More than $24,000 in scholarships available in 2022

March marks the time of year high school seniors are making plans for life after graduation.

Did you know each year the North East Community Foundation offers more than $24,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and adults furthering their education? Now is the time to apply, as deadlines are approaching.

There are nearly a dozen named scholarship funds coordinated through the North East Community Foundation. Some have been providing support for residents for decades, while others were established in the last year. Each scholarship is distinct and recipients are selected based on criteria established by the donor.

Here’s a little more information about the named scholarship funds and the local residents they were created in honor or memory of:

• The Charles Barton Scholarship was established by the late Chuck Barton in memory of his wife, Judy Barton, who worked as a registered nurse in the North East School District. The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in the healthcare field.
• The DefIANt Scholars Program provides scholarships that help students with disabilities attend college. Founded by Ian Malesiewski, a North East native and athlete who sustained a spinal cord injury and went on to attend the University of Miami, this program aims to support students and make the transition to college less difficult. Applicants must have an intellectual or physical disability. First preference is given to residents from Erie County.
• The Richard Gorzynski Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of Gorzynski, a North East resident, triathlete, fierce competitor and highly intelligent leader who was stricken with cancer at age 48. It is awarded annually to an athlete.
• The James R. Meehl Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Jim Meehl, a 1944 graduate of North East High School who went on to study engineering at Cornell University. He was the president and owner of Eureka Electrical Products, Inc., and was an active and engaged volunteer in the North East Community. This scholarship has the option to renew for four years.
• For decades, the late Bob Miller and his family have provided scholarships to students in North East. In 2021, they opted to continue this long-standing tradition by partnering with The North East Community Foundation. The Miller Family Scholarship is unique in that it is available to students of any age pursuing 2-year, 4-year or vocational education.
• The Lenora Jane Perdue Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in education. The estate of Charles and Alice Valone established a new scholarship in 2021 in honor of their daughter.
• Susan, who was raised in North East and went on to become an infectious disease specialist in Colorado. The Susan Elizabeth Valone, MD Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students entering a career in healthcare.
• The Robert Whitney Erie County Farm Bureau Agricultural Scholarship honors the proud tradition of farming in the community. Applicants must be children or grandchildren of members of the Erie County Farm Bureau. Scholarships may be used for all post-secondary education, including vocational education.
• Former North East Middle School English teacher Jane Zavasky and her family established a new scholarship in 2021. The Jane Novak Zavasky Scholarship will be awarded to students who are pursuing a degree in education. Preference will be given to those who attended North East Middle School.

You can apply now for these scholarships.

To establish a scholarship to benefit the next generation, contact us at 814-454-0843.

Many more scholarships are available for students in North East and Erie County. To learn more, visit the North East High School Guidance scholarships list.