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Men’s Basketball Claims Second Straight Region 20 Championship

The Penn Highlands Men’s Basketball team defeated the Community College of Allegheny County 60-50 Saturday afternoon to earn its second consecutive WPCC/Region 20 Championship.

The Black Bears, who claimed the region championship for the first time in program history in 2024-25, collected their fourth conference title overall. Penn Highlands defeated Allegheny County twice during the regular season before the victory over the Wildcats this past weekend.

“To win the title two years in a row is a huge step for the program,” stated Chris Weakley, Penn Highlands Head Coach. “We started working back in the summer, and to see the guys still sticking together and performing well as a group is an amazing feeling. It’s very hard to beat a team three times in one season, so this is definitely bittersweet.”

With the win, Penn Highlands will now host the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament, set to take place Feb. 27-29 inside the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Sports Center.

Penn Highlands will take on Region 4’s Joliet Junior College (Illinois) in the first semifinal matchup at 6 p.m. Friday. The tournament winner advances to the NJCAA Championships March 11-14 in Herkimer, New York.

Sophomore Desmond Handon Jr. (Baltimore, MD) was named Most Valuable Player after compiling nine points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals in the championship game.

“We’re doing our best to make our mark in the history books here,” Handon stated. “We put everything into our practices and preparation. The guys came in every day and worked hard. We deserved this one.”

Ke’shawn White (Baltimore, MD) and Ahmad Boone (Toledo, OH) were named to the All-Tournament team alongside Handon.

Boone, Handon, BJ Lavender (Tampa, FL) and Victor Raymond (Wilmington, DE) each earned All-Conference honors for the Black Bears, recognizing their performances throughout the season.

Click here for more information on Black Bears Athletics.

Penn Highlands Expands Partnership With Point Park University Through Articulation

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and Point Park University have expanded their partnership, adding six new articulation agreements to enhance transfer opportunities for students.

The new agreements establish seamless transfer pathways for Penn Highlands graduates in the fields of Computer Science, Culinary Arts, Medical Coding and Billing, Health Professions: Paramedic, Computer Technology: Cybersecurity, and Behavioral Sciences.

With these additions, the total number of articulation agreements between the two institutions now stands at 21, further enhancing academic collaboration and student success.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to continue their studies and achieve their goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree,” stated Michelle Stumpf, Dean of Enrollment & Registrar at Penn Highlands. “Agreements like this can make earning an associate and bachelor’s degree more affordable for our students.”

Penn Highlands signed its original articulation agreement with Point Park University in March 2024, which contained 15 transfer options, including Business Administration/Management, Psychology, Social Work, and Marketing, among others.

Upon acceptance into Point Park, all full-time, on-campus students will be awarded a Merit Scholarship ranging from $14,000 to $20,000 per year. Students will also receive a one-time Community College Transfer Scholarship for $2,000. Also, if the student is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a national honor society for community college students, they will receive an additional $1,500 per year.

Students are eligible to transfer credits of a C- or higher in final letter grade.

Click here for more information on transfer agreements.

First National Bank Donates $3,000 To the College’s EITC Fund

First National Bank recently donated $3,000 to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation, with the contribution being directed towards the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund, further supporting its mission and initiatives.

This generous donation will empower the bank and other institutions to contribute to the educational initiatives offered by the College.

By maintaining its EITC status and with the support of this exceptional contribution, Penn Highlands will be able to provide classes at a reduced price for students in the Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program and those enrolled in dual enrollment.

“We are proud to partner with First National Bank through the EITC program,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the College Foundation. “Their investment helps us expand ACE and Dual Enrollment programs, ensuring students can earn college credits early and build a strong foundation for future success.”

EITC supports high school students by offering the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses. Through this program, students can earn credits and gain insight into the potential futures that Penn Highlands can provide them with.

Since 2023, the EITC Program has now received more than $40,000 in funding, enabling the College to provide over 2,000 participating students with more than 7,000 credits at discounted rates.

Wrestlers Crist & Gomer Make History With National Tournament Qualification

Penn Highlands Community College freshmen Alex Crist and Zach Gomer have earned spots in the NJCAA Wrestling Championships following their performances in the Gulf Atlantic District Tournament at Lackawanna College on Saturday.

Crist (New Paris, PA) earned a fifth-place finish at 197 pounds, while Gomer (North Charleston, SC) took fourth in the 133-pound bracket to become the first-ever Black Bears wrestlers to reach the national tournament.

The pair will have the chance to cap off Penn Highlands’ inaugural season with an All-American honor at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on March 6-7.

“To have two national qualifiers in the first year of our program is a blessing,” stated Willie Harris, Head Wrestling Coach at Penn Highlands Community College. “It reflects our athletes’ commitment, support from our administration, and the belief that success comes from building the right way from day one. This is just the beginning. We’re not just chasing moments; we’re building a tradition.”

Gomer began the day with a 14-5 major decision victory over Garrett College’s Keon Gavin, before falling to 2025 All-American Amantee Mills of Andrew College by technical fall in the semifinals.

He then rebounded to pin Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology’s Bryson Free in 3:29 to clinch a trip to the national tournament and a spot in the third-place match. Gomer squared off with Salvatore Randazzo of Union College, but fell in sudden victory, 4-1.

“It’s an honor to help achieve this landmark for the College,” Gomer stated. “We’re doing our best to put Penn Highlands on the map. I didn’t get the outcome I wanted, a first-place finish, but I’m going to work even harder to earn a spot on the podium at nationals.”

Crist overcame a 12-1 major decision loss to Garrett College’s Liam Debaugh in his opening match by securing a 10-9 decision victory over Jordan Payne of Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester.

He then fell to Andrew College’s Jason Brown by technical fall. Needing a win to advance, Crist pinned Lackawanna College’s Adan Salazar in the fifth-place match.

“This is a great feeling,” Crist stated. “I got off to a rough start, but I’m glad I was able to end things the right way. Overall, I’m happy that we got the opportunity to compete and we’re looking forward to doing even better in a few weeks.”

Omar Parker (Duquesne, PA) placed seventh in the 174-pound bracket.

Click here for more information on Black Bears Athletics.

College To Host Fourth Annual Literacy Night

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the Caring for Cubs Education Club are hosting the fourth annual Children’s Literacy Night on Monday, March 16, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the College’s Richland Campus.

Children’s Literacy Night is a free event open to all children from birth to age eight. Designed to foster literacy skills and promote a love for reading, this special evening offers a valuable opportunity to support academic development and introduce young learners to the world of literature.

During the event, current Early Childhood Education and Education students will supervise children at various literacy stations. Every literacy station will offer a hands-on activity that suits the children’s developmental stage, encouraging active engagement. Each station will last approximately 10 minutes, ensuring optimal learning and enjoyment.

The tentative schedule for Literacy Night is as follows:

• 5:00 to 5:30 PM – Registration, Check-in, & Free Pizza/Drinks
• 5:30 to 7:30 PM – Literary Rotations

“This event began with a simple vision: to create a welcoming space where families and children could connect, learn, and enjoy food, literacy, and fun together,” stated Dr. Morgan Dugan, Associate Professor of Education. “It’s been a joy to see this vision come to life, with over 250 attendees last year leaving happy and engaged. Beyond its impact on families, the event also provides our education students with invaluable hands-on experience, helping them grow in confidence and purpose while serving the community.”

All parents or guardians must attend the event with their child.

Children’s Literacy Night is sponsored by the Penn Highlands Community College Caring for Cubs Education Club, Keystone State Literacy Association (KSLA), YMCA, Beginnings, Inc., Cambria County Library, United Way of Southern Alleghenies, Junior Achievement, and The Learning Lamp.

Click here to learn more and to register.