Scholarship Funds
Leanne Bedwick Scholarship Fund 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.
Lisa Ann Marie Blaum Brighter Future Award Fund 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."
Thelma K. & Samuel Bosch Scholarship Award Fund 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.
Robert J. Clark Scholarship Fund “A teacher affects ETERNITY - he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Adams 1909 Described as the consummate educator, Robert J. Clark, Jr., affectionately known as R.J., was a member of the English Department of Colonia High School in Colonia, New Jersey for 32 years. He passed away in 2001. Ken and Ann Krogulski, of Dallas, established this Fund in his memory to provide scholarship assistance to a worthy student in the “Women with Children” program at College Misericordia who exhibits Clark’s sense of patience, understanding and commitment to learning.
1LT Michael J. Cleary Memorial Scholarship Fund 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.
James Cortegerone Memorial Scholarship Fund 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 Daniel J. Distasio Memorial Scholarship Fund (Scholarship) This Fund established by the friends and family of 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.
Barbara Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund 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.
Herbert L. Facher Award Fund 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.
Mickey Gorham Memorial Blue & Gold Fund of The Luzerne Foundation 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.
FFCF - Alice Kender Honorary Scholarship 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 scholarship will be awarded to a Hazleton area youth that have served as a volunteer for the program.
NEW: McGowan Cornerstone 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.
Stephen Heater Memorial Fund Dr. Stephen Heater was the founder of the Occupational Therapy program at College Misericordia 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 College Misericordia.
Mary Ann Malinics Kaminski Memorial Scholarship Fund This fund was established by the Kaminski family and friends in honor of a woman who loved art, music and education yet had to leave college for a lack of funding. A grant is awarded annually to a hard-working student residing in Dupont, Pittston or the surrounding area who has plans to enroll in a two- or four-year college/university.
Dr. David W. Kistler Scholarship Fund 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.
Kline Scholarship Fund of Leadership Wilkes-Barre This Fund was established in 2001 by the Board of Directors of Leadership Wilkes-Barre in memorial to Hannah Kline, the late mother of then Executive Director Sue Kline Kluger. The income from the fund is designated to provide scholarship assistance for applicants to the Masters Leadership Series of Leadership Wilkes-Barre, a program for adults of retirement age who have a desire to acquire new skills and increase their contribution to, and involvement in, our community. Type of Fund: Scholarship and Designated Fund - Masters Leadership Wilkes-Barre
Knecht Scholarship Fund This Fund was established by George and Bertha Knecht to provide scholarship support to qualified student graduates from the Wyoming Area High School.
Laws of Life Wilkes-Barre Sponsored by the LPL Financial Group, this scholarship fund is designed to recognize students who exhibit the principals of ‘what they stand for’ with consideration given to students from high schools in the Greater Wilkes-Barre area.
LCCC Scholarship Fund 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. Type of Fund: Scholarship and Designated Fund - Luzerne County Community College
Logue Family Scholarship Award Fund This Fund was 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.
Luzerne County Catholic School Education Scholarship Fund 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.
Carrie Martin “We Can Make the World a Better Place” Memorial Scholarship Fund 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.
John A. McCole Campership Trust for Wilkes-Barre YMCA This Fund was established in 1996 in memory of John A. McCole, a dedicated community member who was instrumental with the founding of The Luzerne Foundation. The Fund provides financial assistance to needy children and families throughout the Wyoming Valley, to attend Greater Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA’s summer camp.
The McGowan Leadership Fund This Fund was established in 1996 by the Board of Directors of Leadership Wilkes-Barre on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the organization to honor Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan, the first Chair of its Board of Directors. Proceeds are directed to scholarships for Leadership Wilkes-Barre participants to assist with their tuition.
The Joseph A. Moran Scholarship Fund 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.
OPERATION THANK YOU! Scholarship Fund Established in June of 2005, the Operation Thank You! Scholarship Fund was started with proceeds of a community-wide recognition event to benefit all active and reserve military personnel from units based in Luzerne County. A male and female scholarship will be awarded each year to service personnel and/or their children from units based in Luzerne County.
NEW: The Dr. Drue Paden Memorial Scholarship Fund This Fund honors the life and legacy of Dr. Drue Paden by providing annual scholarship support to at lest 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.
NEW: The Ann Marie Piasecki Memorial Scholarship Fund This fund is in memory of Ann Marie Piasecki, a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School. It was established by the Piasecki 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.
Christopher Robinson - Times Leader Scholarship Fund This Fund helps students pursue careers in veterinary medicine and/or the sciences. Christopher Robinson was a teenager whose public battle with AIDS moved and enlightened Northeastern Pennsylvania. Christopher died at the age of 18 on February 2, 2000. Type of Fund: Scholarship
Lawrence W. Roth, Esquire Memorial Scholarship Fund 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.
Laura E. Rutkowski Memorial Scholarship Fund This Fund was created by the Rutkowski Family to honor and perpetuate the memory of their beloved daughter and sister, Laura E. Rutkowski, following her death in 2003. This fund is designed to be used primarily to assist students as they pursue their Catholic education in the Diocese of Scranton, specifically in the Hazleton, PA area.
Michael B. Schecter Memorial Scholarship Fund 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.
Nathan N. Schiowitz Family -VTSC Jr. Membership Fund 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.
Siegel Family Scholarship Fund 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 College Misericordia.
Judith Geer-Spitale Fund 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.
Taylor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center – Health and Wellness Fund 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. Recognizing the unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each resident, this endowment fund will provide grants and assistance to programs, services and organizations that benefit the area. In addition, this Fund may assist in medical research as well as continuing education, clinical education and other programs and training of skilled nursing and medical professionals who serve this population.
Wilbur Troy Memorial Scholarship Fund 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.
Kyle Wega Memorial Scholarship Fund 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 School District. An annual scholarship will be awarded to a qualified graduate of Dallas Area High School.
The Leonard ‘Big Red’ Williams Scholarship Fund The children of ‘Big Red’ Williams established this fund in honor of the 50th anniversary of his high school graduation and in honor of his 77th birthday. A scholarship will be awarded to students from the Hazleton area.