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Dean’s List For The Spring 2025 Semester Announced

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced that the following students made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester.

Altoona – Yousif Ahmed, Beverly Ilene Auerbeck, Julius Anthony Colabove, Dawn Marie Cronmiller, Vanessa Marie DiCostanzo, Allison Kaylee Drass, Samantha Ida Esmaili, Sierra Rose Francisco, Bailey Marie Gerlach, Morgan D. Hamel, Cody Lee Hartman, Gage Lynn Haselbarth, Sara Krestar, Kristal Masic, Chelsea Dawn McMaster, Tyler Jay McMonigal, Vicky Paola Neuprine, McKayla Noel, Tajada Oneal, Kamryn Ryen, Alexander Christian Wilkins

Alverda – Natalie Linn Pileski

Armagh – Kaylee Witten

Ashville – Jocelynn R. Galat, Hannah Grace Krug, Gina Eve Pettenati

Bedford – Felicia S. Waybright

Bellefonte – Jenna Lou Willey

Bellwood – Emma Price

Berlin – Tobias Morgan Craig, Addy Larduet Dickey, Alexander Dively, Riley Elizabeth Lauer, Kayleigh Maddison Robinette, Madeline Pearl Tooker, Sabrina Ann Werner

Bethel Park – Nathan M. Wade

Boswell – Katelin Paige Boyda, Briana Lucas, Casey Savannah Miller, Garrett Robert Mowry, Lily Kathryn Schrock, Syd Alexis Scott, Miranda Elizabeth Shaffer

Cairnbrook – Brandon Mihelcic, Lanette Catherine Rayman

Carrolltown – Olivia Kira Deckard, Julie Ann Dotts, DJ Austin Weaver

Central City – Haily Nicole Wagoner

Claysburg – Galen Seymour

Clymer – Connor McClain

Colver – Shelly May Krumenacker

Conemaugh – Rylei Mekenzie Dietz

Confluence – Mary Elisabeth Raboci

Cresson – Angela Diane Noel

Davidsville – Karly G. Brenchak, Chase Joseph Dinyar, Kyler Mauzy, Logan Robert Pitera

Duncansville – Rylee Paige Boyer, Raechel Collier, Jonathan David Edmundson, Paul Leo Lumadue

Dunlo – Bethany Joy Leichliter

East Conemaugh – Aubree K. Himes

East Freedom – Macray James Markovich

Ebensburg – Brandon J. Arotin, Brendon Michael Demchak, Joseph Thomas Flick, Michael Robert Kuzilla, Nikki Dawn Zimmerman

Elmora – Kenzie Grace Mulraney

Fairhope – Megan Riley Persuhn

Fort Hill – Brooke Renae Snyder

Friedens – Zakaria Achouri

Gallitzin – Christiana Mary Rosella Koytek

Greensboro – Leah Ann Minick

Hastings – Anna Michele Charney, Stella Marie Illig, Holly Jean Leamer, Ena Lee Lopez, Krista Rose Watt, Kenadi Elizabeth Weakland

Hesston – Lucas Grubb

Hollidaysburg – Crystal R. Conner, Ella Rose Hunter, Brandon Knott, Janelle Amber Leamer, Emily Doris McNutt, Olivia Marie Morgan, Megyn L. Nolan

Hollsopple – Adelyn Nicole Dull, Amy C. Roberts, Amaya McKayla Springer

Houtzdale – Andrew Joseph LaFevre, Alexis Shomo

Huntingdon – Dylan Edward Miller, Bailey Norris, Lauren Nicole Smith

Imler – Cayla Bussard

Indiana – David Charles Croyle, Briahna A. Goss, Michael John Mundwiler

Jennerstown – Karley G. Buchanan

Jerome – Olivia Rose Weyandt

Johnstown – Gabriel Anderson, Noah Xavier Anderson, Casey Nathaniel Barrett, Stephanie Beeman, Noah Christopher Best, Kayla Marie Brathwaite, Ryan Louis Brown, Emily E. Burkett, Jesse Zane Burkett, Linsey E. Dabbs, Dawn Elaine Davis, Nevaeh Day, Nikki Marie DeArmitt, Cassidy Faith Dusack, Owen Andrew Gaunt, Karissa Nycole Gerber, Ryan Arthur Gorden, Christian J. Haberkorn, Connor F. Haberkorn, Christian Harding, Sha’Nya Henry, Kaitlin Marie Hessler, Tranise Hill, Kara M. Himes, Matthew James Jasper, Rylan Ashton Kelly, Shawn M. Kornprobst, Gabby Natalia Krinock, Grayson Kusher, Luis L. Lache, Claire Elena Leyh, Sage Nevaeh Lodolinski, Avery Claire Marshall, Christopher Matthew McKendrick, Hannah Theresa Miklos, Gretchen M. Miller, Akram Moustafa Moaz, Amanda Nicole Mosorjak, Yolanda Myers, Saige N. Nelson, Travis Niessner, Jadyn R. Oswalt, Brynn Faith Pallone, Jennafer Lynn Palmer, Blake C. Porath, Brianna Joann Rager, Carson Michael Reckner, Sandi Joan Rivera, Chloe Catherine Roberts, Lilee Adele Robinson, Ian Robison, Addy Elizabeth Roth, Cassidy Heleene Rozich, Essie Lilah Salem, Dylan Charles Santichen, Karingtin Rodgers Sklodowski, Ryan Michael Stancombe, Meghan J. Steigert, Morgan Patsy-Elaine Stevanus, Fiona L. Stuart, Zae Angel Taylor, Tionna Thomas, Arissa Raeann Thompson, Charles Mack Tomljanovic, Samuel Tomljanovic, Ethan Matthew Usrey, Tessa Marie Weeks, Emma Jane Weicht, Emily Elizabeth Weiser, Madelyn S. Wilfong, Tavin Josef Willason, Kelvin Moises Williams, Steven Joseph Winfield, Braydon C. Winkelman, Zach Richard-David Zentkovich

Kane – Ella Klaiber

Ligonier – Jeana Bianco, Lauren Leah Eslary

Lilly – Price Jason Selznick

Lock Haven – Iesha Marie Walter

Loretto – Jaden Conrad

Markleton – David James Mardis

Martinsburg – Kirsten Elizabeth Ayers, Mark David Bettwy, Jarrin Butler, Hannah E. Greenleaf, Kaitlin Marie Smith

Melbourne – Jake Ryan Oglesby

Meyersdale – Paige Elizabeth Beal, Ashlyn Paige Clayton, Taryn Leigh Miller, Hailey Paige Secrest, Blair Marie Snyder, Devin L. Steinly

Mineral Point – Garrett Allan Berkhimer, Alli Jade Findley, Allie Anne Polchito, Alyssa Mae Primel

Monongahela – Shelby Criss

Mount Union – Dorian Loner, Delaney E. Ronk, Sarah K. Varner

Nanty Glo – Joseph B. Hornick, Layla G. Harshbarger, Christopher Rhoades

New Enterprise – Cayden Lee Garman

New Florence – Cleo E. Long

Normalville – Victoria Keedy

Northern Cambria – Olivia Ann Cavallo, Carly Despoy, Ava Simone Dobransky, Mandy Perrone, Justin P. Radcliffe, Malia Theresa-Marie Shutty, Makayla Grace Stephens, Rylee Stine, Joshua Robert Walters

Oakdale – Erika DeSantis

Patton – Caitlyn Renae Carnahan, Grant Vincent Hayes, Brenda Rosenthal

Petersburg – Hannah Marie Detterline, Zoe S. Walters

Port Matilda – Madison Lynn Baranak

Portage – Tori Lynn Harrison, Hannah Michelle Hurtack, Jessica Dawn Karstetter, Lauren Marie Lockard, Jake Matthew Nolan, Sara Mary Shade

Reedsville – Katrina M. Secrest

Revloc – Carla Jean Frederick

Roaring Spring – Emma Lyn Brooks, Kylee Grace Carter, Paul R. Rhodes, Annabel Grace Shippey

Rockwood – Luke Thomas Ream, Joscelin Marie Revello

Saint Michael – Jason Anthony Toler

Salix – Aiden Joseph Carr, Jayden Ella Hess, Rei Lohr

Seward – Aidan J. Strong

Shirleysburg – Cailyn G. Skopic

Sidman – Dillon Shane Schmidt

Somerset – Bret Bovkoon, Reagan Michele Brenneman, Samantha Elizabeth Katz, Alexis Katherine Miller, Ashley Pyle, Jordan Faith Pyle, Samantha Kay Smith, Samantha Elaine Whipkey

South Fork – Emmie Marie Johns, Christina Nicole Schrader, Jeremy Aaron Weis, Matthew O. Knepper

Spring Mills – Samantha Brown

State College – Rebekah Louise Horner

Strongstown – Levi R. Swanson

Sykesville – Luke Deondre Collins

Three Springs – Cameron Anthony Edgin, Kara A. Harper

Tyrone – Misty L. Feather, Adriana Elizabeth Kessler, Jaylynn McConnell, Jillian Nicole Soule, Melissa Woomer

Williamsburg – Aliyah Logan Ross

Windber – David Anthony Bernecky, Andrew Lawrence Betcher, RhiAnna Lyn Flook, Melissa Marie Howell, Trinity Jade Klucik, Hannah M. Knappenberger, Lara A. Smith, Cayden Taylor Thompson, Kathy Lynn Walker, Mallory V. Wenderoth

Somerset Trust Donates $20,000 To College’s EITC Fund

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation was presented with a check for $20,000 from Somerset Trust Company, with the donation intended to bolster the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund.

The donation will enable the bank (based in Somerset, PA), as well as other institutions, to support educational causes offered by the College. With Penn Highlands also applying for and maintaining its EITC status, the donation will help the College offer classes at a reduced price for its Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program/dual enrollment students.

“John Kubinsky, who is on our Foundation Board of Directors, has been generous to the College over the years,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “He has made multiple donations, and this year he chose EITC. John believes in our mission and values growth in our community.”

EITC provides high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses, earn credits, and explore what Penn Highlands has to offer for their future.

This marks the fourth contribution Somerset Trust Company has made to the EITC fund since 2023.

“Somerset Trust Company is pleased to support the community-focused, educational mission of Penn Highlands,” stated John Kubinsky, Somerset Trust Company Vice President and Commercial Credit Officer. “The College is a valued asset to our area. Its degrees and programs support the region’s ongoing economic and workforce needs.”

The EITC Program has received more than $40,000 in funds over the past two years, allowing the College to award more than 7,000 credits at discounted rates to over 2,000 participating students in the past year alone.

Members of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Administration and Board of Trustees pose with the donation from Somerset Trust Company. Those pictured include, from left, back: Ed Porada, Jeff Wood, Penn Highlands President Dr. Steve Nunez, Omar Strohm, Dave Mordan; middle: Lladel Lichty, Nancy D’Aniello, Traci Naugle, Bobbi Ream, Doug Puchko; front: Director of the Foundation Carole VanMeter and Somerset Trust Company Vice President and Commercial Credit Officer John Kubinsky.

Supporting Scholars Donate 200+ Items To Mom’s House, Inc. Of Johnstown

Members of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College’s Supporting Scholars recently completed their second Spring Service Project by collecting and giving donations to Mom’s House, Inc. of Johnstown. 

Over the month of April, the group collected donations from churches, friends, families, and their communities, as well as hosting a bake sale that raised more than $360 to purchase additional items for the organization. 

In total, the Scholars donated more than 200 items, including diaper wipes, juice boxes, and more. 

“When tasked with figuring out service projects, the Supporting Scholars were committed to making a meaningful impact on the local community, particularly its youth,” stated Nikki Wright, Supporting Scholars Chair. “They showed strong enthusiasm for supporting Mom’s House, Inc. in Johnstown by organizing a donation drive to benefit mothers and their children.” 

Mom’s House, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides safe, secure, and completely free childcare to single and abused parents wishing to continue their education or job training.  

Since its establishment in 2009, Mom’s House, Inc. of Johnstown has achieved a STARS 4 rating from Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program, which serves as a benchmark for quality in early childhood education. In 2021, the organization was honored with accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 

The scholars also completed a service project in March, collecting and donating more than 600 items for the Cambria County Clothing Boutique. 

More information on Mom’s House, Inc. can be found on their website and Facebook page.  

Penn Highlands Supporting Scholars pose with the donations for Mom’s House, Inc. Of Johnstown on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Pictured from left to right are scholars Hannah Miklos, Lauren Lockard, Tori Harrison, Sydney Scott, and Ava Dobransky.

College Receives $1 Million Dual Credit Innovation Grant

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has announced Pennsylvania Highlands Community College as one of the higher education recipients of a 2025 Dual Credit Innovation Grant.

The $1 million grant will fund scholarships and programs aimed at greatly expanding access to affordable dual credit classes for eligible high school students in rural, central Pennsylvania. The aid will be dispersed over a two-year period from July 2025 through June 2027.

Dual enrollment, sometimes known as concurrent enrollment, is a college program which allows high school students to enroll into college-level classes at Penn Highlands. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take affordable college classes, which will then accelerate their ability to graduate from college at either Penn Highlands Community College or another higher education institution.

This grant will provide financial assistance to students who may not be able to afford dual enrollment classes, or to students who may not have considered attending college after earning their high school diploma. Additionally, the College will hire another dual enrollment specialist who will advise high school students on the best way to maximize their dual enrollment experience – saving time and money if they pursue a college degree later.

“We are thrilled to receive the 2025 Dual Credit Innovation Grant, which will significantly enhance our ability to provide high-quality, affordable dual enrollment opportunities to deserving high school students in the rural communities we serve,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands Community College President. “This grant underscores our commitment to educational excellence, the support to our communities, and our dedication to supporting the academic success of our students.”

Penn Highlands has offered a highly respected and accredited dual enrollment program that has served the rural communities of central Pennsylvania since 2004. The College is known for its commitment to quality, affordability, and exceptional support for dual enrollment students.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, the College served 1,697 dual enrollment students across 52 school districts, collectively earning 7,658 college credits. The program continues to grow, with the 2024-2025 academic year already surpassing previous benchmarks. The College has expanded its reach to additional districts and locations, including State College, Bellefonte, Moshannon Valley, Somerset County Technology Center, and DuBois Central Catholic. To date, 1,537 students have earned 8,130 dual enrollment credits in the current academic year.

Accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) since 2014, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is one of only two NACEP-accredited dual enrollment institutions in the state – and currently the sole accredited community college in Pennsylvania.

“This grant will allow us to expand our reach and impact, providing more students with the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school,” stated Kay-Leigh Davis, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “We are proud of our program’s growth and the strong partnerships we have built with local school districts, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community with exceptional educational offerings.”

Click here for more information on the College’s Dual Enrollment process. 

Commencement For 30th Graduating Class Set For May 16

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will hold a Commencement Ceremony for the Thirtieth Graduating Class on Friday, May 16th, at 6 PM in the Richland Campus Auditorium (101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA).

Student Senate President and Student Trustee Adelyn Dull, of Hollsopple, PA, will give this year’s Commencement Address. She will obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice during the ceremony.

Dull will share her message with the over 300 graduates planning to attend. Also addressing the graduates will be Penn Highlands Community College President Dr. Steve Nunez, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Dr. Janet Grady, Cambria County President Commissioner Scott Hunt, and Faculty Senate President Greg Paonessa.

In addition to awarding associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the ceremony, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will also present the Distinguished Graduate Award. This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Pennsylvania Highlands and the surrounding community, all while achieving outstanding academic performance.

For those unable to attend, a Commencement live stream is available on the College’s YouTube channel.