'Presidential,' 'Penn College Scholars' Named for 2002-03

Published 05.31.2002

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Student News

Eleven freshman students enrolled for the Fall 2002 semester at Pennsylvania College of Technology have been designated "Presidential Scholars," an honor awarded for academic excellence and service to school and community.

In addition, three adults who are returning to the classroom have been selected as "Penn College Scholars" for their achievements.

The "Presidential Scholars," who are among the top students at their respective high schools, each receive a $2,500 scholarship for the 2002-03 academic year. They also are given the opportunity to work on special projects, such as the Student Ambassador Program at Penn College. The Student Ambassadors represent the College at numerous official functions and conduct tours of the campus.

The "Penn College Scholars" also receive annual scholarship awards of $2,500 and serve as Student Ambassadors. In that capacity, they work with the Office of Counseling and Career Services, assisting with operational tasks and serving as role models for the pre-enrollment career-exploration programs, such as New Choices/New Options and Project Choice. They also represent the College at events, assist with the Successful Transitioning and Retention Track program and perform outreach to their academic schools.

The "Presidential Scholars" and "Penn College Scholars" were welcomed to the campus recently by Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, who presented the students with gifts at a dinner held in their honor at Le Jeune Chef, the College's fine-dining restaurant.

The "Presidential Scholars" for 2002-03, their programs of study and high schools are:

Chelsea L. Bagley Legal Assistant/Pre-Paralegal Bald Eagle Area High School, Wingate Bagley's school and community activities and accomplishments include: Centre Crest volunteer; Drama Club; First Baptist Church nursery volunteer/youth group; French Club; homecoming court; intramural field hockey; Mock Trial; Model Constitutional Convention (best-drafted resolution); Model United Nations; Senior Executive Committee; Student Government president; and Student of the Month.

"This is a great opportunity for students that desire academics, extracurricular activities and athletics," Bagley said of her college choice. "A well-rounded student strives to excel in all of these areas; Penn College is a small, caring community that offers large-college opportunities."

Courtney Mae Bailey Pre-Dental Hygiene Middletown (Del.) High School

Bailey's school and community activities and accomplishments include: A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital; church nursery; God's Power & Light Co. Play; Heart of America Book Drive; High Honor Roll, HOSTS Mentoring Program; Interact Club/car wash; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Labor Day Big Ball Marathon; MOT Senior Center; National Honor Society; Relay for Life; Student Council; and Student of the Month.

"Along with the obvious dedication to knowledge, the faculty and student body are a predominant attraction," Bailey said of Penn College. "I knew... there was something exceptional and superior about Penn College when the director of dental hygiene... took time out of her active schedule on a Fall Visitation day to sit down and personally discuss my future options."

Adam D. Brower Heavy Construction Equipment Francis Scott Key High School, Union Bridge, Md. Brower's school and community activities and accomplishments include: assistant soccer coach, FSK representative; Future Farmers of America; National Honor Society; PTO 4-H Club; Rolling Clovers 4-H Club; and the Vocational-Industrial Clubs of America.

"I was always interested in continuing my education beyond high school, but I did not know where to start," Brower said. "(Penn College) has an associate-degree program that lasts two years, unlike other colleges that only have a nine-month program and a one-year program. I enjoyed the idea of a more in-depth course than an in-out program with a piece of paper in return."

Rebecca A. Clawson Biology Sayre Area High School

Clawson's school and community activities and accomplishments include: Christmas play; Concert, Jazz and Marching Bands; Crimson Blues Choir; Designed Abstinence Program; Forensics; Future Business Leaders of America; musicals; National Honor Society; Prudential Youth Leadership Institute; and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

"I prefer its smaller classes, opposed to other universities, allowing each student to receive more attention from teachers, thus improving education opportunities," Clawson said of Penn College. "Overall, the campus seems to be a very comfortable learning and living environment."

Nicole E. Crouse Graphic Design West York Area High School, York

Crouse's school and community activities and accomplishments include: church choir; church food runs for the needy; National Honor Society; Project Harmony; Service Learning; softball; varsity soccer; volleyball; and yearbook photography editor.

"I loved the apartments, the campus was a comfortable size for me, and the professors went out of their way (during Open House) to answer all of my questions," Crouse said of the College. "The state-of-the-art equipment available in the Graphic Design department also impressed me. I knew right away that Penn College was the school for me."

James N. Evanko Electronics Engineering Technology Crestwood High School, Mountaintop

Evanko's school and community activities and accomplishments include: acolyte program; Concert, Jazz and Marching Bands; Future Business Leaders of America; Luzerne County Honors Band; Marywood Junior Honors Band; National Honor Roll; National Honor Society; Percussion Ensemble; and Who's Who Among American High School Students.

"No other college with this atmosphere and feel has such well-equipped laboratories," Evanko said of the College. "When I looked at Penn College, I felt assured the faculty has the resources and ability to teach me the skills I need to accomplish everything my mind commits my heart to."

Samuel D. Ranck Computer Information Technology-Data Communications and Networking Concentration South Williamsport Area Junior-Senior High School

Ranck's school and community activities and accomplishments include: Chess Club; church youth group/youth choir; Key Club member/Web-page designer; Little League Museum Tour Guide; Presidential Academic Fitness Award; U.S. Academic Decathlon; and Who's Who Among American High School Students.

"The final factor that I examined during my selection process was the age of the equipment used by the school," Ranck said. "Penn College's constant efforts to provide its students with cutting-edge technology are unique among all the colleges I considered."

Jason D. Rhine Electronics Engineering Technology Wallenpaupack Area High School, Hawley

Rhine's school and community activities and accomplishments include: Association for Retarded Citizens Bike Hike; church choir; Concert, Jazz and Marching Bands; Little White Church Players; National Honor Society; and Spruce Lake Wilderness Camp Volunteer.

"It is always important to have a well-balanced curriculum," Rhine said of his choice of Penn College. "In addition to technology classes, I am required to take English, history, science and math classes, and other electives outside my major."

Mark D. Villecco Computer Information Technology-Data Communications and Networking Concentration Wilson Senior High School, West Lawn

Villecco's school and community activities and accomplishments include: Academic Challenge Team; Drama Club; Future Business Leaders of America; Junior Statesmen of America; National Honor Society; Reading Eagle Math and Science Student of the Month; Vocational-Industrial Clubs of America; Students Against Destructive Decisions; and the Wilson High School Improv Troupe.

"While most colleges simply offer the generalized field of computer science as a major, Penn College offers a degree in data communications and networking, the specified field of computer science that I desired to pursue," Villecco said.

Alan J. Wertz Manufacturing Engineering Technology Danville Area High School

Wertz's school and community activities and accomplishments include: Boy Scouts of America-Eagle Rank; Danville's Youth Education Association; District VIII Band Festival; Drama Club; Klinesgrove United Methodist Church; Lincoln Investment Planning Senior Spotlight Award; Marching and Concert Bands; National Honor Society; and North Mont 4-H Livestock Club.

"Penn College offers small class sizes and a friendly environment, which makes it easier for students to learn," Wertz said. "Students don't just learn theory, either - they can apply what they have learned and see it work or fail."

Zachary L. Zook Building Construction Technology Carlisle Area High School

Zook's school and community activities and accomplishments include: church youth group; cross-country; Cumberland Valley Habitat for Humanity; National Honor Society; track and field; and the Vocational-Industrial Clubs of America.

"The goal is primarily learning the skills to become proficient employees in diverse fields," Zook said. "Taking courses that are prominent to a student seeking a certain field cuts down on time and cost of education, while providing the knowledge useful for the student."

The "Penn College Scholars" and their programs of study are:

Joseph L. LaForney Wapwallopen Aviation Maintenance Technician

"Industry leaders recognize Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates as well-trained and competent entrants into the aviation profession," LaForney said. "With this certificate, I will be able to secure employment with a major air carrier."

Aaron M. Rowland Port Matilda Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology

"It is because of the direct, hands-on approach to educating that I've been attracted to this institution," Rowland said. "It is with Penn College that I want to make a further step in becoming a leader for tomorrow."

Rachael D. Trump Danville Radiography

"With a degree in radiography from Penn College, I can obtain my professional goals," Trump said. "This degree would enable me to work helping people, allowing me to take my talents and attributes in a fulfilling profession and make a difference in the community."