Newsroom

Dean’s List Announced For Fall 2023

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester. 

Alexandria – Spencer Garrett Hoover 

Altoona – Rachael Bonsell, Noah D. Drumm, Nikki Gunther-Geesaman, Gage Lynn Haselbarth, Shaylee Jackson, Nichole Marie Kerstetter, Bruce K. Krestar, Jordan Lafferty, Kristal Masic, Tyler Jay McMonigal, Kate Elizabeth Mueller, Allys Marie Schmidhamer, Elaina Ashlynn Wallace, Emily Warner, Alexander Christian Wilkins 

Alverda – Natalie Linn Pileski 

Ashville – Madison Marie Bender, Hannah Grace Krug, Courtney Kay Smith, Emmett Usmiller 

Belleville – Michaela Susan Yoder 

Belsano – Katie Faith Long 

Berlin – Alexander Dively, Breigh Ann Hillegass 

Bushkill – Jeremie Travis Washington 

Calvin – Sara Kay Oakman 

Carrolltown – Grace Isabella Krumenacker, Hayden Thomas Malloy, Carly J. Mezzelo 

Central City – Madison Jade Burkholder 

Cherry Tree – Makayla Marie Price 

Coalport – Seth Ethan Dillon 

Colver – Calvin McCullough Jacobs, Jesse David James 

Cresson – Taylor Michele Conrad, Angela Diane Noel, Salvatore Tiracave 

Davidsville – Chase Joseph Dinyar, Mya Lynn Nanna, Logan Robert Pitera 

Duncansville – Rylee Paige Boyer, Raechel Collier, Jonathan David Edmundson, Destany Hammel 

Dunlo – Valerie Nicole Pinella 

East Freedom – Tessa Marie Snavely 

Ebensburg – Joseph Thomas Flick, Elizabeth G. Mundok, Nathan Paul Schilling, John Anthony Edward Wolf 

Elton – Bryce Ian Johnson 

Erie – Jessica Bauer-Cook 

Everett – Morgan Renee Zimmerman 

Fallentimber – James Richard Eakins 

Fishertown – Haylea Nicole Imler 

Friedens – Aspen Jean Bereider, Gavin James Kimmel 

Gallitzin – Christiana Mary Rosella Koytek 

Glen Hope – Madelyn Noel Peachman 

Greensboro – Leah Ann Minick 

Greensburg – Heather Harmon 

Hastings – Anna Michele Charney, Carmella Rae Fredo, Holly Jean Leamer, Tyler Haven Riggleman, Jenna Lynn Serafin, Krista Rose Watt 

Heilwood – Anthony Joseph Rizzo 

Hollidaysburg – Noah Christopher Best, Benjamin Patrick Dombrosky, Ella Rose Hunter, Aiden Michael Kleinhans, Zachary Hunter Knee, Quang Nguyen, Paul R. Rhodes 

Hollsopple – Kristie Byer, Adelyn Nicole Dull 

Homer City – Autumn Sue Montgomery 

Houtzdale – Melissa Sue Johnson 

Huntingdon – Florabel Laspinas Eriksen, Dylan Edward Miller, Deanna Alexandra Sorensen 

Hyde – Sean Lee Miller 

Indiana – David Charles Croyle, Elizabeth M. Diehl, Ryan Joseph Fabin, Carla Jean Frederick, Shane Nicewonger 

Jerome – Holly Szukala 

Johnstown – Evan Joseph Allen, Gabriel Anderson, Maria Alejandra Baez, Ryan Louis Brown, Lauren Faith Burrell, Ailyn Geraga Calicaran, Hannah Nichole Cameron, Makalynn S. Chambers, Timothy Hale Collins, Courtney Erin Costa, Dahrianna Cuello, Hannah Dadura, Katelyn Rose Daily, Dakota J. Deutsch, Kayla Danelle Dively, Kyle Lee Feliciano, Karsyn Taylor Ford, Bryanna Janelle Goodman, Ryan Arthur Gorden, Makala Ann Graham, Christian J. Haberkorn, Connor F. Haberkorn, Nichole Myra Harrity, Alyse Renae Hastie, Ean Jaber, Matthew James Jasper, Brian Scott Kennedy, Kit C. Lang, Mark Michael Mastervich, Christopher Matthew McKendrick, Tracy Loren McNatt, Elijah James Minahan, Akram Moustafa Moaz, Amanda Nicole Mosorjak, Samantha Belle Nicoloff, Priscilla Ortiz, Jadyn R. Oswalt, Krish A. Patel, Blake C. Porath, Gracie Anne Randolph, Maria Isabel Rolon, Matthew Paul Rozum, Philip Angelo Russo, Joseph Facciani Sabo, Dylan Charles Santichen, Julia Nicole Suhayda, Austin Wade Svencer, David Michael Truscello, Zachary Joseph Vantroba, James Vasilko, Megan Nicole Walerysiak, Tessa Marie Weeks, Renu Williams, Charizma Rose Wilson, Evan Joseph Wiseman, Zachary Richard-David Zentkovich 

Lilly – Dylan Michael Boreck, Grant William Bossler, Ethan Everett Reese 

Loretto – Jaden Conrad 

Manns Choice – Cody John Miller 

Mapleton Depot – Adreonna J. Miller 

Marion Center – Mason Garrett Pearce 

Martinsburg – Jade Kathryn Replogle 

McVeytown – Briely Benson, Patyn Rylee Crisswell, Kaitlyn Walk 

Meyersdale – Samuel Robert Hughes 

Mineral Point – Elliot Michael Knepper, Allie Anne Polchito, Danika Marie Polka 

Mount Union – Addison Joan Glover, Alexes Swanger, Logan A. Yakymac 

Munster – Madison Wirfel-Latocha 

Nanty Glo – Gianina Marie Galli, Christopher Paul Oldham, Heidi Rhine, Shaelyn Nicole Silko, Madison Wirfel-Latocha 

New Florence – Summer Nicole Boring, Autumn Lynne Hardy, Megan Deann Rougeaux 

Newry – Travis John Molliver 

Northern Cambria – Olivia Ann Cavallo, Jennifer Maude Novella, Alexandra Elizabeth Rummell, Malia Theresa-Marie Shutty, Joshua Robert Walters, Jensen Wiewiora 

Osceola Mills – Wyatt Alexander Kephart 

Osterburg – Colton H. Bollman 

Patton – Delila Maria Hofer, Paige Ann-Marie Jones, Isabella Madalynn Stanko, Abbigail Marie Warfield 

Petersburg – Hannah Marie Detterline 

Portage – Olivia Ann Burk, Austin Michael Feathers, Francis James Fordick, Jessica Dawn Karstetter, Garrett D. Lamar 

Roaring Spring – Allee Shae Keagy 

Robertsdale – Karly Denae Schiffel 

Rockwood – Alexander Sheldon Benford, Kelly Ann Hearn 

Saint Michael – James Barber, Makara L. Miller 

Salix – Shaylan Lee Liebig 

Saxton – Christina Nichole Sparks 

Schellsburg – Mary Bernadette Martell 

Shirleysburg – Abigail Joanne Aurand, Wyatt James Snair 

Sidman – Dillon Shane Schmidt 

Sipesville – Alexandria Nicole Walls 

Somerset – Asa M. Belardi, Chase Tanner Brenneman, Renee Ivy Eash, Emma Grace Engleka, Emily Taylor Evans, Emily Diane Klejka, Rebekah Marie Krishak, Will Andrew Latuch, Corinna A. May, Kody Scott Miller, Cassidy Ann Petersen, Abigail Grace Roadman, Abigail M. Show, Samantha Kay Smith 

South Fork – Kayla Marie Clifford, Steven Michael Dusack, Christina Nicole Schrader, Isabella Strosnider 

Stoystown – Alicia Marie Fyock, Kendall M. Kramer 

Summerhill – Jacqueline Smith 

Tyrone – Stacy Teresa Kustaborder, Meghan E. McMullen, Alex Robert Miller 

Washington – Christian Harding 

Williamsburg – Shelby Lynn Aurandt, Shane Matthew Dixon, Mikel Raven Kuchenbrod, Aliyah Logan Ross  

Windber – Kyra Noel Allison, Andrew Lawrence Betcher, Cassandra Renee Boysza, Julia Grace Burkhard, Abigail Elizabeth Bush, Giovani Joseph Flori, Mya Angelene Havyer, Kaden Michael Klonicke, Trinity Jade Klucik, Hannah M. Knappenberger, Amy Lynn Mirilovich, Sally Rose Moore, Timothy Keller Roddy, Kayla Shuster, Trinity A. Stewart, Mason Andrew Toth, Braydon Alexander Wojcik, Jordan Scott Wright, Dylan Young 

1ST SUMMIT BANK Donates To Foundation’s EITC Fund

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation recently received a $2,500 donation from 1ST SUMMIT BANK. This contribution will be directed towards the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund. 

The donation will empower the bank and other institutions to provide valuable support to the educational initiatives offered by the College.  

This contribution plays a pivotal role in facilitating reduced-price class offerings for students enrolled in the Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program or participating in dual enrollment. 

“Our relationship with 1ST SUMMIT BANK shows they care deeply about our mission and our students,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “This donation is helping us make a positive impact on so many high school students, and it helps to reinforce our potential future workforce.” 

EITC provides high school students with the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses. By earning credits through this program, students can explore the offerings of Penn Highlands and gain valuable insights into their prospects. 

“Providing quality education to the existing and future workforce here in our community is extremely important for the growth of our overall market,” stated Eric Renner, 1ST SUMMIT BANK President. “Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is an asset to our region and 1ST SUMMIT BANK is proud to support the college, as well as many other fine educational programs and institutions, through our participation in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.” 

In 2023, the EITC Program received funding of $17,000, enabling the College to provide over 2,000 participating students with more than 7,000 credits at discounted rates in the previous year alone. 

College receives donation check from 1ST SUMMIT BANK. Pictured left to right: Dr. Steve Nunez, College President; Carole VanMeter, College Foundation Director; Eric Renner, 1ST SUMMIT BANK President; and Sean McCool, 1ST SUMMIT BANK Assistant Vice President & Business Relationship Manager. (Taken December 2023)

Community Education Releases Personal Enrichment Spring Class Schedule

Community Education has released the dates for its 2024 Spring class schedule. These personal enrichment classes are set to run from March 7 to June 11. 

The non-credit slate consists of 28 total classes in five different subjects, which include Arts & Crafts, Computers, Food & Baking, Spirits, and Phlebotomy. There are also six separate package options for attendees, allowing them to attend multiple or all related classes for a discounted price. 

“These classes offer those who attend a chance to gain some new experiences,” stated Matthew Pudliner, Pennsylvania Highlands Continuing Education Manager. “They get to have fun with friends and family, plus on a lot of occasions, attendees come in large groups, which makes it more enjoyable for everyone. A lot of people become friends within classes.” 

Multiple new class options have been added since the fall. Two new calligraphy classes – Spring Calligraphy Card and Introduction to Watercolor/Flower Bouquet – and two non–alcoholic mixology classes, known as mocktails, are now available. Mocktail classes are open to all ages, while standard mixology classes are limited to ages 21 and over. 

Foundation Receives $10,000 Donation From Somerset Trust Company

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation was presented with a check for $10,000 from Somerset Trust Company. This donation is 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 allow the College to 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 very 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 assists high school students in taking college-level courses, while earning credits and seeing what Penn Highlands can offer in their respective futures.

“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 received $17,000 in funds in 2023, allowing the College to award more than 7,000 credits at discounted rates to over 2,000 participating students in the past year alone.

Instructor Matthew Stumpf Aims To Guide Students & Region Through Poetry, English

Though he is in just his second year as a full-time English Instructor at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Matthew Stumpf has already made a significant impact on his students while helping them gain expression both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Stumpf, a Punxsutawney native and a resident of Indiana, has used his love of poetry to develop multiple writing-based incentives that started solely in his home area but have now spread to Johnstown and the Penn Highlands population.

He is the co-organizer and host of “Poeming through the Dark”, an open-mic poetry night held once a month at local outlets. The idea started at a single coffee shop in Indiana before expanding to be held in different venues across the region, including The Indiana Theater and the Write Cup Coffee Shop near Johnstown’s Central Park.

“Our first-ever event at Write Cup had about 20 attendees,” Stumpf said. “We were excited when we saw the number of people that wanted to read theirs or others’ works of poetry. It felt like there was a latent need for it in Johnstown. At the two events we’ve held in Johnstown, the coffee shop was filled. We’ve had upwards of 75 people show up at events in the past, but usually average around 25, which is still a substantial number.”

Stumpf also serves as an editor for Red Flag Poetry, a publication that delivers a postcard once a month to subscribers’ mailboxes containing poetry with a related artwork.  

The publication also has a bi-monthly digital arm called the Poetry Express, aimed at promoting longer samples of work, as well as a press releasing full-length books of poetry two-to-three times per year which Stumpf helps edit, layout, and distribute through orders on the Red Flag Poetry website.

“It definitely is a lot to do alongside teaching, but it doesn’t feel like extra work being it’s something that I am very passionate about,” Stumpf said. “I discovered this love during my undergraduate days just by going to the same type of events that we host now. It really shows how much something can impact you after just stumbling across it.”

At Penn Highlands, Stumpf has taught six different English-based courses, with two more in American Literature coming in 2024, while also working with the ACE Program, which he supervises high school instructors, and serving on the Middle States Steering Committee to help the College with accreditation.

He is also collaborating with Penn Highlands students to develop the Tea Club, where members will read literature from the diverse cultures of tea they drink and converse with friends.

Also, Stumpf said he feels he can relate well to his students due to him being a first-generation college student like many of the Penn Highlands community.

“I’ve really been able to connect with my students and get a lot of positive responses,” Stumpf said. “My goal as an instructor is to better the future of this generation. That’s why I’m in this profession. I see teaching as the most direct way I can change and inspire students to create a better world tomorrow than we have today.”