by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 29, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is awarding $309,000 in post-secondary scholarships to 103 local students. Supporting the future of Fayette County in this way is possible thanks to the generous donors from fifty (50) CFFC scholarship funds.
“Congratulations to these remarkable students,” said CFFC Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hajek‑Bates. “With the wide range of scholarship funds entrusted to us, we are honored to support graduating seniors from all six Fayette County school districts, as well as many continuing post‑secondary students. Some of these students have earned CFFC scholarships year after year, and their dedication continues to inspire us.”
CFFC accepts applications from early February to early April through an online portal that matches students with scholarship opportunities based on eligibility requirements. Some awards are selected by the donors of the scholarship funds, while many others are reviewed by a dedicated group of volunteers who meet to discuss and recommend award selections.
“Each year, our scholarship volunteer reviewers give their time, care, and thoughtful attention to help us support Fayette County students,” said Hajek‑Bates. “Their dedication ensures that every application is read with fairness and compassion, and their commitment strengthens the integrity of our scholarship program. We are deeply grateful for their service and the meaningful role they play in shaping brighter futures for our students.”
Depending on a scholarship’s criteria, considerations include financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, area of study, school preference, community service, and other factors.
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2026-2027 CFFC Scholarship Awards
Alfred E. Jones & Anna B. Jones Scholarship
Bailey Lemansky
Allen Craft Memorial Scholarship
Lucia Baker
Diondra Brown
Hannah Foster
Jackson Johns
Luke Martin
Sara Reed
Sevrin Vecchiola
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Scholarship Fund
Malcolm Patton
Valentina Gulino
Betty Bayne Barnes Scholarship Fund for Women
Morgan Armstrong
Burchinal Family Endowment Scholarship Fund
Tabitha Horvath
Madelyn Salisbury
Riley Rankin
Hailey Plavi
Kiley Kezmarsky
Joshua Burkett
Zoe Hughes
Career and Technical Education Scholarship Fund
Makenzie Foster
Julian Smith
Carl S. Micarelli Memorial Scholarship Fund
Tyler Williams
CFFC Board of Directors Scholarship Fund
Jennifer Smith
Jenna Walls
Chris G. and Alice Omiros Scholars Fund
Greta Shirk
Cupelli Family Scholarship
Lillian Beers
Darrell L. and Norma R. Uphold Family Scholarship
Luke Gresh
Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship Fund
Charlee Wagner
Dr. Dennis F. Brestensky Scholarship Fund
Logan Hoffer
Dr. Paul Pipik Fund for Study in the Health Sciences
Madelyn Marks
Dr. William C. Thomas, Jr. Perseverance Scholarship
Karsyn Lucy
Josie Petrucci
Educate Fayette Scholarship
Khyler Tony
Edward T. Yezioro Memorial Scholarship
Aiden Glover
George M. and Anna Hochheimer Scholarship
Emily Dolan
Helen Hulvey Scheggia Nursing Scholarship
Eddie Palmer
Henry J. Opperman Scholarship Permanent Fund
Avery Lape
Hughes Family Scholarship
Taylor Irwin
Johnson Matthey Scholarship
Delaney Hines
Alexa Lincoln
Logan Seese
Shiann Sullivan
Kathleen DiMarco Gulino Memorial Scholarship
Jackson Johns
Laurel Highlands Mustang Academic Scholarship
Lucia Baker
Jackson Wade
Laurel Technical Institute Scholarship Fund in Memory of Ruth and Milton Decker
Makalia Morrell
Sierra Murphy
Lulu A. Dudley Scholarship Fund
Brandy Sickles
Brynn Hibbs
Frances and George J. Plava Educational Award
Christopher Colgan
Zofia Radosevich
Mary Jane Dailey Wood Scholarship
Mia Fabery
Adam Pegg
Geno Farrel
Ava Clark
Kami Workman
Emma Mihalko
Maurice M. Bortz & Bessie D. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Reed
Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Scholarship
Ethan Doman
My Mother‘s Legacy Fund
Brianna Hensh
Nancy Flanegan McManus Nursing Scholarship
Gianna Radovich
Nancy Vance Jones Scholarship
Hannah Foster
Palmer F. Sabatine Scholarship
Mia Fabery
Ethan Doman
Ava Setren
Parker A. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Avery Lape
Lucia Baker
Jackson Johns
Rita P. Peters Scholarship
Julie Cooper
Robert and Marjorie Rager Scholarship
Cameron Mickey
Robert E. and Elouise R. Eberly Scholarship Endowment
Yelena Ford
Sam’s Symphony of Love Scholarship
David White
Sergeant Eric Hull Advised and Memorial Scholarship Funds
Riley Armstrong
Suzanne McMonagle Scholarship for Nursing
Lauren Colgan
The Garbart Memorial Scholarship
Lucas Salaway
Tolstoi Family Scholarship
Haylee Bill
Trinity Hatfield
Alyssa Sharp
Julian Smith
Brighten Spector
Ethan Syner
Natalie Ursiny
Mackenzie Victor
Tylar Andaloro Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Reed
Uniontown College Club Scholarship
Emily Pennington
Ava Sefcheck
Paisley Murtha
Virginia Eberharter Scholarship
Avery Lape
Lilly Show
Virginia Springer Memorial Scholarship
Hannah Proud
Paige Miller
Kaleb Walls
Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship
College:
Caylee Balabon
William Barton
Jacqueline Maendel
Anthony Muccioli
Braylin Salisbury
Brianna Marzano
Steven Shearin
Natayah Moten
Emma Young
Anna Sedlak
Ava Crofcheck
Karsyn Lucy
Hannah Legarsky
Erica Rishel
Emily Sines
Grant Barcheck
High School:
Julia Lohr
Shiann Sullivan
Mia Fabery
Josie Petrucci
Alexa Gray
Hannah Foster
Ethan Doman
Geno Farrel
Jakylah Dressel
Logan Seese
Emma Hull
Christopher Colgan
Gia Gillott
Aaron Michaels
Abagale Kuhns
Zackery R. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Madison Grimm
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Aug 13, 2025 | CFFC News
A group of ninety-seven (97) local students are receiving a total of $252,890 in post-secondary scholarships from the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) for the 2025-2026 school year. These students were selected for awards from forty-five (45) scholarship funds held at the foundation, for the purpose of supporting local students in their pursuit of higher education.
Watch the slideshow!
Scholarship funds are created in honor or memory of a loved one, to support certain career paths, or to simply give back to the community. CFFC works with donors to determine criteria for each scholarship fund, including qualifications related to academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular participation, area of study, or school preference.
The foundation enlists the help of community volunteers to serve on the scholarship committees. “The volunteers carefully consider hundreds of applications and select students based on the criteria for each fund. Our team of reviewers is always so impressed with the bright students, and so we share our congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients and wish them all great success,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
“I will be attending Penn West California, majoring in biology and I plan to pursue a career in the medical field. I am beyond grateful for having received this scholarship as this will help me offset some of the tuition costs,” said Ms. Hannah Legarsky.
“I will be majoring in Computer Science and look forward to the opportunities and growth college will bring. These scholarships will make a meaningful impact on my journey, and I appreciate the confidence you’ve shown in my potential and future,” said Mr. Casey Karwatske.
Those interested in supporting higher education can donate to CFFC’s Educate Fayette Scholarship Fund or contact the foundation’s staff at 724-437-8600 to learn more about charitable giving options.
2025-2026 CFFC Scholarship Awards List
Alfred E. Jones, Jr. and Anna B. Jones Scholarship
Bailey Lemansky
Allen Craft Memorial Scholarship
Delaney Angel
Cameryn Crouch
Luke Grimm
Jack Jeffries
Elle Mancini
Maddox McAllister
Jacob Shaffer
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Scholarship
Kylee Kurnot
Malcolm Patton
Valentina Gulino
Brooklyn WIlliams
Betty Bayne Barnes Scholarship for Women
Ashley Secrest
Burchinal Family Endowment
Grace Bosnic
Kirra Davis
Olivia Girasia
Kristy Pan
Riley Rankin
Erica Rishel
Jenna Schnatterly
Ashley Secrest
Mattalynn Schiffbauer
Michael Ulery
Lena Venersky
Career and Technical Education Scholarship
Brayden Tankalavage
Carl S. Micarelli Memorial Scholarship
Kadance Mickey
CFFC Board of Directors Scholarship
Arianna Cooper
Daisy Sanders
Chris G. and Alice Omiros Scholars Fund
Delaney Booker
Cupelli Family Scholarship
Grace Bosnic
Darrell L. and Norma R. Uphold Family Scholarship
Jack Jeffries
Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship
McKenna Shields
Dr. Dennis F. Brestensky Scholarship
Logan Hoffer
Dr. Paul Pipik Scholarship for Study in the Health Sciences
Gracie Mowry
Educate Fayette Scholarship
Kirra Davis
George M. and Anna W. Hochheimer Scholarship
Riley Rankin
Helen Hulvey Scheggia Nursing Scholarship
Benjamin Diamond
Henry J. Oppermann Scholarship
Cameron Stern
Hughes Family Scholarship
Elle Mancini
Johnson Matthey Scholarship
Molly Rhodes
Caeden WIlliams
Kathleen DiMarco Gulino Memorial Scholarship
Delaney Angel
Laurel Business Institute Scholarship Fund in Memory of Ruth and Milton Decker
Thomas Shaffer
Angelica Baeza
Joshua Curry-Jones
Laurel Highlands Mustang Academic Scholarship
Casey Karwatske
Maura Nagle
Lillian’s Legacy Scholarship
Autumn Bartos
Whitney Bobish
Savannah Tracy
Lena Venersky
Lulu A. Dudley Scholarship
Brandy Sickles
Mary Jane Dailey Wood Scholarship
Autumn Bartos
Christopher Cook
Hannah Legarsky
Cadence Marrs
Morgan Matthews
Steven Shearin
Trey Whitehead
Emma Young
Maurice M. Bortz and Bessie D. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship
Kelan Milsom
Melvin J. and Beatrice Vance Keller Memorial Scholarship
Abigail Humbert
Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Scholarship
Jacob Kalich
My Mother’s Legacy Scholarship
Faith Bachinski
Anna Sedlak
Nancy Vance Jones Scholarship
Delaney Angel
Whitney Bobish
Hannah Legarsky
Brianna Marzano
Palmer F. Sabatine Scholarship
Jadeyn Clymer
Parker A. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Natalie Meyer
Delaney Reposky
Cameron Stern
Rita P. Peters Scholarship
Lauren Klink
Robert and Marjorie Rager Scholarship
Kadance Mickey
Robert E. and Elouise R. Eberly Scholarship
Haley Filcheck
Sergeant Eric Hull Memorial Scholarship
Christopher Cook
Suzanne J. McMonagle Nursing Scholarship
Lauren Colgan
Tolstoi Family Scholarship
Kendra Firestone
Brianna Guziak
Ryleigh Jose
Dalton Kelley
Tylar Andaloro Memorial Scholarship
Casey Karwatske
Matthew Schwertfeger
Uniontown College Club CFFC Scholarship
Delaney Booker
Mia Medved
Anna Mitchell
Virginia Eberharter Scholarship
Kennedy Orndorff
Lily Show
Virginia Springer Memorial Scholarship
Julie Cooper
Ava Crofcheck
Nina D’Andrea
Lauren Klink
Kaleb Walls
Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship
Caylee Balabon
William Barton IV
Austin Basinger
James Brown
Emily Burkus
Elli Cook
Yelena Ford
Grayden Gillott
Jocelyn Gratchic
Madison Gratchic
Luke Grimm
Jacqueline Maendel
Brianna Marzano
Paige Miller
Addison Milsom
Anthony Muccioli
Maximus Nassar
Emma Nicholson
Braylin Slaisbury
Steven Shearin
Sophia Solomon
Kaelyn Suba
Alexia Swisshelm
Emily Teeter
Zackery R. Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Kristy Pan
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jul 10, 2025 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is now accepting applications for the Laurel Business Institute Scholarship Fund in Memory of Ruth and Milton Decker. This scholarship is for current students attending
Laurel Technical Institute Uniontown and will be applied to tuition and/or fee expenses for the Fall 2025 Trimester.
All other CFFC post-secondary scholarships are closed for the 2025-2026 school year. Applicants can view the status of their submissions by
logging into their dashboard. If you have any questions, please contact Celena Valentine, Accountant/Scholarship Coordinator, at 724-437-8600 x2.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 3, 2025 | CFFC News
Post-secondary students are encouraged to apply for scholarships at the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC). The foundation is accepting online applications for forty-eight (48) scholarship opportunities to support local individuals pursuing post-secondary education. The 2025-2026 applications are now available through CFFC’s online scholarship system, which is linked on the Scholarships page at www.cffayettepa.org. The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025.
Students will complete a “universal” application to determine their eligibility for the scholarship opportunities. A list of matching scholarships will display; each will have additional questions and must be submitted individually.
Scholarship criteria vary for academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular participation, area of study, and school preference. CFFC offers scholarships for graduating high school seniors, current post-secondary students, and adults wishing to continue their education.
“Scholarship funds are one of the many ways that the foundation supports the county through charitable giving. Many of the donors who created these funds are honoring a loved one, supporting an area of study that they are passionate about, or using this as an opportunity to give back to the community,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
Last year, the foundation awarded over $207,000 in post-secondary scholarships to ninety-one (91) students. “Your investment in my education inspires me to work harder and to give back to the community in the future,” said Connor Kalich, a 2024-2025 scholarship recipient. Jaylee Moorhead also received a scholarship last year and said, “This scholarship alleviates a lot of my financial burdens and also motivates me on my academic journey.”
For assistance, please contact Celena Valentine, Accountant/Scholarship Coordinator, at 724-437-8600 x2.
Apply for scholarships here!
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jul 31, 2024 | CFFC News
Each year, the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) proudly selects a variety of local students for post-secondary scholarship awards. The foundation holds forty-seven (47) scholarship funds, which are created specifically to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. This year, $207,924 is being awarded in scholarships to ninety-one (91) students.
Watch the slideshow!
“Thank you so much for awarding me this great honor and continuing to support my lifelong goal of becoming a physician…. I hope to one day practice in Uniontown and continue giving back to our community!” said Nina D’Andrea, a Laurel Highlands High School graduate and current medical student at West Virginia University. CFFC has awarded scholarships to D’Andrea for seven years in a row throughout her higher education.
Scholarship funds are one of the many ways that the foundation helps people make a difference through charitable giving. Scholarship funds are created in honor or memory of a loved one, to support certain career paths, or to simply give back to the community. CFFC works with donors to determine criteria for each scholarship fund, including qualifications related to academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular participation, area of study, or school preference.
“Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients. Our scholarship program is strong, thanks to our generous donors and our dedicated review committee – all of them are passionate about supporting these students and the future of Fayette County,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
Through CFFC’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Access to Higher Education Program, qualifying students may have their scholarship awards matched by the state.
A CFFC scholarship can be created in honor or memory with a gift of $25,000, or donations in any amount can be made to the Educate Fayette Scholarship Fund. To learn more about CFFC’s scholarship program, visit the Scholarships page at www.cffayettepa.org.
2024-2025 CFFC Scholarship Awards
Alfred E. and Anna B. Jones Scholarship
Taney Basinger
Allen Craft Memorial Scholarship
Jamire Braxton
Madison McClean
Addyson Nose
Jocelyn Radcliffe
Owen Reed
Dominic Scott
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Scholarship
Valentina Gulino
Kylee Kurnot
Malcolm Patton
Bridget White
Brooklyn Williams
Betty Bayne Barnes Scholarship for Women
Kadie Keslar
Burchinal Family Endowment
Taney Basinger
Grace Bosnic
Bethany DuBois
Diana Fink
Brianna Hensh
Connor Kalich
Kadie Keslar
Josh Lomax
Aubriana Pesuti
Erica Rishel
Career and Technical Education Scholarship
Shelby Hall
CFFC Board of Directors Scholarship
Laila Suarez
Chris G. and Alice Omiros Scholars Fund
A’kira Dade
Cupelli Family Scholarship
Brianna Hensh
Darrell L. and Norma R. Uphold Family Scholarship
Mattalynn Schiffbauer
Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship
Bella Carroto
Dr. Dennis F. Brestensky Scholarship
Logan Hoffer
Dr. Paul Pipik Scholarship for Study in the Health Sciences
Lauren Klink
Dr. William C. Thomas, Jr. Perseverance Scholarship for past recipients
Karsyn Lucy
George M. and Anna w. Hochheimer Scholarship
Josh Lomax
Helen Hulvey Scheggia Nursing Scholarship
Haley Filcheck
Henry J. Oppermann Scholarship
Grace Bosnic
Ian Zerecheck
Hughes Family Scholarship
Timothy Lacek
Johnson Matthey Scholarship
Lauren Colgan
Elyse Hughes
Kathleen DiMarco Gulino Memorial Scholarship
Matthew South
Laurel Business Institute Scholarship in Memory of Ruth and Milton Decker
Zaidan Bochnak
Kevin Morrison
Eric Reed
Laurel Highlands Mustang Academic Scholarship
Addyson Nose
Matthew South
Legacy Scholarship of Ernst Gottlieb Braun
Joshua Dankle
Lillian’s Legacy Scholarship
Paige Miller
Maximus Nassar
Melisha Robinson
Lulu A. Dudley Scholarship
Brooke Eutsey
Kennedy Orndorff
Frances and George J. Plava Educational Award
Hadyn Chipps
Lauren Colgan
Mary Jane Dailey Wood Scholarship
Ava Crofcheck
Kennedy Roskopp
Dominic Scott
Maurice M. Bortz and Bessie D. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship
Connor Kalich
Melvin J. and Beatrice Vance Keller Memorial Scholarship
Tagan Basinger
Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Scholarship
Madison McClean
My Mother’s Legacy Scholarship
Avery Maldovan
Jaylee Moorhead
Nancy Vance Jones Scholarship
Madison McClean
Rebecca Mihalko
Jaylee Moorhead
Magdalen Williams
Palmer F. Sabatine Scholarship
Khalia Batie
Parker A. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Parker King
Aubriana Pesuti
Rita P. Peters Scholarship
Bella Miller
Robert and Marjorie Rager Scholarship
Kirra Davis
Robert E. and Elouise R. Eberly Scholarship
Benjamin Diamond
Sam’s Symphony of Love Scholarship
Bella Carroto
Sergeant Eric Hull Memorial Scholarship
Tate Musko
Suzanne J. McMonagle Nursing Scholarship
Kiera McLaughlin
Tolstoi Family Scholarship
Jace Deli
Shelby Hall
Landen Taylor
Tylar Andaloro Memorial Scholarship
Kathryn Chiado
Aubriana Pesuti
Uniontown College Club CFFC Scholarship
Hadyn Chipps
Casey Fijalkovic
Lindsay Klink
Virginia Eberharter Scholarship
Jodi Lowery
Delaney Reese
Virginia Springer Memorial Scholarship
Julie Cooper
Nina D’Andrea
Rebecca Mihalko
Grace Taylor
Kaleb Walls
Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship
Emily Angelo
Caylee Balabon
Tagan Basinger
Chaz Berkshire
James Brown
Iris Burd
Sienna Dean
Jocelyn Gratchic
Gabriel Kemp
Hanna Lucente
Eva Lypson
Noah Maceiko
Jacqueline Maendel
Natayah Moten
Cecilia Mrosko
Anthony Muccioli
Vincenzo Muccioli
Bella Palm
Madison Rosier
Braylin Salisbury
Serenity Swihart-Fullem
Autumn Taylor
Colby Voyten
Ian Zerecheck
Zackery R. Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Aubriana Pesuti
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