001[music] >> All right guys, good evening. Welcome to Carmichael's High School's Class of 2026 Scholarship and Academic Awards. Thank you, Mrs. Panepinto, for all of your countless hours that you spent preparing us for tonight. A special thank you also goes to Lisa Brown and her staff with Metz Food for the amazing meal we were just served. Class of 2026, what a great way to start the week of graduation by recognizing your hard work, dedication, and growth. Tonight, we will celebrate seniors who have earned scholarships or stood up stood out in their classrooms amongst their peers to be recognized by their teachers. I would like to personally thank families, our teachers, the community, and our scholarship presenters that are with us tonight. Thank you for supporting our students. I am so proud of all the students,
002and I am ready to recognize the success. So, let's begin tonight with our top 10 students. Our top 10 students have a grade point average between 4.453 and 4.203. These students are going to be named in alphabetical order, not in numerical order. Students, when I call your name, please come to the stage and remain here for pictures. Audience, please hold your applause until they are all on stage. Emma Bates Sophia Carter Remington Crooks Kaylee Dickey Shaylee Glover Olivia Mata Annelise Partin Roy Riggleman the fifth Addison Yudovich and MANDY ZENG. CONGRATULATIONS. >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [clears throat] >> IT IS THIS PLEASURE I NOW ANNOUNCE the class of 2026 salutatorian with a cumulative GPA of 4.438, MISS SOPHIA CARTER. >> [applause] >> MISS SOPHIA AND THE CLASS OF 2026 valedictorian with a cumulative GPA of 4.453
003IS EMMA BICE. >> [applause] [applause] >> CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TOP 10 AND THE VALEDICTORIANS FOR THIS YEAR. >> [applause] >> TONIGHT I'D ALSO LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE ONLY senior who has perfect attendance. In order to have perfect attendance, you must be in school every day on time, no late, no leaving early, no exceptions. Tonight we have one of them with us tonight IS MADDIE ZANG. >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> AND ON TO THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS. ESTHER Hart and her family were raised in Carmichaels. Her brother Ewing Hart was a teacher at Nemacolin Elementary School for 35 years. In 2011, Mrs. Hart passed away and was the last member of her immediate family. That September, her will was executed and she was named and and she named Carmichaels Area School District as the recipient of a
004portion of her estate. This scholarship is awarded to a well-deserving senior who exemplifies resilience and plans on furthering his or her education. This year's Esther Hart Scholarship recipient is CARIS MCCONNELL. >> [applause] [applause] >> THE ANN GEORGEALIS TAYLOR WAS A 1947 graduate of Cumberland Township High School. Mrs. Taylor and her husband operated a grocery store in Carmichaels. In the early '90s, upon her death, her husband established the Ann Georgealis Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to a well-deserving senior to help with financial education. This year's Ann Georgealis Taylor Scholarship recipient IS OLIVIA MATTA. >> [applause] [applause] >> THE CHRISTOPHER AND BETTY MCKENZIE Scholarship has been established by Christine McKenzie, a 1975 Carmichaels Area High School graduate, who went on to receive a Bachelor of Science from California University of Pennsylvania in 1979. This scholarship was given
005in memory of Christopher McKenzie, who passed away in 1976, and Betty McKenzie, who passed away in 2007. This scholarship is awarded to a senior who demonstrates strength in academics and extracurricular activities. This year's Christopher and Betty McKenzie Scholarship recipient IS EMMA BATES. >> [applause] [applause] >> ALL RIGHT. NEXT HERE TO PRESENT THE PASBO scholarship is Rita Proud. >> [applause] >> Good evening. The Southwest chapter of PASBO, or the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials, has an annual golf outing in which proceeds from the event sponsor scholarships for high school graduates pursuing post secondary education. This year, the golf outing raised $15,000 for scholarships, and after committee review of the applications, these funds were split among the five applicants. I am proud to present one of this year's Southwest PASBO scholarships of $3,000 to MISS EMMA
006BATES. >> [applause] >> THIS YEAR, FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS AND Loan has partnered with the Challenge Program to offer scholarships to our seniors in the areas of attendance, STEM, community service, academic improvement, and academic excellence. Here to present are Garrett Williams and Kelly Bates. >> [applause] >> Good evening, everyone. My name is Garrett Williams from the Challenge Program. We are an educational improvement organization that looks to connect local businesses like your students and your children with local businesses like First Federal Savings and Loans. So, we are very very excited to be here to recognize these students on behalf of all the growth that they've made and all of the success that they've had, not only as seniors but as throughout their entire scholastic career. So, Kelly, do you want to say anything? Do you want me
007to say it? Yep, all right. Get that a lot at our office. All right. So, and we're going to hear some familiar names here today. So, for our attendance award, we have MANDY ZENG. >> [applause] >> FOR THE STEM INVOLVEMENT AWARD, we have KATIE ROSE. >> [applause] >> FOR THE COMMUNITY SERVICE Involvement Award, we have OLIVIA MATA. >> [applause] >> FOR THE ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT Award for this year's senior class, we have EVAN KING. >> [applause] >> DO WE HAVE EVAN HERE? >> NO, HE'S NOT HERE. >> NO? ALL RIGHT. IT goes back to me. And last but certainly not least, for Academic Excellence, WE HAVE EMMA BATES. >> [applause] >> PARENTS, THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR ALLOWING US TO take a little bit of time to recognize your students and your children, and we're looking
008forward to being back AGAIN NEXT YEAR. >> [applause] >> ALL RIGHT. NOW, TO PRESENT THE LIONS CLUB Boys of the Month, we have Mr. Gillis. >> [applause] [clears throat] >> Good evening. Before I get started, I just wanted to say you know you're getting older all the time, but you don't really realize it until you notice that some of these kids this year I actually had twice since they went through the school, so I'm really getting older now, so. As president of the Carmichaels Lions Club, every year we have the boys of the month where we have the students fill out applications, and they are chosen. So, this year I'm going to announce the boys that we had, and then we can clap for them when they all get up here. For September, we have
009Ryder Campbell. >> [laughter] >> For October, we have Parker Jones. For November, we have Brayden Andrews. >> For December, we have Roy Rickleman. >> [laughter] >> For January, we have Matthew Ruth. For February, we have Jericho Schiffbauer. And March, we have Kace Berry. All right. Those are boys of the month we had PUT IN FOR. >> [applause] [applause] >> WHILE THEY'RE WALKING OFF STAGE, WE ALSO when we reinstituted the Leo Club a couple years ago to give the students an opportunity for community service and that, we decided that we were going to start to raise money for a Leo Club scholarship. So, every year now we have one of our departing seniors, we give a $1,500 one-time scholarship for use in whatever they need, books, uh tuition, etc. So, this year's Leo Club scholarship winner
010IS PAYTON FLAPPY. >> [applause] >> THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> NOW HERE TO PRESENT THE WOMEN'S CIVIC CLUB GIRLS OF the Month is Mrs. SEMINOFF. >> [applause] >> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS ANDREA SEMINOFF. I'm the second vice president of the Carmichael's Women's Civic Club and a long time member. It gives me great pleasure to recognize the 2025-2026 Girls of the Month. Ladies, please come to the stage when I call your name and we'll hold our applause until they're all here. I'm going to start with May. Mandy Zeng April, Sophia Carter March, Bailey Barniak. February, Kaylee Dickey. January, Haley Hawk. December, Addison Yudovich. November, Olivia Mona. October, Abby Ray. September, Emma Bates. These young ladies were selected as a girl of the month based on a variety of criteria that goes beyond academics, striving to
011recognize character, effort, leadership, and positive contributions to school and to the community. The Carmichaels Women's Civic Club takes great pride in celebrating their achievements, hard work, and inspiring qualities of the girls of the month. It is a well-deserved recognition for being outstanding role models to the students at Carmichaels, excuse me, area high school. Each girl of the month received a sterling silver charm when she was a guest at a Civic Club meeting this past school year. And tonight, we're honored to present each of you a certificate from the Civic Club. >> [clears throat] >> On behalf of the Carmichael's Women's Civic Club, I want to wish each of you much happiness and success as you embark on this next exciting chapter of your lives. And if no one minds, I just have a few words
012of advice, not just for you girls, but for all the seniors. Number one, set goals, but not in concrete. Stay focused, but turn aside if someone is in need. Follow a plan, but remain flexible. Keep moving ahead, but not too fast to smell the roses. Then take a bow at the end of this chapter, but don't forget to thank those who played a part in your success. Congratulations, LADIES. >> [applause] >> THE GFWC WOMEN'S CIVIC Club of Carmichael's Area Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who meets the criteria that is listed on the scholarship application, exemplifies outstanding academic dedication, intellectual curiosity, commitment to our community, and clearly outlines the path that he or she wishes to follow. It gives me great pleasure to present the 2026 Carmichael's Women's Civic Club $1,000 scholarship to SOPHIA
013CARTER. >> [applause] [applause] >> GRADUATION IS AN exciting time for all of you. So, celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to new beginnings. And Sophia, I can't wait to see what amazing things you'll accomplish at Indiana University of Pennsylvania next fall. THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> SORRY I'M TAKING UP EVERYBODY'S TIME. GIRLS OF THE MONTH, I have [clears throat] a I have something for you. Can you just come up real quick? Bailey. >> Thank you. >> Mandy. Madison. >> And girls, when you open that, you have to remember I'm a retired first and second and kindergarten teacher. >> [applause] >> With us tonight is Mr. Dave Calvario, executive director of the Community Foundation of Greene County. He will be presenting seven scholarships this evening. >> [applause] >> Good evening. I just want to say thank
014you to Jenna and also the Carmichaels school board and teachers for allowing me to come tonight and present number of scholarships. So, seniors, wherever you are out there, it's a little hard to see up here. Uh congratulations and uh your parents, your teachers have played a huge role in getting you to this point and uh it's exciting as we pass the torch to the next generation and see what God has in store for you. But, as Jenna said, I have seven scholarships uh to present tonight. The Community Foundation of Greene County has 39 named scholarships for graduating Greene County high school students, which most of those are endowed. These scholarships exist because families who have established these funds wish to give back to their community and honor or remember a loved one while helping students
015today achieve their goals and success in life through continuing education beyond high school. This year, the community foundation will award over will award 64 scholarships to Greene County high school graduates totaling over $141,000. The first scholarship I will present tonight is the Army Specialist Gregory A. Cox Memorial Scholarship. Greg was a lifelong resident of Carmichaels. He was a graduate of All Saints Regional School in Masontown and Geibel Catholic High School. Following high school graduation in 2001, Greg was inducted into the US Army on August 29th, 2001. >> [laughter] >> Completing his basic training and armor training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. On September 27th, 2004, while serving on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Army Specialist Cox was killed in a Humvee accident. He was 21 years old at the time of his death. The Army
016Specialist Gregory Cox Memorial Scholarship was established by Greg's family as a tribute to their beloved son and brother as a means to help other students who reside in Greene County and plan to enter ROTC or enter a career in public safety or public service. This year, three $2,500 scholarships will be awarded throughout the county. All five school districts are eligible. I am pleased to announce that one of the recipients of the 2026 Army Specialist Gregory A. Cox Scholarship of 2500 is awarded TO CARISSA MCCONNELL. >> [applause] [applause] >> THE NEXT SCHOLARSHIP IS THE WALTER Samick III Memorial Scholarship. This was established at the Community Foundation in 2006 six by Mr. Samick's wife, Deborah Conway Samick, in order to provide a scholarship to an outstanding young person graduating from Carmichaels Area High School planning to continue
017his or her post-secondary education. Walter was a long-time resident of Carmichaels, passed away in 2003. He graduated from Carmike Carmichaels High School. Shortly after graduation, he began working as a lineman for for Virginia Electric and Power and later worked for Duquesne Light at the Warwick Mine. He retired from Allegheny Power Power in 2003 after nearly 30 years of service. After his retirement, he operated his own company, S&S Aerial Lift. Walter was involved for many years with local community service organizations and the Carmichaels School Board. He also served as a deacon at Green Valley Presbyterian Church. The recipient of the 2026 Walter Samick Memorial Scholarship of $500 IS SHAYLEE GLOVER. >> [applause] [clears throat] >> THE NEXT SCHOLARSHIP IS THE WILLIAM H. Davis Jr. Scholarship. This was established in 2006 by Reverend William Davis and Dr.
018Nancy Davis in memory of her son who was tragically killed in a plane crash. Dr. Davis was a long-time educator, school administrator, and leader in Greene County. Both she and her husband believe strongly in the value of education. After marrying Bill Straight up high out of high school in 1952, she worked at a shirt the shirt factory in Masontown for many years, then decided to go back to school to earn her bachelor's of science, master's of science science, and ultimately her education of doc- doctorate of education. She was recognized as a pioneer in public education. Her crowning role, however, was the part she played in establishing a branch branch of the Westmoreland County Community College here in Greene County in 1999 because she believed that all students in our county should have affordable opportunities for
019higher education without having to leave their community. Dr. Davis passed away in June 2016 just 5 months after her husband passed. While wait Westmoreland County Community College no longer has a campus in Greene County, it and other community colleges still provide a an affordable education for many students. Reverend and Dr. Davis established a scholarship in memory of their son in order to help Greene County students pay for their education at Westmoreland County Community College or any PA community college, trade, business, technical, or non-four-year institution that has financial need. The scholarship is awarded to Greene County residents who are either graduating seniors or previous graduates of any Greene County school. The scholarship can be renewed for a second year. This year four $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to Greene County students. One of the $3,000 scholarships
020is awarded to Sky- Skyler Glen- GLENDENING. >> [applause] [applause] >> THIS IS A NEW SCHOLARSHIP THIS YEAR. It is the Patrick Taylor Scholarship. This was just established in 2025 by Patrick Taylor in order to provide a scholarship to a Carmichaels High School graduate who will be attending West Virginia University. Patrick was a 1970 graduate of Carmichaels Area High School and a 1974 graduate of WVU. Mr. Tewell is grateful for the education that he received here that allowed him to attend attend and graduate from WVU. He feels blessed that he can give back to Carmichaels and the community by helping a future Mountaineer in the next chapter of their life. The criteria required is that the recipient is a Carmichaels graduate and plans WVU. Also, that it is not given to the top academic student since
021he was not a top student. He told me to emphasize that. Patrick worked for the PA Department of Corrections from 1977 until his retirement in 2013. He served at the Camp Hill Young folks, you won't remember this, but we lived real close to there when this was going on. He served at Camp Hill prison all all of his time and was there in 1989 when the riots occurred. The recipient of the 2026 first annual $1,000 scholarship is Cannon Booher. >> [applause] >> ONLY A COUPLE MORE TO GO, SO I APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE. The Linda Scott Stack Memorial Scholarship was established by Mr. Emmett McKenzie and his wife George A. Kostac McKenzie, John and Patty Kostac and Marian Kostac in honor of their their sister and daughter, Linda Marie Kostak. Linda was instrumental in founding women's
022sports at Carmichaels Area High School. She procured the necessary credentials to establish the original women's softball team here. Organized sports played a role in determining Linda's chosen career path. As a physical therapist, she tirelessly served her patients with kindness, love, and expertise over a period of 19 years. Linda's infectious smile, quick wit, and dedication to helping not only her patients, but everyone she came in contact with, gave her a round of sense of joy and peace. Linda exemplified the essence of an unconditional love, and her family is dedicated to continuing her legacy. The Linda Kostak Memorial Scholarship provides a scholarship to one or more senior females graduating from Carmichaels Area High School who have played more than what who have been involved in athletic programs during their time here to attend a two-year or four-year
023institution. The recipient of this year's $1,000 scholarship is Caris McConnell. >> [applause] >> AFTER THIS NEXT SCHOLARSHIP, IT'S THE ROCKY Doman Memorial Scholarship. Uh I'm going to ask Patty Doman to come up, please. And Bob, her husband, is here, also, but uh Bob is going to stay down there. The Rocky Doman Memorial Scholarship was started at the Community Foundation in 2008 by his parents, Pat- Patty and Bob. Their hope is to ensure that Rocky's memory will last forever, while helping you, students of today, go go on to college and succeed. That would have made Rocky very proud. >> It would have made Rocky would be very proud tonight to be here and to have his name mentioned. Um I just have a little bit to say about Rocky. Um I'm just going to read an
024article that the newspaper wrote about him. I think that would be best to put in the words about him. Um this is written in the newspaper about him by a newspaper writer. It says, "The accolades were plentiful as they should have been. Doman scores team's only touchdown." Rocky Doman led the Jackets with 596 rushing yards in seven games. It was capped off by three yards touchdown run by Rocky Doman. Rocky Doman carried 20 times for 130 yards and three one-yard touchdowns. Rocky Doman rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns of three and 10 yards and [clears throat] on and on. A former teammate in the Tri-County Classic referred to Doman as a workhorse. That definitely seemed true of the Rock. Watching him play was always a treat because you knew that this kid was going
025to lay it all on the line. He is right up there with the great players that Green County has produced, earning a career rushing record of 4,145 yards at Carmichaels High School and making the All-Conference team as a running back. He was the MVP in the Tri-County South his senior year. His rushing record places him among just four players in Green County history to to achieve such a feat. He was quite simply darn good and that is putting it mildly. But once for college, there was no difference. He played with heart and he left his mark week after week. On the playing field, people or one too many concussions put an end to his football career. One can only ponder what records Rocky might have garnered with the Yellow Jackets if he could have finished
026his collegiate career. But it wasn't just on the football field Doman left his mark. I was the coach of Little League football for many years and you see this type of kid come up through the ranks and you know that they are something special. He was the type of guy that was just plain likable, a guy's guy. When the newspaper did a recap a few years back of the best of the best to play here, Doman was among them. He had been out of the uniform for perhaps a couple of years at this point. It touched him that we remembered and he took the time to write the paper a note thanking the reporter for remembering him. How many young people do something like that these days? In fact, how many people actually write letters
027at all? But that was how Rocky Doman was, thoughtful and good-natured. He could be a bear on the field but he was more like a teddy bear off of it. For those who don't know, Rocky's life was claimed on a job site this week, a gas well accident. While he was capping it, the gas well blew. The news spread through the county within just hours of his death. Not just that there was an accident but that it was Rocky Doman in that accident. It just goes to show that this young man's life reached further than just Carmichaels. His surprise, in fact, that the newspaper remembered him really hits home now. Remember you, Rocky. How could we forget? So this year, um we have the name of who got the scholarship but there was one other
028thing that I was telling Cassie Meinhart, my husband, was talking about that he remembered. Um before one of the games, his senior year, John Meinhart, who he loved so dearly, he was almost like a father figure to him. I mean, they were like best friends. It was his football coach. Um Rocky hadn't come out on the field yet to play and they were lining up and he gives my husband a call at the house and he said, "Bob." He said, "Can you go get a set of rosary for Rocky?" And Bob goes, "What are you talking about?" He said somebody took his rosary beads at the field house, I was locker, and he said he's got to pray on it before he goes out on field. And my husband asked me, he says, "Patty, do
029you have an extra set of rosary beads?" And I said, "No, Rocky took mine." And he said, "Well, John said you got to go get him a set because the game's going to start." And he said, "John went in and said, 'Are you sick, Rocky? What's wrong?'" He goes, "No." He goes, "Are you hurt?" And Bob goes, "No." Rocky was a very quiet kid. And he goes, "What's wrong?" He goes, "Somebody took my rosary beads and I can't go out until I pray." So, Bob's cousin was Denise Boyd Hoffer. I don't know if any of you know her, but her son is Catholic priest and he said, "I'll call my cousin." So, Bob goes out and gets a set of rosary beads and runs them up and gives them to John at the gate. John
030goes, "Hurry up, pray, pray. You got to get out there. Hurry up, go pray." So, Rocky didn't get out on the field, but that's just what type of kid he was. He was killed in 2007, December 3rd. And I'm sure he's here tonight. He's with us all. And I just want to say to all you seniors, be safe. God bless you and I hope you have a wonderful life ahead of you. And so, who got the award? >> Bob, this year the two $1,500 scholarships uh will be given out uh to anyone in the county and Coach Meinhart is on the selection committee and carries a lot of weight. Um this year one of the two 20 $1,500 recipients goes to HARRIS MCCONNELL. >> [applause] >> SADIE, DO YOU WANT TO COME UP OR STAY
031DOWN FRONT? YOU DECIDE. I have one more, so bear with me, please. This is the Betty Stammerjohn Medical Scholarship. This was established at the Community Foundation in 2022 by Mary Cross, who is with us tonight, in honor of the work that Betty Stammerjohn did in leading the Community Foundation of Greene County from 2006 until 2021. She helped many individuals, families, and businesses support the future of Greene County. The Betty Stammerjohn Medical Scholarship will award two $1,000 scholarships to a Greene County High School student planning to pursue a post-secondary degree and have a declared major in a medical or related field. The recipient of one of the Betty Stammerjohn Medical Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 is awarded to Shaylee Glover. >> [applause] >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR COMING. >> HERE TO PRESENT THE Greene
032County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Scholarship is Mrs. Charlene May. >> [applause] >> GOOD EVENING. UH, MY NAME IS CHARLENE MAY. I'm a former teacher, retired teacher here from Carmichael. So, I might know some of the parents out there, not the students, but the parents. Um I After I retired 13 years ago, I joined a group in the county called the Green County Association of School Retirees. We're almost 300 members, and we're made up of all kind of everyone that has worked for the school system from janitors, teachers, administrators, school bus drivers, secretaries. We all belong to this group. And we spend the year doing many different activities, but we do a lot of fundraising. And each year we award five scholarships as for one student at each of the county school
033districts, and also for the CTC center. This year, uh it's always difficult on the scholarship committee picking because there's so many wonderful students out there that apply for this. Um we also have one extra scholarship. It's for an education major, someone who's going to pursue a degree to [clears throat] become a teacher. So, this year, our award our awardee is going to win two scholarships, one for Carmichael's and one also because she's an education major. Congratulations to Mandy Fang. >> [applause] >> WE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME MORGAN AND JOSH Babuki to present the Be Like Colby Scholarship. >> [applause] >> Congratulations to the class of 2026. As you step into the future, remember that success isn't about titles or paychecks. It's about purpose, kindness, and the courage to keep going when it gets hard. My
034[clears throat] name is Morgan. I'm the proud sister of Colby. Today, I have the honor of presenting the Be Like Colby Award to a truly deserving senior. Colby was known for his kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering positivity. Though he's no longer physically with us, his legacy lives on in the values he embodied and the lives he touched. This award is our way of keeping his spirit alive and encouraging others to carry forward that same light into the world. into the world. This award is not based on popularity, statistics, or recognition alone. It is about character. It is about someone who reflects the kind of person Colby was. Someone who leads with kindness, compassion, strength, and humility. The kind of person who makes others feel included, supported, valued, and important. We asked an anonymous committee
035within the school and community to nominate a graduating senior with those same qualities. When choosing this award, we asked ourselves one important question. Who would Colby choose? Colby valued hard work, kindness, loyalty, and heart. Here are some things that were said about this year's student. They possess a rare humility that is genuine and giving. They are selfless beyond doubt. They volunteer in all situations. They are reliable, dependable, trustworthy, and helpful. They are kind to everybody. They are very humble, and they always seek a way to help others despite any challenge. This year's Be Like Colby Award goes to Matthew Bruce. >> [applause] [applause] >> I WOULD NOW LIKE TO INTRODUCE MR. Tyler and Mrs. Bethany Tanner to present the Battle of the Bards Scholarship. Did they make it? >> I don't think >> Okay. Well,
036the recipient of this scholarship is Kaylee Dickey and I don't BELIEVE SHE'S HERE. >> [applause] >> HERE TO PRESENT THE MICHAEL E. ZELLER MEMORIAL Scholarship is Mrs. Tracy Zeller [snorts] and Mrs. Shelby McCann. >> [applause] [clears throat] >> Good evening everyone. It's truly an honor for us to present the second annual Dr. Michael E. Zeller Memorial Scholarship in memory of my husband who was the valedictorian of Carmichael's Area High School Class of 1985 and yes, I feel old, too. >> [laughter] >> Uh education, perseverance, integrity, and lifelong learning were values Michael carried throughout his life. My daughters and I created this scholarship in honor of the love, encouragement, unwavering support he gave our family and to many of his patients whose lives he touched. This annual scholarship is awarded to the graduating valedictorian to help
037support their educational journey as they pursue their goals and dreams. Tonight, we are proud to recognize this year's recipient, MISS EMMA BATES. >> [applause] >> EMMA, YOUR HARD WORK, ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, have truly distinguished you. We hope this scholarship serves not only as support, but also as encouragement as you begin your next chapter at Grove City College. On behalf of our entire family, congratulations, Emma. We wish you continued success and are honored to be a small part of your future. THANK YOU, EVERYONE. >> [applause] >> I'M GOING TO PRESENT NOW THE Central Green Scholarship Trust, and the recipient is EMMA BATES. >> [applause] [cough and clears throat] >> WE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME KRISTEN Boyhoffer to present the Rising Star Scholarship. >> [applause] >> HI, [clears throat] GOOD EVENING. UM ON behalf of STARS Foundation, it
038is my honor to be here to present in its third year the Rising Star Senior Scholarship. Uh the first year we awarded the scholarship, we selected one recipient from Carmichaels area and Beth-Center School District, which are the alma maters of our founders, Valerie and Kristen. Last year, we expanded our outreach to include all five county school districts, Green County school districts, as well as Brownsville and Beth Center. This expansion reflects our commitment to reaching more students and their families across the region. Sorry. By recognizing their hard work and their potential to shine. Scholarship recipients were selected by committee of five volunteers. All identifying information was concealed and the committee members individually reviewed and scored applicant submissions using a points-based system. The submission with the highest score was selected as the scholarship winner. And the winner
039for the Carmichaels School District Rising Star Senior Scholarship is SOPHIA KERR. >> [applause] >> I DON'T THINK MR. BARNHART WAS AVAILABLE TO BE here this evening, but he asked me to present Waynesburg University scholarships. There is the Stephanie Ballock Honor Scholarship, which the recipient is Hunter Kerr. >> [applause] >> We have the Waynesburg College A.B. Miller Scholarship. The first recipient IS OLIVIA MADA. >> [applause] >> THE NEXT RECIPIENT OF THE A.B. Miller Scholarship IS SHAYLEE GLOVER. >> [applause] >> ALL RIGHT, THE WAYNESBURG COLLEGE Presidential Scholarships are awarded to Suzianne O'CHESKY >> [applause] >> AND MATTHEW RUTH. >> [applause] >> NOW WE WILL HAVE MRS. MENHART award the John Thomas Memorial Scholarship. >> [applause] >> The John Thomas Memorial Scholarship was started by his guardian, Mary Lewis and her family. John was a well-known citizen in
040our town and the Mighty Mikes sports team's number one fan. With his signature letterman's jacket, baseball cap, and Swift gait, John made his way through our community community and into the hearts of all who knew him. John was a quiet, unassuming man with the innocence of a child and the heart of a champion. He volunteered at Carmichaels school district events, the Carmichaels Borough, the American Legion, and Company 65 Volunteer Fire Department, just to name a few. He always had a friendly smile and kind words for the kids who knew him for the words for the kids and do them by name. He remembered the schedule for every sports team and recalled the scores and plays as if it happened yesterday. This year this award is being given to the student athlete that emulates what it
041means to be a team player who truly loves the sport they play. It's the committee's hope that the spirit of John Thomas will be carried on to the campus through the year's recipient and through this year's recipient and will proudly represent his legacy. We are happy to present the John Thomas Memorial Scholarship TO BAILEY BARNIAK. >> [applause] [applause] >> I WILL BE PRESENTING THE 2026 Kitsy Awards Memorial Scholarships. Three students were chosen by their panel as recipients this year. There are two $1,000 scholarships and one $2,000 scholarship. One of the first $1,000 scholarships goes TO SOPHIA CARTER. >> [applause] >> THE OTHER $1,000 scholarship is awarded TO RILEY BOWMAN. >> [applause] >> THE $2,000 SCHOLARSHIP is being awarded to Olivia Mata. >> [applause] >> THIS CONCLUDES THE SCHOLARSHIP portion of this evening's ceremony. We will
042now continue with the academic awards portion of the program. This will start with Miss Ray. Sorry. Good evening, everyone. It is my pleasure to recognize the senior English student of the year. This student consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to interpret literature with depth, insight, and maturity beyond her years. Whether analyzing a novel, poem, or play, she brought thoughtful perspectives that enriched our classroom discussions. In addition to her academic excellence, this student is a model participant. She contributed regularly, listened respectfully to others, and asked meaningful questions that encouraged deeper thinking from everyone in the room. Her thoughtful discussion points often challenge classmates to see literature in new and important ways. Most importantly, this student's genuine love of learning and engagement with language and ideas makes her truly deserving of this honor. Congratulations on being named senior
043English student of the year, EMMA BATES. >> [applause] >> NEXT UP IS MR. WAYNE. >> [applause] >> GOOD EVENING. THIS YEAR'S SOCIAL STUDIES award winner has done a fantastic job in the classroom, earning straight hundreds in every class. She has taken every AP humanities course offered in Coraopolis area, including government, American, European, and world history. She has also taken online college courses in anthropology and art history. She's a volunteer historian and archivist for the Coraopolis area historical society, as well as its first junior member. She is also a docent for the Bradford House Museum, where she worked as an archival intern this past summer. She served as a communications and media intern for the Greene County Commissioners this past summer and as a student advisor for State Representative Bud Cook for the past 2 years.
044She will be attending Grove City College in the fall where she plans to major in communication arts and history with minors in writing and musical theater. This year's social senior social studies award winner is EMMA BATES. >> [applause] >> NEXT UP IS THE MATH AWARD. >> MRS. Shoemaker was unable to make it, so I'm going to be presenting the awards for her. The first award is for a hard working math student always striving for excellence and this goes TO MANDY ZENG. >> [applause] >> AND THE NEXT MATH AWARD IS FOR THE HIGHEST achieving student on the calculus final and this goes TO OLIVIA MODA. >> [applause] >> NOW WILL BE DR. PAVELURCHIK. SO, this is a Merciful Might's Christian Leadership Recognition Award. Courage can take different forms, but to be courageous in faith is extraordinary.
045We are here tonight celebrating two seniors on behalf of Merciful Knights, which exists because five years ago one of them, as a middle school student, had the persistence and courage to create a Christian club in our school. Since its conception, Merciful Knights has enabled students to come together in prayer, hope, and fellowship on a weekly basis. And tonight we show our sincere gratitude. In thinking about how to honor these seniors tonight, I often reflected on the image of Jesus walking on water and the words from Matthew 20 I'm sorry, it's Matthew 14:27, "Don't be afraid." It is my hope that by presenting them tonight with artwork showcasing that famous scene from the gospel, they will be reminded as they transition to their next stage in life that nothing is greater than God, nothing is impossible
046for God, and they can boldly press through their challenges in life with God. Do not be afraid. It's one thing to remember the words, but to apply them in action is another. Both seniors I honor tonight have the courage to stand in their faith, look out for the best interests of others, and live a life that exemplifies the Beatitudes. I'm so proud and honored to have the privilege to have gone to know these two good-hearted students. They demonstrate their faith in uniquely different ways, but in those differences, there is such strength, encouragement, and support. They will be immensely missed, but their legacy of faith, friendship, and moral fortitude will continue to inspire and stir the hearts of the staff and students they leave behind. It is with great love and enthusiasm that I present to
047you Miss Emma Bates AND MATTHEW BRUCE. >> [applause] [applause] >> I FEEL IT'S HELPFUL >> [applause] >> I HAVE THE HONOR OF A WAR of of a awarding a $1,500 scholarship to our NHS president who has recruited and organized four American Red Cross blood drives. So, it is my pleasure to award $1,500. That's a great scholarship TO OLIVIA WATERS. >> [applause] [applause] >> AND I ALSO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO award the $500 Green County scholarship, $500 third place Pennsylvania uh state environmental scholarship, and a second place grasslands uh scholarship to Emma Bates, OUR CAPTAIN FOR THE >> [applause] [applause] >> OVER FOUR YEARS, EMMA HAS received almost $5,000 in scholarships from the environmental competition. SO, CONGRATULATIONS, EMMA. >> [applause] >> SO, THIS IS MY LAST CLASS THAT ACTUALLY had elementary art. So, kind of really
048excited to hand these awards out since elementary art doesn't exist anymore. But, you had me there, and then you had me up here. Um just hold your applause. There's a couple. Um Skyler Goddening. Savannah Hoar. These students had me multiple times a day. Where if you couldn't find them anywhere else, they were in my room. I got to read them out for you today. Emma Manley. Oliver Price. >> Katie Rhodes I'm going to see who didn't come today. I was like okay. Um this is the first year that Carlow College we had ceramics college level um ceramics so we gave an award for this one and it goes to Annelise Cox. >> [applause] >> EXCEPTIONAL WORK. AND YOU'RE NOT RID OF ME YET. THIS IS the first year I did um high school student council
049because it was passed on and down and down as teachers moved to the elementary and left our school district. So I'm going to recognize all of our senior student council members cuz without them I would have not survived this year. Micah Clark Skyler Glennon There are pins for on your robes also. Not here. Emma Landis >> Emma Reading Olivia Price Very few people have been here. These are people who are stuck with me. Katie Rose And last but not least, Mandy Day. And next up is the band band awards which Mrs. HANNAH PENTON >> [applause] >> MRS. LARGER COULDN'T BE HERE, SO I'M GOING TO present the band award. The band director's award goes TO KAYLEE DICKEY. [applause] THE JOHN PHILIP SOUSA award is the highest honor a band program can present to a graduating
050senior. Named after the legendary American composer and band master known as the March King. This award recognizes outstanding dedication, leadership, musicianship, character, and service to the band program. It is presented to a student who not only demonstrates excellence in the musical performance, but also inspires others through commitment, integrity, and a positive example. This award recipient IS OLIVIA MATA. [applause] >> ALL RIGHT. NOW, MRS. MENHART WILL BE COMING out to um award her club members. >> So, I have four groups that I want to recognize. So, I'm going to start, to save some steps, with eSports, if that's okay. So, uh can Jerica Schiffbauer, Ryder Campbell, Kaylee Dickey, Landon Gorby, Haley Horton, and Remington Pinkerton >> Come on. >> And I have two. So, last year we had 14 graduating seniors in our eSports program, which
051left little opportunity for the underclassmen to get to compete. But, this year's seniors truly stepped up, taking on leadership roles, and helping guide our team through a successful season. A special thank you to Jerica, our team captain, for help help for keeping our team organized, prepared, and ready to compete each week. Your leadership and dedication made a lasting impact on our program, and we had a great year thanks to all of all of you for YOUR HARD WORK. >> [applause] >> JERICA, MIGHT AS WELL STAY. I'M SAVING SOME STEPS. Next up is the library aides. So, um Micah Clark, Shaylee Glover, >> [clears throat] >> Payton Clabby, Gage Conley, Bailey Landau, Bailey Borne, Rory Riddleman, Jerica Schiffbauer, Bre Nanders, AND CAMERON WISCA. >> [applause] >> SO, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO TO KEEP THE
052LIBRARY RUNNING smoothly each day. I teach several class several classes, so I depend on these guys to manage the cafe. They answer the phone, they check out books, they help students find games and computers and so much more. Uh they really can run the library without me. So, our best sell So, our best selling uh item in the cafe is chocolate chip cookies. Used to be chocolate chip cookies. But, um this year one of our top sellers was pickles. Um And those doors were so hard to open. I just have to say that I like going home smelling like chocolate chip cookies better than pickles. So, there you go. You're getting a chocolate uh caramel cookie. >> [clears throat] >> All right. Okay. You got the actual cookie. >> Yep. >> Thank you. Uh >>
053She can go ahead and You're welcome. >> These guys are wonderful. I I really couldn't do it without them. The library's an awesome place with them. >> [applause] >> My cookie saved for the next round. Football. So, we have Mike DeFluri, um Skylar Van Orden, Olivia Price, and Nancy Tan. We also have um Susanna Truskey and Savannah Horton here. They were like late comers to the party, but um we love them just as much. I want to thank our book club seniors for the leadership and enthusiasm they brought to our club. Together we read great books, enjoyed movie nights, comparing books to films, and even experienced a book brought to life on Broadway. One of my favorite memories was making our TBR jars, that is to be read jars, and now we're all set for
054summer with an endless reading list. I'm adding Letters to a Young Poet to your reading list list. It's a special book for this stage of your life because it reminds us that it's okay not to have everything figured out yet. It encourages you to stay curious, trust your own path, and keep growing into the person you're meant to become. Good luck in YOUR NEXT CHAPTER. >> [applause] >> NOW NOW YOU STAY HERE. IF I CAN SAY SOMETHING, next up is Investment Club. And our only senior is Nancy Zack. >> [applause] >> SO MR. GILLIS AND I SPONSOR THE INVESTMENT CLUB. We meet monthly at 7:00 a.m. in the library, and the kids show up, which is great. We would like to recognize Mandy Zang for dedication and involvement and investment of Gerald High School. What
055started in 2019 with a generous gift of a stock ticker for Mr. O'Connell and the Forget-Me-Not Fund has grown into an incredible student-led learning experience made possible through the support of the Community Foundation um and the guidance of guidance of Mr. Calvaria, Miss Allison, yes, she's here, and Mr. Day. Mandy embraced this opportunity to learn about investing, leadership, and financial decision-making, and we are excited to see all of her accomplishments in the future. >> [applause] >> Yes. Is Next up, Business Capstone. >> [applause] >> I'm going to try to keep this short to lessen the risk of getting emotional. Disclaimer, I'll probably get emotional. Tonight, I have the privilege of getting giving out three awards to students who have truly left their mark on both Mike's Nation Live and my classroom. The first two awards
056go to students whose consistency never wavered when it comes to video production. No matter how busy seniors became, they continued to create, film, edit, and produce content right up until the very end. Even last week, while most were mentally checked out, these two were still making videos and getting the job done. They have been dependable, hard-working, creative, and have never let me down. These two first awards go to Hunter Kerr AND DEREK SHIPLEY. >> [applause] >> AND HUNTER, IF YOU'RE WATCHING AT HOME, I'M NOT HAPPY. >> Just so you guys know, she's my school mom, by the way. >> Sorry, wrong mom. You're up. >> She's sitting right up front. >> Okay. Uh my final award goes to a student who has grown tremendously over the last 4 years as an editor. Over the summer,
057when I saw this year's schedule and realized this student was in three of my classes, I actually messaged her mom and jokingly asked if she really wanted to spend that much time with me. I even tried finding her another another seventh period class so that she wouldn't have to be in class with her brother, an upcoming freshman. But, she wanted to be there. And honestly, after this year, I wouldn't have had it any other way. Watching her grow in confidence, creativity, and leadership has been incredible. Knowing that she plans to continue into the field of communications makes me unbelievably proud. It has truly been an honor to be a part of her story, and I cannot wait to see where her life takes her next. This award goes TO ABIGAIL WRIGHT. >> [applause] >> ALL
058RIGHT. UP NEXT IS MR. HESS. >> [applause] >> I'M THE ICE HIGH SCHOOL academic sponsor and coach. If I could have all my senior academic team members that are present today, could they come up on stage, please? I'll recognize them each individually. I'd like to have the whole group up here as I'm talking. It helps my way helps me think about what I want to say. As you folks have been through this presentation, you've seen that many of these students have made it multiple trips up on stage, some more than others. Um but this group in particular is pretty special to me. I had the privilege of teaching a number of these kids in 10th grade in honors algebra two. And I can remember going into that year and many of them There's a couple
059of them I had for four years on the academic team, some three, some two, some one. And I can I can distinctly recall only having two two of these as freshmen on the team and I thought I'm going to have a void here in a few years. I'm going to have to do some kind of recruiting here or something, but for whatever reason, there was an interest waning or what have you and so I remember in the math class I was reaching out saying, "Hey, any of you guys interested in joining? We'd love to have you in first." And we gained a lot of great people in the process. Some of these before you, when we go to a competition, there's four students on a buzzer Grove schools from the other neighboring neighboring two counties.
060There's 10 schools all together that compete in the academic competition from Fayette and Greene County. The goal is to try to advance to a regional competition down at the IU and then hopefully advance to a state competition. Um With this fine group, we were trying to achieve that. We fell just just a little short this year. We had a very competitive season last year as well, but we did make some improvements. Um We went to the playoffs this year. Knocked off Connellsville. We knocked off Uniontown. Uh We fell just a couple questions literally a couple questions short of from Albert Gallatin to advancing into the into the regional competition, but ultimately we we fell a little short to to Laurel Highlands. They've been a real juggernaut to this to this group for the last 3
061years. Had we not let them in a few years back, we would have probably had great success. That was my fault. I let them in. I should >> [laughter] >> I should have left them in the neighboring district. But they're local. We need to bring them in. Seriously, we need to bring them. But but this group's been phenomenal and the thing is too, due to due to some restrictions of their busy schedules years back, this may have been the fourth year. I can't recall. Hannah, you might know. We've been meeting for practices in the mornings once a week on Tuesday or Wednesdays. Uh at 7:00 in the morning. So, these students all get up. I mean, and the underclassmen do as well. When and I get up, which is sometimes a challenge to get here,
062but we all come and we try to practice for 35, 45 minutes, whatever we can to prepare ourselves for the matches and they do so in such a positive spirit. I mean, there's I don't know how else to describe it. It's just an infectious like a family type atmosphere. And I mean, I don't demand it. It just happens. And and they're just great kids and I think the biggest part is I kind of miss them. I don't get enough interaction with them at the high school and I really value the time I get with them. Like I I can't replace it, you know, and I told them that it's going to happen when I get up here, but maybe just blessing this group and it's just just a deeply emotional time for me with this
063student with this group, you know. I'm going to recognize them individually for their accolades and we're going to come together here at the end. Um for for academic varsity team member, one year on the academic team, Miss Addison Utley. >> [applause] >> NOW, THIS YOUNG LADY I TAUGHT IN 10TH grade and I loved her. She was had a quiet, calm, infectious manner personality. I tried to recruit her her junior year to come out. 10th grade, she put me off, but then this year she said, "Mr. I want to be on the team." I'm like, "You always have a spot, you know. Come on in and come." Glad to have her. She >> Thank you. >> Uh next I'm going to award academic team member for 2 years, MISS ANNELISE POPSON. >> [applause] >> I DIDN'T
064GET TO HAVE HER IN CLASS, BUT >> [clears throat] >> I STILL love her. She got an infectious personality, too. Uh the next one is academic team member for 3 years, Mr. Ryder Campbell. >> [applause] >> I KNOW THAT GUY. >> AND I DIDN'T REALIZE 3 YEARS AGO WHAT A TALENTED individual this was. Now that I've come to see the couple of recent plays, he he he's an actor and an entertainer as as well as you've seen some tonight, but valuable member of the team, very valuable. >> That's my boy. [applause] Um next year is a three-year academic team member, uh two-year varsity letterman, Miss Mandy Zhang. >> [applause] >> SHE'S ALSO A MEMBER OF OUR KATIE quiz but which I forgot to mention here in a minute. Congratulations. Thank you. Next, um three-year academic
065team member, two-year varsity letterman, MR. ROY RIGGLEMAN. >> [applause] >> COME CLOSER. I WON'T EXTOL THE VIRTUES of this young man. Like I said, I've always been fond of him uh back then even starting in 10th grade, but what really stood out was he you know, if he didn't always get buzzer time, he never questioned anything and um this year things were set up and we got into the playoffs and and this man was not well. He was not well. And he should've stayed home, but he came. And I'm telling you now there's a set He's got a unique set of knowledge that the other students don't have on the buzzer. He answered a number of questions that helped us advance past Karnes City. Union Town, you know, and that and and he was [clears
066throat] not well. And and I just And that And that meant That was more about team and family and stand up for these other people and commitment to team that I think should not go unnoticed and maybe I'm over overdoing it, but in my mind I'm not because I appreciated that. That's a team kind of thing. It's It's just like when an athlete goes someone's hurt hurting not feeling well, but they suck it up and and make it happen? He did and he'll be humble and say, "Nah, it's not that big of a deal, Mr. Estes." But, to me it was and I'm going to point it out TO HIM AGAIN. >> [applause] >> UM THIS NEXT YOUNG LADY IS HAS A VERY special place in my heart. She was exceptional when I had her
067in the math classroom. She was on the on the academic team for 4 years and then a 3-year varsity letterman and um she's just an exceptional person. You've seen her up on stage a bunch and um I got more words, but I'm just going to just take this over here and give her a hug. This is MISS OLIVIA MONAGHAN. >> [applause] >> AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, UM SHE'S REALLY been a a foundation of our academic team the last 4 years. Um she's one of only two students that I've ever had in and I've I've done the academic league for team for four 15 16 years. One of only two people that as a ninth grader was on the varsity team. She come up with so much knowledge. You heard Mr. Lane extol her [clears
068throat] uh history accolades and things. Um she came in in ninth grade so knowledgeable that I had to put her on the on the starting on the starting varsity squad. And we didn't quite have the success there, but it built a foundation for more success the last 2 years um you know, due to her presence and um to say my um use the amount of the last words, but like I said, this group she's been phenomenal. 4-year academic team member, 4-year varsity letterman. Um she's going to be probably irreplaceable. Uh I hope there might be some, but it's not going to happen. MISS EMMA BATES. >> [applause] [applause] >> IS MR. BROOKS HERE? YOU KNOW WHAT? STAY HERE. I will present his award for graphic student of the year and that goes to Kaylin Thomas.
069>> [applause] [clears throat] >> Since leaving the classroom, it's always fun to have um students in the office with me. They take on a role of leadership, a role of commitment, and a role of sometimes just saying, "What is it you exactly want, Mrs. Rebecki?" This individual has been with me for several years and her and I come to an understanding that it takes stuff off the walls that no longer exist, like that was last week. Um run up here, run there, run everywhere. And she does it all with a smile. And I am going to miss her next year. I keep joking that she's going to have to stay just another year. But Miss Abby Red, thank you for ALL YOU DO. >> [applause] >> I WILL BE PRESENTING THE HEALTH AND PHYSICAL education
070award for Mr. Cruel and that will go to LANDON BROWN. >> [applause] >> THAT CONCLUDES OUR SCHOLARSHIP and awards evening. Congratulations again to all of our seniors and we look forward to seeing you all on Friday. Thank you. >> [applause]