventually working to create more sustainable plastics to help make our planet cleaner!
Shaping Tomorrow Scholarships
The Shaping Tomorrow Scholarships are available to Lancaster County students planning a course of study in Creative Expression, Well-Being and Vibrancy, Our Planet, and Next Generation. $2,500 for one year.
Brendan Stumpo
Hevin Khilo
Hevin is the President of the International Student Association club, secretary of the Senior Class Committee, and a member of the National Honor Society, where they are also a scholarship winner. Hevin contributes to the yearbook staff, plays on the Girls Basketball Varsity team, and has received the Lancaster Mennonite Achievement Award. Additionally, Hevin volunteers at Landis Homes and Tippetts Weaver Architects and serves as a peer tutor.
Miranda Lynch
Miranda is a student researcher with experience in the Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science program. She serves as the Finance Chair for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and volunteers with Best Buddies and the Boys and Girls Club. She is involved in equestrian activities and works as a student research assistant at Cardiology Care for Children. Recognized as a Dean’s List recipient, Miranda is set to intern with the National Institutes of Health’s Virtual Student Summer Opportunities to Advance Research in Summer 2024.
Nadia Walter
Nadia is the Secretary of the Forensic Science Club and a member of the Honors Program. Recognized on the Dean’s List, Nadia enjoys hiking, listening to music, reading, and hanging out with friends. During summer and winter breaks, Nadia works as a babysitter/nanny and interned with Westminster Presbyterian Church in the summer of 2023.
Nathan Knauss
Nathan is involved in the Penn State Opera Theater and serves as the President of the Penn State Club Crew. As a dancer for THON 2024 and a member of the Penn State Concert Choir, Nathan recently gave their fourth-year recital.
Nathan Showyaker
Nathan is involved in soccer, basketball, lacrosse, football, the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, SADD, and Student Council. Nathan enjoys fishing, building Legos, and music. Recognized for excellence, Nathan has been named to the All Academic Team for soccer, football, and basketball, is a two-time Section All-Star for soccer, and has been named to the All Defensive Team for basketball.
Shamara Valburn
Hi, my name is Shamara Valbrun and I am a rising senior at Temple University in Philadelphia studying nursing. When I get downtime in nursing school, I love exploring nature, hiking, traveling, trying new foods, and seeking new experiences. I’m very thankful for all the opportunities Temple University has provided me and I can’t wait to see what post-grad life has in store for me!
Sophia Groff
I am a rising third year mechanical engineering student at Rochester Institute of Technology. I am a Deans’ list recipient. I was also a semifinalist for Climate Science Olympiad 2023. At college, I am involved in a female-led solar vehicle racing and production team, Hot Wheelz. I am also a mentor for women and other gender minorities in engineering. I am deeply passionate about the health of our planet, and I am motivated to integrate sustainability and transportation.
McKonly & Asbury Scholarship Fund for Future Public Accounting Leaders
The McKonly & Asbury Scholarship Fund for Accounting will support rising juniors, seniors, or 5th year college students, pursuing a degree at Messiah University, Penn State Harrisburg, Shippensburg University, Millersville University, and Commonwealth University Bloomsburg Campus in accounting or equivalent that have a desire for a career in public accounting. This scholarship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. $10,000 for one year.
5 scholarships available for the 2024-2025 school year, 1 award per university.
Jordan Miller
Matt Petrik
I am currently a tutor at Penn State Harrisburg’s Learning Center. There, I tutor fellow students in fundamental accounting and economics courses. Recently, I joined Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honors society for business students. In my free time, I enjoy playing recreational sports, both through Penn State’s intramural program as well as in community programs.
Nathan Schaeffer Scholarship Fund
Scholarships are awarded to Lancaster County students attending Millersville University in the field of education. The student can be either full- or part-time, and undergraduate or graduate. $750 for one year.
1 scholarship available for the 2024-2025 school year.
Emma Adair
Emma is actively involved in several clubs, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a social media manager and leadership team member, and the Baron Nation Network STN Convention. Emma is also a member of the Spanish Club and Interact Club. In sports, Emma plays for the Manheim Central Field Hockey team and has been recognized as an Academic All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, and recipient of the Baron Award. Additionally, Emma contributes as a youth camp coach.
In their church, Emma is a core leadership team member of the Manheim BIC High School Youth Group, a middle school youth leader, and a small group leader. Emma has taken on leadership roles in the Manheim Project and participated in missions trips to Costa Rica, West Virginia, and New York City.
Tina Bresnahan College Scholarship
Available to any current, graduating Lancaster County high school senior planning to attend Millersville, HACC Lancaster, or Thaddeus Stevens. Full, in state, tuition and fees for one year.
2 scholarships available for the 2024-2025 school year.
Delaney Reitnauer
Throughout my educational journey, I have been able to continue my 4.0 GPA and make the Dean’s List. I also am in the Honors Program and the Early Childhood Education Organization (ECHO) on campus. I enjoy working at my daycare, volunteering at church, spending time with friends, crafting, and doing various types of puzzles.
Jordan Smith
Recently I’ve been involved in manor singers, vocal jazz, jazz band, and concert band. I’ve really been inspired by music in my high school career and even in my prior education to pursue it even further. I really enjoy playing the Alto saxophone and being a Baritone singer in the ensembles I participate in. Additionally, I was involved with a Christian faith-based high school club called NEXT during my Fall semester of high school.