Scholarship Funds

This Fund was established in 2003 by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects to build an endowment and provide scholarships to worthy and qualified college students from Northeastern Pennsylvania to pursue the study of architecture. Since 2007, the Fund has awarded scholarships to students attending Schools of Architecture at MIT, Philadelphia University and Temple University.

The Leanne Bedwick Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 following the death of Leanne from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Like Leanne, the scholarship recipient must be motivated to reach his or her fullest potential, have been raised in a single-parent home, and have financial need. Graduates of Meyers High School are eligible.

Family and friends established this Fund in memory of Lisa Blaum, a dedicated teacher and community-minded spirit, and member of the faculty of G.A.R. High School. Grants are awarded to preserve her legacy of support to those qualified G.A.R. graduating senior(s) who best exemplify Lisa’s belief in “excellence over adversity.”

This Fund was established by Thelma K. and Samuel Bosch to assist a graduating senior from Wilkes University who has majored in English or Humanities to assist with advanced graduate education or to pay outstanding educational expenses.

The Fund was established in honor of firefighter Michael Carlo by State Senator John Yudichak at the September 11, 2011 dedication of the Public Safety Training Institute (PSTI) at Luzerne County Community College. Michael Carlo was a firefighter who died on September 11, 2001 in the World Trade Center.

The Fund was created by members of the Pittston Area Class of 2002 to honor the memory of classmate Brian Cashmere, whose life was tragically cut short. Brian, an outstanding student and athlete, was an even more exceptional friend to those who were lucky enough to have known him. This scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving Pittston Area High School student.

"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." The Little Prince

Robert J. Clark, Jr., an English educator for 32 years lived his secret as did his many students. His influence has led so many to realize that this lesson in life lives within each of us. Ken and Anne Krogulski of Dallas established this Fund in Robert's memory to provide scholarship assistance to a worthy student in the "Women with Children" program at Misericordia University who will continue to "gift this world" with a commitment to learning.

The 1LT Michael J. Cleary Scholarship Fund will make it possible for his loving family and friends to honor Mike's memory. The Fund provides a scholarship to benefit a senior at Dallas Senior High School who shows the leadership and humanitarian characteristics that made Michael so special. The Dallas native and First Lieutenant was killed in Iraq on December 20, 2005 in an ambush by hostile forces having just completed a demolitions mission.

The James Cortegerone Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 1995 by James, Lorraine and Therese Cortegerone to perpetuate the memory of their son and brother, Jimmy, who died at the age of fourteen. This Fund supports Catholic education and Catholic causes throughout Luzerne County.

The Scholarship Fund was established by Jeffrey's family and friends to honor his memory by awarding a scholarship annually to a student attending Pittston Area High School, Wyoming Area High School or a student residing in either of these two school districts but attending Holy Redeemer High School. Jeff laid down his life for us on May 20, 2008 while serving in Afghanistan.

The James M. Desiderio, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund provides a graduating senior and squad member of any Wyoming Valley Conference High-School Wrestling program (Berwick; James M. Coughlin; Crestwood; Dallas; GAR Memorial; Hanover Area; Hazleton Area; Lake Lehman; Elmer L. Meyers; Greater Nanticoke; Pittston Area; Tunkhannock; Wyoming Area; and Wyoming Valley West) with a non-renewable one-time scholarship.

This Fund established by the friends and family of a stellar athlete and coach, Daniel J. Distasio, to recognize a graduating senior from Crestwood School District and his alma mater Greater Nanticoke Area School District who exemplify the values of sportsmanship, motivation, dedication and perseverance in the classroom and on the playing field. Distasio, who during his 12 years as coach lead the Nanticoke Football Team to four Wyoming Valley Conference Championships, and a District 2 Championship in 1977, was named Coach of the Year in 1967 and 1977.

This Fund was established in honor of Barbara Evans, a beloved teacher and guidance counselor at Lake Lehman School District, who lost a valiant ten year battle with cancer in 2003. A scholarship is given annually to a Lake Lehman senior who has overcome adversity and hardship. Also, the Barbara Evans Award for Outstanding Character is given annually to an eighth grade student, nominated by Lake Lehman faculty and staff.

Attorney Jerome Facher established this Fund in honor of his brother, Herbert, a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre. A scholarship is awarded each year to a deserving Meyers student who shows Herbert’s characteristics of outstanding contribution to school, community and family.

Applicant must reside in the Greater Hazleton Area as defined as the contiguous geographic area served by the Hazleton Area School District and the Weatherly Area School District (students attending MMI and/or other local private/parochial high schools, but who reside in the defined geographic area are also eligible to apply) OR have have played consistently with the Hazleton Philharmonic Society Orchestra for a minimum of two years.

Steven P. Geraci - "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you into something else is the greatest accomplishment."

Paul W. Penkala - "Everyone is a hero if you if you catch us at the right time."

This Fund was established by family and friends of Steven P. Geraci and Paul W. Penkala who died in an automobile accident in September 2008. This scholarship benefits deserving Hazleton Area High School students.

This Fund was established in honor of the All-State athlete from G.A.R. High School who went on to become one of the most respected high school football coaches of his time. Gorham served as an educator, principal, football coach and athletic director at Meyers High School during a career that spanned 35 years. The Fund will help recognize his ability to challenge students to “soar beyond themselves” and give their all to whatever they do.

Dr. Stephen Heater was the founder of the Occupational Therapy program at Misericordia Universitiy and is recognized as a true forerunner in the profession. This Fund was established to preserve his legacy educational advancement and support of OT programs and studies at Misericordia University.

This Fund was established by Mary Ann's children and friends in honor and loving memory of a woman with an unforgettable personality, a spark for life and a generous heart. Mary Ann grew up in Dupont, a community she loved. She attended the local schools and completed one year of study at Marywood College. There was not money for her to continue her education. Due to this disappointment, she always had a soft spot for those who have to make similar decisions. This scholarship is awarded annually to a hard-working student residing in Dupont, Pittston Area who has plans to enroll in a two or four year college/university.

This Fund was established by the First Federal Charitable Foundation to recognize Alice Kender and her many years of dedicated service and support to the Volunteers of America program in Hazleton. A scholarships will be awarded annually to a Hazleton area youth who has served as a volunteer for the program.

The Dr. David Kistler Scholarship Award is announced annually for a student(s) graduating from the sixth grade at the Kistler Elementary School, Wilkes-Barre, who shows academic achievement, good citizenship, personal accomplishments and economic need. The actual scholarship is awarded at the successful completion of high school. Dr. Kistler’s vision has been instrumental in motivating and inspiring young students to strive for a college education.

This Fund was established by George and Bertha Knecht to provide scholarship support to qualified student graduates from the Wyoming Area High School.

Established by the Logue Family to provide scholarships to qualified graduating sixth graders from the Heights Murray elementary School in Wilkes-Barre. The award recognizes their academic success, citizenship and community involvement, economic needs and growth potential. The award will be presented when they graduate from high school.

This Fund was established in 2001 to provide tuition assistance for families who cannot pay all or part of their Catholic school tuition. Consideration will be given to all students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a Catholic grade or high school in Luzerne County, who manifest promise of academic success and who are seeking financial support.

The LCCC Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to full-time students who reside in Luzerne County and who have overcome extenuating circumstances to enter college.

The Fund was established in 2005 in memory of West Side Vocational Technical School graduate Carrie Martin, who was murdered in 2004. The Fund was set up by Carrie’s mother, Wendy Cadwalader, in recognition of her daughter’s humanitarian spirit and community service. Martin is being remembered as a talented artist, Special Olympics volunteer and Luzerne County Fair queen who loved horses and had dreams of starting a riding school for physically challenged children. The scholarship will be awarded to a student at West Side Vocational Technical School who exemplifies Carrie’s humanitarian spirit.

This Fund was established in 1996 in memory of John A. McCole, a dedicated community member and Founder’s Board member of The Luzerne Foundation. The Fund provides financial assistance to needy children and families throughout the Wyoming Valley, to attend the Greater Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA’s summer camp.

This scholarship award Fund was established by varied nonprofit organizations in honor of the Monsignor’s life and charitable legacy. The Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Cornerstone Scholarship is awarded annually to qualified students graduating from Northeastern Pennsylvania high schools and who plan to attend any of the eight Colleges, Universities and other educational programs the Monsignor supported during his life.

In 2006, a number of former Coughlin High School athletes established a scholarship in honor of Coach Joe Moran in recognition of his very long and successful career coaching football and track while teaching physics and serving as athletic director at Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre. A scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving scholar-athlete who demonstrates leadership and civic responsibility through service to others.

This Fund honors the life and legacy of Dr. Drue Paden by providing annual scholarship support to at least one qualified student from both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties who best personify Dr. Paden’s zest for life, his community and the game of golf.

Panagiotidis families in honor of Tommy, who passed away May 20, 2009 in an auto accident. This scholarship is open to graduates of Wyoming Valley West & West Side CTC students, who have overcome or are enduring a hardship or disability. The main sponsor this year, Kulak Agency.

This Fund is in memory of Ann Marie Piasecki, a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School. It was established by the Piaseki Family to support students graduating from the various High Schools in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, as well as other schools determined by The Ann Marie Piasecki Scholarship Committee.

The Christina Mihalko Rock Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Christina's family and friends to make it possible for deserving college bound students from Wyoming Valley West High School to benefit from Christina's legacy. Eligible students will best exemplify Christina's values of academic excellence, community service and her love for music, piano, dance and the oboe.

This Fund was established through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Roth, with other family, friends, and colleagues, in loving memory of their son, Larry, who died at age 35 following a brave battle with brain cancer. The Fund will be used for scholarships to students attending or planning to attend Wilkes University, with preference given to candidates who share Larry’s spirit and interest in the legal profession, politics and/or community service.

This Fund was created by the Rutkowski family to honor and perpetuate the memory of their beloved daughter and sister, Laura K. Rutkowski, following her death in 2003. This Fund is designed to be used primarily to assist students as they pursue a Catholic education in the Diocese of Scranton, specifically in the Hazleton, PA area.

Dr. Benjamin and Donna Schecter established this Fund to memorialize their son, Michael, age 28, who lost his courageous battle with a rare form of testicular cancer. A scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student from Stroudsburg High School who exhibits Michael’s enthusiasm and joy for life.

This Fund was established in 2004 by the Schiowitz family to assist the financially disadvantaged and underprivileged youth of Luzerne County by providing annual junior memberships at the Valley Tennis & Swim Club, now part of Back Mountain Harvest Assembly.

Established by friends and family of Paul “Chip” Siegel at the celebration of his 50th birthday, this Fund provides scholarship assistance to qualified students at Misericordia University.

The Judith Geer-Spitale Fund was established by her family and friends in her honor upon her retirement in June 2004 following 42 years of service to Hospice Community Care and other health related organizations in NEPA. The primary purpose of the Fund shall be to support community health and/or community health education within Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Taylor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center - Health and Wellness Fund of the Luzerne Foundation is committed to serving the health and wellness needs of the residents of the geographic area the nursing facility had served, specifically: Avoca, Dupont, Duryea, Moosic, Old Forge and Taylor.

The Charlotte Williams Thomas Award Fund was established by Charlotte, her family and friends to recognize and honor her 28 years of dedicated service to the Practical Nursing Program of the Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational Technical School in Wilkes-Barre. The Fund is dedicated to preserving and recognizing those human traits of compassion and caring that are essential in the health care profession. This Fund shall award scholarship assistance to a qualified full-time student in the Practical Nursing Program at WBAVTS who plans to practice a career in nursing within Northeastern, PA after graduation.

This Fund was created in honor and memory of Wilbur Troy by his family and friends to provide scholarship assistance to graduating students from G.A.R. and/or Wyoming Valley West High Schools.

Jack and Kathy Wega and their family and friends established this Fund in memory of their son Kyle, who was killed in a car accident at the age of 28. Kyle was Director of IT at Dallas Area High School District. An annual scholarship will be awarded to a qualified graduate of Dallas Area High School.

The children of “Big Red” Williams established this Fund in honor of the 60th anniversary of his high school graduation and in honor of his 77th birthday. A scholarship will be awarded to progressive-minded students from the Hazleton area.