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Dean’s List For Spring 2020 Announced

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2020 semester.

Acme – Charles Robert Heckman, II

Alexandria – Kendra Jo Norris

Altoona – Aleah Ann Augustine, Melissa Sue Benton, Cheyenne Dakota Bradley, Garrett Steven Burns, Crystal Lynn Campbell, Justin Paul Cruthers, Miranda Michell Cruthers, Julia Elizabeth Dambeck, Kyle Ashton Dennis, Edward Michael Drzewiecki, Rebekka M. Gillespie, Gavin Charles Harding, Rylee G. Hatch, John S. Hoffman, Karmiel Latoya Jackson, James P. Leamer, Shaina Elizabeth Lear, Maura Marie Lowey, Jamie Mankos, Diamond Makaylah Mercer, Taylor Rae Peters, Joshua C. Smith, Leah Jane Smith, Imani Vaughn, Angela E. Weber, Matthew Allen Wood, Jessica Joanne Samantha Worley

Alum Bank – Mark A. Watt

Armagh – Tonya Darnell Ashcom, Luke William Means, Felicity Noelle Regan, Kallista Joy Regan, Noah Michael Slippy

Beaverdale – Erica L. Kovalik, Ryan Andrew Michaels, Treigh Alexander Slifko

Bedford – Eric Gabriel Hooper, Kristen Koontz

Belsano – Ariel K. Noel, Dora J. Sickles

Berlin – Molly Kate Coughenour, Maria Katherine Engleka, Hannah E. Reid, Sydney Lynn Shaulis, Janice Elaine Shipley, Jennifer Ann Swope

Birmingham – Chloe Ann Case

Blandburg – Bethany Kay Smeal

Boswell – Scarlet Sasha Auble, Madison Marie King, Abby E. Kniss, Josie Autumn Lehman, Nicholas Benjamin Miller, Hannah Marie St. Clair, Kaylea Hope Thomas, Laikyn D. Will

Cairnbrook – Breanna Lyn Hostetler, Brooke Rhianne Marek

Calvin – Aryan Marie Oakman

Carrolltown – Courtney Rae Loughran

Central City – Nicole Ashley Deneen, Ashley L. Malkin, Briana Lyn Pakstis

Cherry Tree – Joyce Lynne Pittman

Claysburg – Kayla Breanne Fluke, Justin Michael Mauk, Robin L. Pozgar

Coalport – Maria Jewel Henry, Carmen M. Robosson

Colver – Christine Marie Janosko, Lee Ann Krumenacker

Confluence – Taylor Lynn King-Nickelson

Cresson – Kayla Marie Borque, Mary Lee Courtot, Angela Marie Forlina, Katrina Dawn Anne Smith, Brayden I. Williams

Davidsville – Connor J. Baca, Seth Michael Barrick, Craig Andrew Drummer, Noah John Livella, Ryan Thomas Oldham, John Gregory Yoder, Kayla Mae Yoder

Duncansville – Rebecca Joanne Gibbons, Deatra Ann Imler, Dalton Charles Kratzer, Shane Patrick Reece, John Edward Snyder, Christopher Alexander Winters

East Freedom – Leah Loreine Giebelstein

Ebensburg – Madison Skyy Baker, Alexis Renee Bertolino, Nicholas Ryan Brawley, Leah Marie Farabaugh, Mary Danielle Gittings, Jenelle Marie Hanlon, Brandon C. Hritz, Bridget Ann Llewellyn, Zachary James Mallin, Karly Christine Maslonik, Sasha Ann McCreary, Michael Collin Oyaski, Lewis William Prather, III., Hope Marie Sodmont, Cody James Sral, Justin Michael Tavalsky, Richard Emil Tavalsky, Korin Arielle Templeton, Frank N. Youmbi

Elmora – Erica Jayne Myers

Everett – Ryan A. Clark

Fairhope – Autumn Nicole Chonko

Fallentimber – Katie Lynn Ness

Flinton – Kaiden Lee John Bair, Jennifer Marie Cavalet, Lucas Westover

Freedom – Christopher Chance Parish

Friedens – Samantha Anne Custer, Katherine Denise Duppstadt, Kelsey Katherine Emerick, Matthew Steven Hoyman, Katelynn Elizabeth Swank, Derek Michael James Zolla, Kaitlyn Leigh Ferko

Gallitzin – Kristina Marie Altimus, Julie Ann Madonna

Garrett – Jade Frances Hetz

Hastings- Nicolas W. Bradley, Zane Ross McElhenny

Hollidaysburg – Ryan L. Balliet, Cynthia Elizabeth Bundy, Emily Grace Campbell, Kara Elizabeth Gallagher, Mikayla Renee McIntosh, Shaina McNally, Erika Olivia Wilkie

Hollsopple – Cody Paul Aurandt, Declan L. Cullen, Renee I. Eash, Miriam Kaye Fink, Rebecca Lynn Yoder

Homer City – Braden Boothby, Caitlin Elizabeth Henry, Madison Brooke Marcus, Evan Patrick Orr

Hooversville – Autumn Rose Yuzwa

Huntingdon – Anneliese Danae Aurand, Andrew Christian Garman, Amanda L. Hartman

Imler – Shane Andrew Sell

Indiana – Sydney Rebecca Wells

Irvona – Matthew Alan Gaul

James Creek – Rachael Elizabeth Gwinn, Doak Abram Hoenstine, Kylie-Jo Elizabeth Miller

Johnstown – Tiffany M. Blair, Taylor N. Ahlborn, Tyler Stephen Alt, Ashley Joel Arrington, Cassidy Faye Bailey, Abigail Rose Bartis, Christal Lynne Bear, Samantha K. Bear, Kirstyn Ayla Berkey, Justin Dylan Bezek, Haley N. Bicko, Mark L. Brooke, Grant Phillip Buynack, Ashlyn E. Campagna, Stephan B. Caputa, Bradley Hugh Collier, Mary Irina Constantino, Brandi Ann Cook, John M. Costa, Liam T. Coyne, Lauren Rosella Dallape, Hannah M. Davis, Kolby Ann DeGrange, Dylan R. Dininny, Sydney Cameron Distefano, Matthew Edward Dugan, Emmalee M. Dull, Christopher Ceylon Durham, Jennifer L. Durica, Peter O. Echon, Angel S. Eisenhuth, Ashley Lynn Eppley, Jonathan Michael Esch, Christina Leigh Evans, Caitlin Nichole Flowers, Kayla Jean Gerney, Brandon Lee Gindlesperger, Nicole Jeanne Gindlesperger, Michael Thomas Glennon, Brian J. Goughnour, Bradley James Haberkorn, Taylor N. Harrity, Sean David Hegadus, Chelsea Rae Helsel, Hayden Charles Holsopple, Joel Allen Horner, Katherine Jean Instone, Ginger Leigh Jakubowski, Brett Daniel Jewett, Benjamin Blasé Johnson, Carson J. Kanuch, Chandler M. Keefer, Ty Frederick Keilman, Katilynn E. Keyser, Thomas Raymond Keyser, Rachel S. King, Brody Mitchell Kmett, Nakyah N. Knight, Ryan Alan Kniss, Tanner S. Kobal, Sarah Elizabeth Konicky, Jessica Marie Kozielec, Seth Armond Kuzbel, Dezera LaShae Lee, Dillon Andrew Legeer, Olivia Madeleine Letzo, Gavin Parker Lewis, Yu-Cheng Liang, Teresa A. Marion, Ethan Paul McClafferty, Jeffrey Wayne McKissick, Mark E. Miller, Nolan P. Mock, Taylor Moore, Christopher Lee Norman, Kelly Lynne Null, Meagan E. Ohler, Ryan Kurtis Onderko, Thomas Albert Opdenhoff, Priscilla Ortiz, Brianna Marie Osborne, Sheena Marie Pastuch, Jenna Marie Pavlosky, Breeana Lee Penrose, Desirae Michelle Penrose, Haleigh Marie Polacek, Lindsey Marie Pullin, Natasha Angelique Ramdeen, Liana Nicole Roland, William F. Roth, Veronica Lazette Rozier, Elizabeth A. Ruszkoski, Susan A. Sanders, Alexis H. Sharp, Evan Matthan Shue, Aaron Richard Skovensky, Jordan Elizabeth Slavick, Maximilian S. Smith, Kaleya I.Smothers, Victoria Frances Smothers, Sophie Rose Sprankle, Taylor M. Stenger, Sophia Miles Straw, Stephanie A. Thompson, Alisha Nicole Trantham-Tittle, Syanah Jayd Triplin, Daniel Andrew Tvarozna, Candyce Mackenzie Vannatter, Emmalie F. Vitalie, Jaydyn P. Vogel, Jocelyn Marie Wagner, Kylee S. Walker, Kayli Elizabeth Warshel, Sha’lee Meriem Watters, Grace A. Weinzierl, Christopher John Weld, Victoria Marie Winfield, Lauren Frances Wiseman, Carly Anna Grace Zahurak, Megan Anne Zolnosky

Latrobe – Jesse F. Gruber

Ligonier – Lexie A. Ambrose

Lilly – Bryan J. Ehrenfeld, Lauren Marie Suchta, Anna M. Sweeney, Terrence Michael Trusik

Listie – Michelle Leigh Chipps

Loretto – Jeannie M. Crane, Casey Marie Ellis, Kateri Autumn Krise, Morghan Theresa Krug

Mapleton Depot – Kaitlin Nicole Arnold, Trey William Bennett, Hannah Marie Gladfelter, Beth Ann McNerlin, Cael B. Walter

Martinsburg – Nicholas Allen Bechtel

McVeytown – Morgan R. Brumbaugh

Meyersdale – Casey Jonathon Brant, Allison Jennifer Charbonneau, Jennifer Charbonneau, Alan Andrew Mognet, Lillian M. Whitacre

Mineral Point – Dylan Michael McCullough, David Morley, Karissa Mari Wallet

Mount Union – Ian C. Brodbeck, Devin R. Delo, Crystal Leann Parsons, Alexis A. Ruhl, Kevin G. Sherwood, Celia R. Stever

Nanty Glo – Emerson Mary George, Kira M. Gongloff, Aliyah Stephanya Kasecky, Jessie H. Bearer

Neelyton – Laney Nicole Reasner

New Florence – Elizabeth Ivy Boring, Summer Nicole Boring, Cheyanne M. Gregorich, Jordyn Paige Kish

New Millport – Brandon Micah Lacock

Northern Cambria – Caitlin Elizabeth Bassett, Jeffrey Stephen Degol, Tanya Nicole Deyarmin, Reilly P. Hill, Tessa Marie Kratzer, Derrick Lee Laney, Michael Andrew Penksa, Bryce Michale Waldron, Richard James Wiewiora

Orbisonia – Garrett Victor McMath

Osterburg – Kerrigan Annalea Naugle

Parkhill – Kylee Nicole Hamilton

Patton – Jacob Leo Beebe, Christian William Calvert, Zachary J. Farabaugh, Emma Marie Garrison, Maddelyn Paige Hoover, Abbey Elizabeth Kinney, Chloe Maines, Charlene Miko, Matthew John Milanesi, Evelye Anne Noll, Cassidy Erin Ringler, Angela Marie Wharton

Penn Run – Kevin M. Baum

Petersburg – Reagan Christine Lightner

Portage – Skyler Daniel Baran-Wozniak, Richelle Irene Brown, Cynthia Lynn Cochran, Adam E. Dixon, Corey Kopnicky, Jamie M. Kostan, Isabella Nicole Nagy, Briana K. Nemitz, Madison Elise Piatak, Anissa Lynn Rosemas, Karla Marie Troxel

Punxsutawney – Kelly Jo Day

Revloc – Heather June Mosley

Roaring Spring – Katelynn Frye Carter, Christopher Ellis, Sofia Kelley-Riley

Robinson – Helena Estelle Ault, Riley John-William Miller

Rockwood – Heather Cook, Hanna Lee Drake, Drew Alexander Meyers, Briana M. Sanner

Saint Benedict – Janet Mae Lute, Ashley N. McLucas

Saint Boniface – Jared Michael Angert

Saint Marys – Jennifer A. Bauer

Saint Michael – Jeanne’ R. Heinrich, Jennafer Anne Ofsanko, Alayna R. Plaza

Salix – Kathleen Marie Orawiec, Priscilla L. Ryman, Ashlee N. Sabo, Tammy Yvonne Young

Saltillo – Hanna Christine Booher, Hunter James Cowan, Megan Dawn Kough

Seward – Carrie Ann Bizich, Patrick Steven Kishlock, Taylor Elizabeth Mack

Shade Gap – Jennifer Lynn Kreider

Shirleysburg – Vincent Marcus Lear

Sidman – Lindsey R. Alochney, Mikala L. Hamara, Wendy Mae Munoz

Somerset – Isla Ann Dunlap, Alyssa Danielle Faulkner, Emily May Fleegle, Kelsey Louise Knupp, Krystal Elizabeth Knupp, Alexis Shantae Mallory, Alexis Elaine Murphy, Devan Alan Murphy, Cheyenne Elaine Raley, Mykell Angel Reese, John Richards, Brittani Sarver, Travis Stankan

South Fork – Kody Clifford, Allison Denise Gustkey, Nicole Rae Kinsey, Morgan Ashlee Vasbinder

Stoystown – Briana Marie Baumgardner, Lily Patricia Grace, David A. Smith, Jake Dalton Thomas

Summerhill – Kendra Nicole Fox, Kaelin A. Kirchner, Alison Ruth Long

Three Springs – Mason R. Farine, Wyatt Preston Long

Twin Rocks – Stephen A. Karal, Nevin John McIntosh-Higgins

Tyrone – John Andrew Lehner

Uniontown – Cassandra M. Filcheck

Valencia – Summer McBride

Vintondale – Jacquelyn Mari Sheesley

Warriors Mark – Riley Maria Amerine

Westover – Brandon Arnold

Williamsburg – Noah Daniel Detwiler, Vannika Rose Rice, Danelle Florence Roberts, Amber Marie Tate

Windber – Theodore Michael Betcher, Tyler Robert Bush, Christianne Cover, Anthony Michael De Jesus, Brooke Nicole Elliott, Caitlyn N. Guercio, Adriane S. Hautz, Madison R. Leitenberger, Andrew M. Mattis, Veta Grace Piscitella, Megan Ashley Polash, Jenna Nicole Rosa, Debra M. Slagle, Jonas D. Wissinger, Noah Arthur Wissinger, Madeline Cheyenne Zeglin, Cruz R. Wright

Graduate & Gold Scholar Says Community College Changed Her Life

Original article appeared on the Pennsylvania Commission For Community Colleges website, written by Carolyn Simpson. Click here to see original sourced article. 

Emily Krisko

“Pennsylvania Highlands Community College changed my life,” said Emily Krisko. “I identified my passion and charted an educational pathway to a career in that profession; I enriched myself and my community through volunteer work; and I had the opportunity to learn, grow, and excel. I really found myself there.”

Emily Krisko, a December 2019 Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (Penn Highlands) graduate, was recently named a member of the 26th Annual All-Pennsylvania Academic Team and honored as one of two 2020 Coca-Cola Gold Scholars in the Commonwealth.

The Academic Team recognizes an exceptional group of community college students who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated a commitment to their colleges and communities. As a Gold Scholar, Ms. Krisko will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Pennsylvania’s community colleges also partner with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities to provide scholarships to eligible All-PA Transfer Team members at PASSHE institutions, providing two years of tuition at any PASSHE school.

Ms. Krisko is currently enrolled at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and pursuing a degree in Speech Language Pathology with a minor in Deaf Studies.

“I always wanted to find a career in the medical field – somewhere I could help people – but I found my calling when I began working with people with disabilities after high school,” she shared. “I saw the struggles they face every day, particularly with communication. Prior to that job, I did not have experience working with disability, but now it is the only future I want. Penn Highlands helped plan my education around a career in that field and I can’t wait to realize my goals.”

Although Ms. Krisko first chose Penn Highlands for its affordability, she quickly realized the college offered quality education. She said that her courses more than prepared her for IUP.

She is jubilant about the scholarship she earned when she was named to the 2020 Academic Team, calling it a blessing and expressing pride while remaining humble about her hard work. She said the certainty of paid tuition relieves some of the anxiety she would have felt about paying for school in the current climate.

“I always try my hardest,” Ms. Krisko said modestly. “I didn’t expect to get so involved at Penn Highlands, but I’m glad I did. I believe that is what ultimately set me on the path to receive this unbelievable honor. I would encourage everyone to go to campus events, get involved, and give back. It changes you for the better and can result in unexpected, yet welcome, advantages.”

In addition to excelling at her studies, Ms. Krisko has become a dedicated volunteer since enrolling at Penn Highlands. She volunteers at Able, a church group for people with disabilities, and Camp PARC, a summer camp for adults with disabilities. She also served as secretary for the Phi Theta Chapter (PTK) chapter at Penn Highlands, in addition to taking part in campus events like Toys for Tots.

As an outspoken advocate for persons with disabilities, Ms. Krisko said she is concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these populations and the added challenges they face due to social distancing. She notes the Deaf and hard of hearing community is particularly impacted.

“Deaf people often read lips to communicate. Face masks, while necessary, make that impossible. Imagine you woke up tomorrow and could not speak English anymore. That is what they are facing – a total language blackout at the flip of a switch,” Ms. Krisko explained.

“In a time when many are desperate to see a caring gesture, I challenge Pennsylvania to be the change they wish to see in the world by meeting Deaf people halfway,” she continued. “I made a short video of some simple signs you can learn to make limited communication possible and their lives slightly easier. After socializing with this population for years, I can assure you, this small effort to understand will mean more than I can put into words.”

College Honoring Graduates With Virtual Commencement

In light of the current pandemic and our in-person Commencement being postponed, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be holding a Virtual Commencement Ceremony for the Twenty-Fifth Graduating Class this Friday, May 15th, at 7pm. This unique celebration has been created to ensure the graduating class of 2020 does not go unrecognized.

Virtual Commencement will be hosted on the following platforms:

• College’s Commencement Webpage
• College’s Facebook Page
• College’s YouTube Channel

Penn Highlands’ new president, Dr. Steve Nunez will kick-off the virtual festivities with an uplifting speech to the over 350 graduates planning to watch the celebration with family and friends in the comforts of their own homes.

Student Senate President Sophie Sprankle will be giving this year’s Commencement Address. Ms. Sprankle will be obtaining an Associate of Arts in Social Work and a Certificate in Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician during this online gathering.

In addition to awarding associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, this virtual ceremony will announce the recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award. This award honors a student who has contributed his or her time and effort to Pennsylvania Highlands and the community while maintaining a high level of academic performance.

DRIVE-THRU REGALIA AND DIPLOMA DISTRIBUTION

To best serve and honor our graduates, Penn Highlands is hosting drive-thru diploma pick up sessions at all college locations this week. Graduates will have the opportunity to pick up their honor chords, regalia, diplomas, transcripts, and a congratulatory yard sign. They will simply need to drive to the front of their facility and show their ID to a staff member. The items will then be placed in their trunk or back seat. Graduates are not permitted to leave their vehicles, as this is a drive-thru service.

Distribution dates and times are as follows:

• Richland Campus and Ebensburg Center
  • Wednesday, May 13th: 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm
  • Thursday, May 14th: 10am-12pm, 6pm-8pm

• Blair, Huntingdon, and Somerset Centers
  • Wednesday, May 13th: 10am-12pm
  • Thursday, May 14th: 6pm-8pm

PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY

Penn Highlands continues to take measures to protect the health of the community, the region, and beyond. Please continue to monitor our COVID-19 website for updates on Penn Highlands Community College’s response to the pandemic, as well as information and details regarding summer classes.

Marketing Team Honored With National Paragon Award

Marketing and Communications at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College recently earned national recognition for its efforts in design and marketing through logo wear.

The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) awarded Penn Highlands Community College a silver Paragon Award in the Logo Wear category, for the design of the college’s “Black Bear Country” sweatshirt. Penn Highlands received this coveted, national honor among two-year colleges at NCMPR’s annual awards event.

“Being nationally recognized for the work we do in promoting Penn Highlands Community College is fantastic,” stated Raymond Weible, Jr., Director of Marketing and Communications at Penn Highlands Community College. “This award, along with all other regional and national level awards, highlights the commitment and effort that is put forth daily to highlight Penn Highlands as a premier institution.”

This is the department’s second national award. It has also earned sixteen regional awards since 2015.

The members of Marketing & Communications that participated in this initiative consist of the following:

Raymond Weible, Jr. is the Director of Marketing & Communications, and he has spearheaded a multitude of web, digital media, and overall brand initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Advertising and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications, both from West Virginia University.

Sean McCool is the Creative Services & Marketing Specialist and focuses heavily on photography, graphic/web design, video production, brand integration, and more for the College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Emerging Technology and Multimedia from Slippery Rock University.

Andrew Podolak is the Marketing & Communications Assistant and serves as an integral member of the team, playing a role across all initiatives. His focus includes writing, social media, campaign planning, and more. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Pittsburgh.

Former Student Modeling Black Bear Country Sweatshirt.

Close-Up of Black Bear Country Sweatshirt

About NCMPR
The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations is a professional organization for individuals involved in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior, and technical colleges. NCMPR provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves, and recognizes professional excellence.

NCMPR is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges. They are one of the fastest-growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, representing more than 1,550 members from over 650 colleges across the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Pennsylvania Highlands is a part of District 1, which includes schools from Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, and United Kingdom.

College’s Efforts To Help Both Students And The Community During COVID-19

To help with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the community, Penn Highlands Community College students, faculty, and administration are striving to inform, donate, and connect with each other in unique ways during these difficult times.

Laura Gaunt, Instructor of Health Care Professions and Patient Care Technician Program Coordinator, donated isolation gowns, gloves, masks, and caps to the Conemaugh Nason Medical Center in Roaring Spring, PA (just south of Altoona). The Patient Care Technician program is a one-semester certificate program that trains students in basic patient care by teaching emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of caregiving.

“With Penn Highlands’ facilities currently closed, it only made sense to donate these items since students would not be using them,” stated Gaunt. “We’re glad we were able to help.”

Here are just a few more ways that Penn Highlands Community College is ensuring that their students, faculty, administration, and community are staying healthy, productive, and positive during this unprecedented time in history:

• Faculty are going above and beyond to help their students with their online classes by creating innovative ZOOM and chat classroom teaching techniques.
• Student Services is working with Marketing & Communications to develop short informational and uplifting videos for students. These videos range from mental and physical wellness, to crafts, time management, and virtual studying ideas.
• The Admissions Office is working to virtually connect and meet with all new prospective students for the upcoming semester. All virtual Admissions events can be accessed here.
• A Virtual Awards Ceremony honoring outstanding students in academia was held on the college’s website and social media on Friday, April 24th.
• Penn Highlands is planning a virtual Commencement for all graduates on Friday, May 15th.

Penn Highlands Community College is continuously monitoring the rapidly changing situation related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and have taken numerous steps in response to the pandemic. For additional information regarding campus events and online classes, please visit our coronavirus section.