In May of 2022, we awarded a scholarship to William Zimmerman, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. William is the son of David and Debbie Zimmerman. William will be attending Thiel College to major in Business and compete on the Men’s Volleyball and Golf teams. He is a determined and passionate student, with his classes, activities, and managing his families small vending machine business and learning a great deal about how businesses work. William competed on the Varsity Boys’ Volleyball and Varsity Boy’s Golf teams. He was voted team captain on the Volleyball team. William earned varsity letters in both sports. William said “My teachers, coaches and my parents have taught me that there is nothing I can not do if I put my mind to it. I have found that surrounding myself with good people makes all the difference.” and “I believe that all of the things that I have learned have made me determined, hardworking and passionate about all of the goals that I wish to achieve in life.” His family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of him. We wish William all the best at Thiel College and with his future career.
In May of 2022, we awarded a scholarship to Aiden Ziegler, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Aiden is the son of James and Amy Ziegler. Aiden will be attending Penn State University to major in Film and Television Productions. He is a determined and passionate student, with his classes, activities, and part time working at T.J. Maxx. Aiden is involved with Sozo Youth Group at Victory Family Church. His primary hobby is experimenting with filming. He used his graduation project as an opportunity to further develop his skills in that area as he was making a documentary film. Aiden said “A strength, or a blessing as my family describes it, is my attention to detail, both personally and to the world around me. I notice small aspects of larger landscapes that others may not. This is one strength which is part of my interest in film making and video production. The film and video production world requires this type of detail as the technology and software are typically very task specific. It is my sensitivity to my surroundings which allows this strength to come out.” and “I give my all in everything I do and look forward to continuing my education at Penn State University majoring in film and television production.” His family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of him. We wish Aiden all the best at Penn State University and with his future career.
In May of 2021, we awarded a scholarship to Olivia Barkley, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Olivia is the daughter of Tim and Michelle Barkley. Olivia will be attending Liberty University to major in Global Studies with a minor in Business. She is a determined and passionate student, with her classes, activities, part time working at Chick-fil-a. She is involved with her church and volunteers every Sunday with the kid's ministry. Olivia has attended two mission trips to Kenya where she worked in two different schools and was able to understand their constant living struggles. She was also able to teach them the correct way to pronounce words in English. Olivia said "Receiving the Rachel Librecht Scholarship would be an honor enabling me to pursue my education to earn a degree in global studies so that I may encourage and influence kids around the world to persevere and never give up through hopeless circumstances." Her family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of her. We wish Olivia all the best at Liberty University and with her future career.
In May of 2021, we awarded a scholarship to Gabrielle Kutchma, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Gabrielle is the daughter of Brian and Diane Kutchma. Gabrielle will be attending Clarion University to major in Nutrition, Health and Sports Science and will be a proud member of the Clarion University Track and Field and Cross-County Teams. She is a determined and passionate student, with her classes, activities, and co-owner of Manicured Lawns working as a lawn care specialist. Gabrielle is a member of the S.V. National Honor Society. Gabrielle is an active member of the S.V. Track & Field and Cross Country with being a PA State qualifier in both along with WPIAL Multi-Medalist. She is a graduate of the Butler Youth Leadership Program. Gabrielle said "Working hard pays off and I am living proof," and "I am very thankful and blessed for the Rachels in my life that have influenced my life which will give me the opportunity to help others by improving their health, wellness and fitness." Her family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of her. We wish Gabrielle all the best at Clarion University and with her future career.
In June of 2020, we awarded a scholarship to Brianna Provenzano, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Brianna is the daughter of Jennifer Provenzano of Cranberry Twp., PA and Thomas Provenzano. Brianna will be attending Bowling Green State University to major in Special Education and Early Childhood. She is a determined and passionate student, with her classes, activities, part time working at Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, sports and also with her volunteer work. Brianna is an active member of the SV Varsity Track and Field Team. She is also involved in Teen for Tots and the Youth Skills Clinic. She also loves photography and drawing. Brianna said "An over-arching goal of mine is to inspire others as I have been inspired by exceptional teachers. I hope to make an impact on students' lives, just as they will impact my life. I will make it my mission to continue to uphold the caring and nurturing environment Rachel created for her students." Her family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of her. We wish Brianna all the best at Bowling Green State University and with her future career.
In June of 2020, we awarded a scholarship to Joel Barkley, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Joel is the son of Timothy and Michelle Barkley of Evans City, PA. Joel will be attending Liberty University to major in Youth Ministries, Camp and Outdoor Adventure Leadership. He is hard-working, organized and a leader as a student, with his activities, part time working at Chick-Fil-A and also with his volunteer work. Joel is an active member of the North Side Sportsman's Assoc. and Beaver Archery Club Junior Olympic Archery Development Team. He is also an active member of Grace Community Church teaching fifth and sixth graders and working with the youth group. Joel also counsels children at Pine Valley Camp which he is very passionate about. Joel said "I have been blessed with many wonderful role models and mentors, just as Miss Librecht was, that I pray I can inspire and bring hope and joy to all those that come across my path." His family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of him. We wish Joel all the best at Liberty University and with his future career.
In May of 2019, we awarded a scholarship to Emily Grove, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Emily is the daughter of Eric and Julie Grove of Evans City., PA. Emily will be attending Geneva College to major in Business and minor in Human Services. She is hard-working and organized as a student, with her activities and also with her volunteer work. She is an active member in Key Club. Emily has been a member of the junior varsity and varsity tennis team for four years. She also is the boy's tennis team statistician for four years. Emily is an active member of the youth group at her church and has been involved in summer mission trips. Emily said "I will strive to do my best in helping others, care for the needs of people who cannot care for themselves, and use my gifts to organize others so they can be more successful." Her family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of her. We wish Emily all the best at college and with her future career.
In May of 2019, we awarded a scholarship to Madysen Kelly, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Madysen is the daughter of Andrew Kelly and Hannah Smith of Cranberry Twp., PA. Madysen will be attending CCAC North Campus to major in Education Para-professional. She is a determined, hard-working, kind, and caring individual. Madysen is an active member of the youth group and volunteers helping with the second and third graders children at her church. She is also an active rugby team member. Madysen's desire is to dedicate her time to give back to the youth and supporting their education. Madysen said "I want to be a success story and a role model for them, my family and myself." Her family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of her. We wish Madysen all the best at college and with her future career.
In May of 2018, we awarded a scholarship to Madison Sloan, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Madison is the daughter of Robert and Jessica Sloan of Cranberry Twp., PA. Madison will be attending Bloomsburg University to study Early Childhood and Elementary Education for the Deaf and the Hearing Impaired. She is very hard-working as a student and with her activities and also with her volunteer work. Madison is a member of the Key Club, Thespian Society, Tri-M Honors Society, Madrigals Choral Group and Show Choir. She has also participated in all school musicals. Madison does volunteer work with Miracle League Helper, March of Dimes, Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh and many others. Madison said "I hope I will be able to relate to my students and help them become as independent and successful as they possibly can be." We know her family and teachers are very proud of her! We wish Madison all the best at college and with her future career.
In May of 2018, we awarded a scholarship to Sydney Servello, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Sydney is the daughter of Al and Dawn Servello of Seven Fields., PA. Sydney will be attending Geneva College to study Elementary Education/Special Education. She is very hard-working as a student, with her activities and also part-time jobs. She has been a member of the Seneca Valley Marching Band for 4 years and is a section leader. Sydney is a member of the Symphonic Band and plays clarinet and keyboard. She was on the yearbook committee. She has two part time jobs with Funfore All and Dairy Queen. Sydney said "One of my biggest goals in life has always been to make an impact on someone's life, whether it be one or many. I have a love for children and watching them grow and mature to be the best that they can be." I'm sure her family and teachers are very proud of her! We wish Sydney all the best at college and with her future career.
May of 2017, we awarded the scholarship to Jacob Gressang, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Jacob is the son of Gary and Tracy Gressang of Cranberry Twp., PA. He plans to attend Marshall University to study in their Computer Science Program. Jacob is very hard-working as a student, with his activities and also a part-time job. He is the President of the National Honor Society and a member of the Key Club. Jacob is a member of Young Brothers Tae-Kwon-Do with a Second-Degree Black-Belt and also a YMCA Counselor. He also has a part time job at Cranberry Township Shop N� Save. Jacob is very motivated and self driving to achieve what he wants. As a young teen, he created a local lawn care business in his neighborhood where his clients are very pleased with his work. I�m sure his family and teachers are very proud of him! We wish Jacob all the best with his new venture.
In May of 2016, we awarded the scholarship to Alyssa Nusser, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Alyssa is the daughter of Jim Nusser and Michele Boehler of Cranberry Twp., PA. She plans to attend Butler County Community College to study Cosmetology Management. Alyssa is a very hard-working student that goes above and beyond the requirements in her classes. For her senior project she organized a fund-raiser for the Cosmetology program for the Butler County Area Vo-Tec School with her 'Bowl-A-Thon' bowling event. Alyssa attends there studying Cosmetology. She has created and presented information about Cosmetology to younger students and was named Student of Month for December. She has passed her State Boards and has completed her 1250 required hours to earn her Cosmetology Certification License. Alyssa says 'Her dream and plans are to own her own salon some day'. I'm sure her family and teachers are very proud of her! We wish Alyssa all the best with her new venture.
In May of 2015, we awarded the scholarship to Lance Hahn, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Lance is the son of Jay and Ann Hahn of Cranberry Twp., PA. He plans to attend Baldwin Wallace University majoring in Music Education. Lance has loved music since he was a child. He is a member of the Choir, Concert Choir, Men's Chorus, Men's Quartet, Madrigal Singers, and has sung at Honors Chorus, District, Regional, State and National Chorus. He has performed with the All-National Mixed Choir in Nashville and with the Pgh. CLO on the Benedum stage. He is President of the Madrigal Singers and VP of Tri-M, a National Honor Society for Musicians. He has had a lead role for 4 years in the school's musicals. He works part time at McDonalds. Lance said, "I hope to share my gifts and talents with the next generation of students and to enable them to experience the same joy I have in their musical endeavors." I'm sure his family and teachers are very proud of him! We wish Noah all the best in his new venture.
In May of 2014 we awarded the scholarship to Noah Kastroll, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Noah is the son of Robert and Toni Kastroll of Zelienople, PA. He is a member of the Seneca Valley Television station serving as a studio host sports play by play personality and also a cameraman. He was a director of the award winning 2013 Lip Dub Video - "On Top of the World". Noah is a Staff Writer for the Seneca Scout News site for Seneca Valley High School district. He is a member of the Marching Band playing trumpet, Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. Noah enjoys all sports and is a devoted Pittsburgh Pirates Fan. Noah also has a part time job at Walgreens and was employee of the month in December. Noah will be attending Kent State University majoring in Broadcasting and Communications. He hopes to be an inspiration to all children across the country and around the world that they can do anything. Noah said "I want to take on the world that I have loved since I was a child. With this scholarship, I want to show others that anything is possible."
In May of 2013, we awarded a scholarship to Olivia Foss, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Olivia is the daughter of Robert and Reni Foss of Seven Fields, PA. Olivia will be attending Columbus College of Art and Design. She has been an outstanding student with maintaining a weighted GPA of 4.28 and a class rank of 36. She is a member of National Honor Society, Seneca Valley Reading Competition Team, Library Club, Art Club, Senior Class Plays. Olivia has received the Presidents award for Academic Excellence, Girl Scouts Gold Award, SAT Award scoring in the top 5000 in PA, US Army Youth Leadership Essay Contest, taking 1st place, NCWIT Aspirations Award Runner Up, and various scholastic art and voice awards. She volunteers at the Butler VA hospital as a recreation assistant and food drives, events and bicycle rodeos through Girl Scouts, of which she is an Ambassador. Olivia also has a part time job at Michaels. I'm sure her family and teachers are very proud of her! We wish Olivia all the best with her new venture.
In May of 2013, we awarded a scholarship to Rae Butler, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Rae is the daughter of Carol Butler of Harmony, PA. Rae will be attending PTI where she plans to pursue healthcare or education. Rae is motivated, hard working, and reliable and has had excellent grades with being on the High Honor Roll. She is a member of the International Thespian Society, Art Club, Graphic Art, and Senior Class Plays. Rae has volunteered at Dutilh United Methodist Church Nursery, Teen Helper on K.F.C. Trip, 30 Hour Famine, V.B. School volunteer, Youth Group, and The Pittsburgh Project. She has been involved with JROTC, HOSA (future nurses of America club) and a National American Miss Pageant (PA state finalist) 2010. Rae has participated in numerous summer enrichment programs, including the YMCA Leader in Training Program, an arts program at Nazareth College and VIP Camp, a sports camp for the visually impaired. Rae also has a part time job at her church nursery. I'm sure her family and teachers are very proud of her! We wish Rae all the best with her new venture.
In May of 2012, we awarded the tenth scholarship to Ashley Reba, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Ashley is the daughter of the late Ronald Reba and granddaughter of Lorraine Reba of Cranberry Twp., PA. Ashley plans to attend Butler County Community College with interest in majoring in English or a child-care related field. She has been an outstanding student with being on the Honor Roll and Highest Honor Roll. She loves working with children and participates in the Child Development program. She has volunteered at the Cranberry Public Library and has been a member of the Cranberry Township Softball team since she was five years old. Ashley has a gift for language with 4 years of Spanish and 2 years of Japanese. I'm sure her family and teachers are very proud of her! We wish Ashley all the best with her new venture.
In May of 2011, we awarded the ninth scholarship to Jordyn Smith, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Jordyn is the daughter of Joel and Jackie Smith of Cranberry Twp., PA. Jordyn will be attending Messiah College to acquire a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. She has been an outstanding student with being on the Honor Roll, Student Council, Varsity Swimming, Youth Group, Girls Chorus, Concert Choir, and Prayer Group/Bible study along with many other activities. With all of that, she has a part time job at Chick-fil-A and also finds time volunteering to those less fortunate than herself thru her church, community, and youth group. She has done mission trips to New Orleans in 2007 & 2008 and also Nicaragua 2009 & 2010. Jordyn's goals, dreams, and passion is to become a Special Education teacher to help children with learning disabilities. She hopes that someday she will be able to impact children's lives through her teaching. We wish Jordyn all the best with her new venture.
In May of 2010, we awarded the eighth scholarship to Melissa Askey, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Melissa is the daughter of Michael and Janie Askey of Cranberry Twp., PA. Melissa will be attending Indiana University to acquire a degree in Secondary English Education. She is very motivated and a hard worker. Melissa has been on the honor roll for the past two years and also Entertainment Editor of Seneca and a staff writer. She also has a part time job at T. J. Maxx and finds time to volunteer at the Cranberry Public Library. Melissa said, "I have finally achieved one of my dreams by being accepted into college.” She also said, "I want to impact a child’s life and make them feel empowered to accomplish their dreams.”
In May of 2009, we awarded the seventh scholarship to Michelle Campbell, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Michelle will be attending Penn State University (Altoona Campus) to acquire a degree in Sociology. She is very motivated and a hard worker. Besides doing well in the classroom she has also participated in the Marching Band, the Pep Band, Varsity Club, S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and the Prom Committee. She has a part time job at CiCi's Pizza and finds time to volunteer at St. John's Specialty Care Center & Church Youth Group. She has been a Girl Scout since she was in kindergarten and has earned her Bronze and Silver Award and is now working on her Gold. Michelle said, "A small act of kindness is what makes this world go round." She also said, "I feel as if I can accomplish anything that comes my way!"
In May of 2008, we awarded the sixth scholarship to Jacob Abramson, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Jacob will be attending Ohio State University, where he plans to pursue a degree in Science/Biology. Jacob is very motivated and a hard worker. Besides doing well in the class room he has also participated in the Key Club, Fitness Club, and Recycle Club at Seneca. He has a part time job at Red Robin Restaurant and finds time to ring the bells for The Salvation Army during the Christmas season. Jacob is also doing an independent research project at the University of Pittsburgh called Bacterial Phage Hunting which is to find a quicker cure for tuberculosis. Jacob said "The teachers at Seneca Valley have guided me to make the decision that I would like to pursue a career in the sciences." Jacob also said "I will make Rachel proud".
In May of 2007, we awarded the fifth scholarship to Erica Hassen, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School and the foundations first female recipient. Erica is the daughter of Jeffrey and Jodi Hassen of Cranberry Twp., PA. Erica will be attending Gannon University in Erie, PA, where she plans to pursue a dual degree in elementary and special education. Erica is an honor student, Vice Pres. of Teens N Tots and on the SV Girls Soccer Team. Erica also has a part-time job at Butler County YMCA working with children in the Child Care Center/Teen Center. Erica volunteers with Circle of Friends, Youth Soccer, and St. Ferdinand Youth Group and church. Erica said the impact of some teachers she had left a lasting impression on her life and she hopes she can change the lives of the children she will teach.
In May of 2006, we awarded the fourth scholarship to Zackary Magill, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Zackary is the son of Kathy Mason of Zelienople, PA. Zackary will be attending Tack Operator Training School in Butler County, PA, where he plans to further his training in heavy equipment to go on to a career as a heavy equipment operator in the construction industry. Zackary, for his senior project, put in a service road with his own equipment. Zackary's other interests include working a part time job, participates every year in the MS130 Bike Ride, enjoys fishing, golfing and riding his wave runner in the summer months. Zackary also helps his elderly neighbors during the winter months by keeping their sidewalks and driveways free of snow and ice.
In May of 2005, we awarded the third scholarship to Ryan Elser, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Ryan is the son of Jeff & Diane Elser of Cranberry Twp., PA. Ryan will be attending Gannon University in Erie, PA where he plans to take up business. He has also been accepted on the Gannon Soccer Team. Ryan has performed successfully on the Seneca Valley Boys Varsity Soccer team and also on the Pittsburgh Strikers Soccer team. Ryan's interests include Youth Group in his church and he also plays the guitar.
In May of 2004, we awarded the second scholarship to Frank Rice, a graduating
Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Mr. Rice is the son of Craig and Debbie Rice of Evan's City, PA. Mr. Rice will be attending the American Motorcycle Institute in Daytona Beach, Florida. Mr. Rice's activities are racing dirt bikes which he is ranked 6th int e state, football, wrestling and baseball. Mr. Rice will be working as a machinist during the summer until school starts in the fall. His dream is to own his own Motorcycle Shop.
Mr. Rice said, "I am so thankful for getting this scholarship, to be able to continue to follow my dreams and study to become the best I can be.
In May of 2003, we awarded the first scholarship to Phillip Voland, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Mr. Voland is the son of Craig and Lorie Voland of Cranberry Twp, PA. Mr. Voland will be attending Theil College in the fall, majoring in Business and International Business. Mr. Voland activities are Musicals/Plays, Singing Lessons for 7 years, Sign Language, Thespians, Horticulture, Tennis, Working at McDonalds, and his cat "Bally". Mr. Voland had Rachel for English (Modern Humanities). Mr. Voland said "I am so thankful for getting this scholarship because not only does it make me remember Ms. Librecht, but it will make me strive to do my best when I go to college in the fall. This is a one time gift, but I will carry it with me, throughout my like, and I will always remember how much Ms. Librecht meant to me."