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Somerset Trust Invests $220K In Local Students; Expands Dual Enrollment Access Through College Foundation’s EITC Fund

Somerset Trust Company has donated $220,000 to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation, directing the contribution to the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund. 

The generous contribution will support the cost of free three-credit dual enrollment courses for eligible high school students in Cambria and Somerset Counties, subject to program funding availability. In total, more than 900 students may be impacted by the donation, with participants expected from every high school in Cambria and Somerset Counties. 

The EITC program allows Somerset Trust and other eligible businesses to invest directly in Penn Highlands’ educational initiatives that benefit regional high school students. The College’s ACE Dual Enrollment Program allows eligible high school students to take college courses, earning credits that can be transferred to Penn Highlands Community College or most other higher education institutions substantially reducing the overall cost and time required to earn a college degree. The addition of EITC-supported funding ensures that more students, regardless of financial circumstances, can take advantage of this opportunity. 

“This investment from Somerset Trust Company represents a powerful commitment to the future of our students and our region,” said Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “By removing financial barriers to college-level courses, we are opening doors for students to achieve more, explore their interests, make informed decisions about their educational and career goals, and dramatically accelerate their time to completion.” 

The College’s dual enrollment program reaches approximately 1,800 high school students in Cambria, Somerset, and surrounding counties. Donations to the EITC program help keep the cost of the program affordable for all students. 

Sean Cook, President and CEO of Somerset Trust Company, said the bank’s investment reflects its longstanding commitment to educational opportunity and its confidence in Penn Highlands’ ability to provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality college experiences for local students. 

“Somerset Trust has a long history of supporting educational initiatives in the communities we serve,” Cook stated. “We’re proud to partner with Penn Highlands so we can provide high school students in Somerset and Cambria County with the opportunity to take one college course at no cost. Their program is making a meaningful difference and giving students the chance to get ahead both academically and financially.” 

The contribution reflects a shared commitment between Somerset Trust and Penn Highlands to expand access, reduce student debt, and prepare the next generation of learners for college and career success. 

Click here to learn more about the College’s EITC program.

College Recognizes Faculty Excellence With Promotion And Tenure

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has promoted three faculty members and awarded tenure to another, recognizing their dedication to teaching excellence, advising, professional development, and service to both the college and the wider community.

Their work with students is exemplary and serves as an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. The new status of each faculty member became effective on July 1, 2026.

Eligible faculty members undergo a rigorous application and review process that assesses their effectiveness in full-time teaching/advising and service to Penn Highlands, the community, and professional development.

Faculty earning advancement in rank:

• Dr. Richard Bukoski, from Associate Professor to Professor, Communication & Media Studies. Dr. Bukoski began his career with Pennsylvania Highlands as a full-time faculty member in August 2013. He was previously employed as News Director and Copywriter at Forever Broadcasting in Johnstown. He teaches courses in Communication Studies and Media Production. Dr. Bukoski holds a B.A. in Communications from Edinboro University, an M.A. in Adult Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in Communications Media and Instructional Technology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
• Laura Gaunt, from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, Healthcare Professions. Ms. Gaunt began her full-time career with Pennsylvania Highlands in August of 2019. Prior to that, she worked as a staff nurse for 18 years and in nursing administration for 2 years. She teaches courses in Health Sciences. Ms. Gaunt is a graduate of the Conemaugh School of Nursing program, has a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh and holds a M.S. in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University.
• Robin Hughes, from Associate Professor to Professor, Mathematics. Ms. Hughes began her career with Pennsylvania Highlands as a full-time faculty member in January of 2014. She has 14 years of experience teaching as an adjunct at Kent State University and University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. She teaches courses in Mathematics and serves as an ACE Faculty Liaison. Ms. Hughes has a B.S. in Actuarial and Applied Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh, a M.B.A. from St. Francis University, and a M.Ed. from Kent State College.

Faculty earning tenure:

• Gregory Paonessa, Assistant Professor, Computer Technology. Mr. Paonessa began his career with Pennsylvania Highlands in August of 2019. Prior to that, he worked as a software engineer. He teaches courses in Computer Programming, Software Development, and Project Management. Mr. Paonessa has a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been serving the region since 1994 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Not pictured: Robin Hughes.

Police Academy Celebrates Cadet Class No. 92 With Graduation Ceremony

The fourth class of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Police Academy (Cadet Class No. 92) was honored during a graduation ceremony held at the Richland Campus Auditorium on Friday, June 26.

Each of the 14 cadets received a certificate acknowledging their completion of the Penn Highlands Police Academy, with eight receiving a conditional offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of the state certification test.

The list of cadets, including those with a conditional offer of employment, includes:

• Micah Beish
• Jacob Custer (Somerset Borough Police Department)
• Charles Cypher (Geistown Borough Police Department)
• Steven Degani
• Caymen Hughes
• Nathan Kasterko (Somerset Borough Police Department)
• Edward Migut (Somerset Borough Police Department)
• Christopher Nash (Indian Lake Police Department)
• John Reilly
• Rebecca Ribblett (Pitt-Johnstown Campus Police)
• Bailey Smith
• Brady Smith
• Zachary Wright (Altoona Police Department)
• Logan Zevorich (Somerset Borough Police Department)

Rebecca Ribblett was named class valedictorian after compiling the scores of 26 tests and the completion of eight real-life training scenarios.

Micah Beish received the Physical Fitness Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement as determined from three required P.T. tests and physical training that occur throughout the Academy. Jacob Custer earned the Distinguished Marksman Award for accumulating the most points throughout the firearms training with the pistol, shotgun and patrol rifle.

Christopher Nash was presented with the Defensive Tactics Award for outstanding performance during extensive control tactics training. Bailey Smith received the Emergency Vehicle Operations Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement during multiple driving courses.

Logan Zevorich was chosen as the recipient of the Chief James Mock Memorial Achievement Award. Established by Catherine Rager and the James Mock family, the award honors an exceptional cadet annually during graduation for each cadet class, while celebrating outstanding performance and unwavering commitment demonstrated during their training, recognizing their dedication to excellence in law enforcement.

The curriculum included subjects ranging from constitutional law, ethics, de-escalation strategies, criminal law and procedures, and search and seizure. Additionally, each cadet successfully completed practical training in physical fitness, defensive control tactics, emergency vehicle operation, firearms, first aid, and CPR, along with optional certifications in field sobriety, taser, police baton, and pepper spray.

Cadets underwent a total of 919 hours of instruction five nights per week over a span of nine months, divided between 498 hours within a classroom and 421 hours of practical, hands-on training. The cadets’ firearms training and qualifications took place on Saturday and Sunday, spanning eight consecutive weekends.

To conclude their training at the Police Academy, cadets underwent 40 hours of practical scenario training. This comprehensive program involved three role players, each with a background in criminal justice and drawn from the local community, providing the cadets with a realistic and immersive learning experience.

A total of 11 instructors assisted in the training and certification process.

The Penn Highlands Police Academy’s fifth class is currently accepting cadets and begins training on August 31.

New Dental Hygiene Diploma Program Set To Start This Fall

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the addition of a Pre-Health Professions: Dental Hygiene Diploma, a 32-credit program scheduled to begin with the Fall 2026 semester.

The program was developed in direct response to regional workforce needs, offering students an affordable pathway into a high-demand healthcare field close to home.

“The launch of this diploma reflects our commitment to creating clear, affordable pathways for students who want to enter high-demand healthcare fields,” stated Kay-Leigh Davis, Dean of Academic Affairs. “Students can begin their education close to home, while preparing for the next step toward a rewarding career in dental hygiene.”

The diploma was created to serve as a dedicated pipeline into Pitt’s new Regional Training Center-Hybrid Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Track, scheduled to launch in Fall 2027. Students who complete the diploma will satisfy the prerequisites required to apply to the Pitt program, as well as similar dental hygiene and related health profession programs.

In building this program, College faculty worked closely with Pitt program leadership to design the curriculum and course sequence, ensuring alignment with prerequisites, program expectations, and industry standards. This collaboration gives students confidence that their coursework will transfer and prepare them for the next step in their education.

The program addresses a growing need for trained dental hygiene professionals across the region. By providing an accessible and affordable starting point, the College helps remove financial and geographic barriers that often keep students out of healthcare careers. Graduates gain a clear route from the classroom to a profession with strong job demand and earning potential.

The new diploma supports several of the College’s strategic priorities. It expands workforce-responsive programming, strengthens transfer and career pathways, and supports regional economic development. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to partner with regional organizations to cultivate a robust pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals, strengthening communities across the area.

Click here for more information on the new Pre-Health Professions: Dental Hygiene program.

Fall classes at Penn Highlands Community College begin August 24.

Four Sophomore Athletes Sign With Four-Year Schools

Penn Highlands Community College proudly announces that four of its sophomore athletes will be advancing their athletic and academic careers at four-year institutions. This achievement is a testament to both their personal dedication and the strength of the College’s sports programs.

Leading the way is the men’s basketball team, fresh off back-to-back WPCC/Region 20 Championships. Two of the team’s sophomores are moving on to compete at the next level, as well as standout student-athletes from the men’s golf and softball programs.

The athletes advancing to four-year programs include:

• Jayvien Brumbaugh, Men’s Golf, Mount Aloysius College (NCAA Division III) 
  Brumbaugh (Mount Union, PA) became one of the most accomplished golfers in program history after earning the team’s first All-Conference honor and placing seventh in both the WPCC and Region 20 Tournaments in 2025-26. He is the first Black Bears golfer to continue their career past Penn Highlands.
• Tori Harrison, Softball, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (NCAA Division III) 
  Harrison (Portage, PA) is the second Penn Highlands softball player to advance their career to the four-year level. She posted an average just shy of .300 with a .343 on base percentage and 15 runs scored in 22 games during her lone season with the program. Harrison also tallied two outfield assists and did not record an error while serving as a catcher and centerfielder for the Black Bears.
• Byron “BJ” Lavender, Jr., Men’s Basketball, Kentucky Christian University (NAIA) 
  Lavender (Tampa, FL) led the team with 490 total points and topped Region 20 with 88 3-point field goals in 2025-26. He is a two-time WPCC All-Conference selection, a two-time First Team All-Region 20 selection, and was named Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Region 20 Tournament.
• Victor Raymond, Men’s Basketball, Brewton-Parker Christian University (NAIA) 
  In his lone season at Penn Highlands after transferring from Big Bend Community College, Raymond (Seattle, WA) earned WPCC All-Conference honors after averaging 12.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. He tallied 13 double-doubles, highlighted by totaling 27 points and 16 rebounds in a win over Butler County Community College on February 12. Raymond was named Region 20 Player of the Month for February.

Since Athletics was reinstated at Penn Highlands in 2010, over 30 student-athletes have moved on to compete at four-year colleges and universities.

Click here for more information on Black Bear Athletics.