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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. 

Foundation’s Annual Puttapalooza Event Is Planned For March 13

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation will hold this year’s annual Puttapalooza fundraiser on Friday, March 13, at the College’s Richland Campus.

This will be the 14th rendition of the Foundation’s annual mini golf event, which raises money for the Supporting Scholars Fund and directly aids students with scholarship opportunities at Penn Highlands Community College.

The event has raised more than $130,000 since its inception, averaging around $10,000 per year. In 2025, Puttapalooza raised over $8,000 for the Supporting Scholars Fund.

“Puttapalooza is one of our favorite annual events because it’s simply fun,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “With the event falling on Friday the 13th this year, we’re adding a playful, superstitious twist to the course, along with small games like scratch‑offs and a prize wheel. This event is designed to be a relaxed and entertaining evening, offering a genuinely enjoyable experience while supporting a great cause.”

Puttapalooza will feature 18 uniquely designed mini golf holes spread throughout the Richland Campus, along with food, a 50/50 drawing, and a raffle with prizes including an Amazon Echo Dot Max, JBL Sound Bar, Instant Pot, and more.

Attendees of the event will enjoy a selection of appetizers followed by a dinner, all prepared and provided by Balance Restaurant. Somerset Trust Company is serving as the headline sponsor. Other sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Click for more information, including sponsorships and registration.

Spring 2026 Personal Enrichment Class Schedule Released

Community Education at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has released its Spring 2026 class schedule, packed with opportunities for personal enrichment and hands-on learning.

Running from March 9 to June 25, this lineup features 23 non-credit classes designed to inspire creativity, build skills, and connect the community.

Interested individuals can choose from classes within five subject areas: Arts & Crafts, Computers, Food & Baking, and Spirits, as well as a new category – Gardening. For those looking to dive deeper, the program offers bundled package options, providing discounts for participants who enroll in multiple related classes.

“These classes offer people the chance to gain some new experiences,” stated Matthew Pudliner, Pennsylvania Highlands Continuing Education Manager. “Participants enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, and often large groups attend together, making the experience even more enjoyable for everyone.”

Several exciting new classes have been introduced to the schedule since fall, offering fresh opportunities to learn and explore, including three Cricut classes and a new calligraphy class. Mixology classes are also returning after a brief hiatus in the fall.

Attendees can register for each class up to one week before the start date. Click here for a full class listing and registration information. 

Dr. Kristy Chunta Appointed To The College’s Board Of Trustees

Dr. Kristy Chunta has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees.

Dr. Kristy Chunta

Dr. Chunta’s appointment began on January 1 and is slated to conclude on December 31, 2031. Upon completion of her initial six-year term, she will be eligible for reappointment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Chunta to the Board of Trustees,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Pennsylvania Highlands President. “Her extensive experience as both an educator and healthcare leader will be invaluable as we continue to advance educational access, workforce development, and community well‑being throughout our region.”

Dr. Chunta is currently the Doctoral Program Coordinator and a Professor in the Department of Nursing at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

She has been the Program Coordinator since May 2021 after previously serving as Master’s Program Coordinator and as an Assistant Chairperson. Dr. Chunta has also been a Professor since August 2017 and has taught as an Assistant and Associate Professor at IUP since 2005.

“I am honored to be appointed to the Board of Directors at Penn Highlands Community College and to work with this esteemed leadership team,” Dr. Chunta stated. “As a nurse and educator, I am committed to finding ways to contribute to the education and well-being of students and our community, and I welcome the opportunity to be a part of this at Penn Highlands.”

Dr. Chunta holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing from West Virginia University, a Master of Science in Nursing with role preparation in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, and a Diploma in Nursing from Conemaugh School of Nursing. She also completed her School Nurse Certification from Pitt-Johnstown and is certified as a Clinical Specialist in Medical-Surgical Nursing.

As a distinguished scholar, Dr. Chunta has numerous publications, invited podium presentations, oral and poster presentations related to nursing education and leadership. She is a reviewer for several nursing journals and serves on the board for the Lucas Foundation, Inc., which provides assistance to families after the loss of an infant.