Supporting Pennsylvania Public Education

Supporting Pennsylvania Public Education

Established in 1971, the PSBA Trust supports programs and services that advance the work of school directors, school districts and PSBA.

Our board

Our board

  • Kathy Swope, Chair
  • Michael Faccinetto
  • Richard Frerichs
  • William LaCoff
  • Roberta M. Marcus
  • Marianne Neel
  • Nathan G. Mains, Managing Director
  • Christina Griffiths, Secretary (non-voting)

Scholarship recipients

The Student Leader Scholarships were established to provide a one-time $2,500 or $5,000 scholarship to each recipient. The scholarships recognize graduating seniors from PSBA-member districts who have demonstrated ongoing leadership and meet the criteria for one of four available scholarships. The 2024 scholarships recipients are: 

Scholarship recipients

The Student Leader Scholarships were established to provide a
one-time $2,500 or $5,000 scholarship to each recipient. The scholarships recognize graduating seniors from PSBA-member districts who have demonstrated ongoing leadership and meet the criteria for one of four available scholarships. The 2024 scholarships recipients are: 

Marcus Scholarship: Carson Hajec, Northwestern 

The PSBA Trust’s Marcus Scholarship was presented to senior Carson Hajec from Northwestern School District. The Marcus Scholarship honors a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public safety, criminology, forensics or other law enforcement or safety major, and who consistently demonstrated leadership during high school. Throughout his high school tenure, Carson has proven to be a dedicated student and leader. A member of the National Honor Society, he is a team leader for the school’s state qualifying Mock Trial Team, and a recent state qualifier for the Future Business Leaders of America. In addition, he has participated in numerous extracurricular activities while working part time, and recently organized a volunteer opportunity for students at a local food bank. He plans to pursue a double major in criminal intelligence analysis and political science, intelligence and national security studies at the University of Akron this fall.

Quimby Scholarship: Lauren Livengood, Lampeter-Strasburg

The PSBA Trust’s Quimby Scholarship was presented to senior Lauren Livengood from Lampeter-Strasburg School District. The Quimby Scholarship is awarded to a student who has served as a representative to their local school board during high school and who is planning to pursue a degree that focuses on policy, political science, advocacy or nonprofit management. Lauren is a clear leader, achieving academically and representing her fellow classmates to the school board, as well as serving as Senior Class president and as co-president of the local chapter of the National Honor Society. She has also served on the executive committee for Mini-THON, and has participated in multiple extracurricular activities while working part time. On her application for this scholarship, she voiced her goal to “act as a positive force in the world” and cited her many leadership positions as having helped her develop communication skills, humility and an open mind. After graduation, Lauren plans to major in political science with minors in educational studies and public policy. 

Swope Scholarship: Caelyn Storms, Antietam

 

Caelyn Storms, a senior from Antietam School District, has been awarded the PSBA Trust’s Swope Scholarship. The Swope Scholarship is awarded to a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the arts and who consistently demonstrated leadership during high school. Not only is Cae an outstanding student academically as a member of the National Honor Society, she also excels as an award-winning artist in a variety of forms. As president of the Antietam Art Club, she manages the group’s activities and enjoys encouraging younger artists to develop their skills. She also participates in ARTietam, a community service public art team. A competitive figure skater, she coaches younger students as part of the U.S. Figure Skating Learn-to-Skate program. On her application for this scholarship, Cae expressed her desire to “be a person that others can turn to in times of uncertainty” and who “empowers others to do, be and give their best.” Cae has been accepted to the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, where she will be pursuing a degree in the fall. 

Swope Scholarship: Meghan Cramer, Wilson

Wilson School District senior Meghan Cramer was a recipient of the PSBA Trust’s Swope Scholarship. The Swope Scholarship is awarded to a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the arts and who consistently demonstrated leadership during high school. Over her high school tenure, Meghan has excelled as a leader both academically and artistically. As a percussion section leader for the high school marching band, vice president of concert choir, and a student instructional aide in an elementary school music classroom, she has honed her ability to lead peers and younger students, which helped her identify a passion for teaching. She has been a part of numerous extracurricular activities and music ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, and is a National Honor Society member. In her recommendation letters, her teachers praised her intuitive leadership skills, musical ability and attentiveness to the individual needs of students she has worked with as a student aide. After graduation, she will attend West Chester University to pursue a degree in music education and plans to grow her skills in the many musical ensembles available there. 

Frerichs Scholarship: Delmont Hollis, Everett

 

The PSBA Trust’s Frerichs Scholarship was awarded to senior Delmont Hollis from Everett Area School District. The Frerichs Scholarship honors a student planning to enroll in an education-related major at a Pennsylvania State System school and who consistently demonstrated leadership during high school. As National Honor Society chapter president, as well as a tutor and community service volunteer, Del has excelled academically and in leadership. He has participated in numerous extracurricular activities and service projects. As a participant in the Senior Challenge Program, Del spends part of the school day with the Life Skills Class, assisting teachers with lesson plans and students with classwork. As a Life Skills Support Summer Camp leader, he worked with students with severe disabilities, helping teach and coordinate activities and trips. These experiences have reinforced his interest in pursuing a degree in special education, which he plans to do this fall at Shippensburg University. 

Frerichs Scholarships: Laney Lafferty, Bedford

Lauren Lafferty, a senior in Bedford Area School District, has been awarded the PSBA Trust’s Frerichs Scholarship. The Frerichs Scholarship honors a student planning to enroll in an education-related major at a Pennsylvania State System school and who consistently demonstrated leadership during high school. As class valedictorian, Laney has excelled academically and as a leader during her high school tenure. She has mentored and tutored young students in an afterschool program, worked part time, and shadowed a licensed educator to learn teaching skills, all while completing her studies. She also has exhibited livestock as part of the 4-H program as well as participated in other extracurricular and community service activities. In the fall, she plans to attend Shippensburg University to pursue a degree in early childhood education with a minor in counseling, in preparation to become a teacher. In her application statement, Laney said she looked forward to having her own class of students because it would give her “more opportunities to be a positive role model and leader.” 

Register now

Register now

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a top focus in education as schools assess the potential benefits and drawbacks for students, teachers, administrators and more. PSBA Trust Institute’s Center for AI and Education Symposium, held virtually on May 9, will take a multifaceted look at AI in K-12 education and beyond. Get the information you need to help inform your district’s decisions around this groundbreaking technology. 

Agenda:

Presenter: James Scheier, PSBA Chief Innovation Officer

Presenters:

    • Jeffrey Sultanik, Esq., Partner, Fox Rothschild, LLP
    • Davelyn Smeltzer, PSBA Senior Director of Policy Services

Presenters:

  • Shaun Tomaszewski, Baldwin High School Principal, Baldwin-Whitehall School District
  • Theresa Bartholomew, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Librarian, Warrior Run School District
  • Kyle Brady, Library Media Specialist, Warrior Run School District

Presenter: Dr. Vince Humes, Director, Innovative Technology Solutions, Northwest Tri-County IU 5, representing the Consortium for School Networking

Presenter: Dr. Gerald LeTendre, HL Batschelet Chair of Educational Administration at Pennsylvania State University

Presenters:

  • Dr. Gerald LeTendre
  • James Scheier

PSBA members and information technology staff at member school entities are invited to attend at no cost.

Click here to register

Scholarships

Scholarships

The Student Leader Scholarships have been established to provide a one-time $2,500 or $5,000 scholarship to each recipient.  The scholarships recognize graduating seniors from PSBA member districts who have demonstrated ongoing leadership and meet the criteria for one of four available scholarships:

The Student Leader Scholarships have been established to provide a one-time $2,500 or $5,000 scholarship to each recipient.  The scholarships recognize graduating seniors from PSBA member districts who have demonstrated ongoing leadership and meet the criteria for one of four available scholarships:

The Frerichs Scholarship

The Frerichs Scholarship recognizes a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education. Dr. Richard Frerichs is a past president of PSBA, retired professor of education at Millersville University, recipient of the 2022 William Howard Day Award and founding chair of the PA Public Education Foundation. Recipients of the Frerichs Scholarship are planning to enroll in an education-related major at a Pennsylvania State System school and have a demonstrated track record of leadership during their high school tenure.

The Marcus Scholarship

The Marcus Scholarship recognizes a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public safety, criminology, forensics or other law-enforcement/ safety majors. Roberta M. Marcus is a past president of PSBA, longtime local school board leader, past community college chair, founding chair of the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute and recipient of the PSBA Allwein Society Award. Recipients of the Marcus Scholarship must possess a demonstrated track record of leadership during their high school tenure.

The H.H. Quimby Scholarship

The H.H. Quimby Scholarship recognizes a student that has served as a student representative to their local school board during their high school academic career. Mr. Quimby served as the first state president of PSBA in 1895. Recipients of the Quimby Scholarship must have a demonstrated track record of leadership and service during their high school tenure and plan to pursue a degree focused on policy, political science, advocacy or non-profit management.

The Swope Scholarship

The Swope Scholarship recognizes a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the arts.  Kathy Swope is a past president of PSBA, longtime local school board leader, and founding chair of the PSBA Trust and PSBA Insurance Company. Recipients of the Swope Scholarship must possess a demonstrated track record of leadership in the arts during their high school tenure.

Apply

Applications due March 15, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.

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Overall scholarship criteria

  1. The student must be enrolled in a PSBA member-district and have attended a PSBA member district high school for a minimum of three years.
  2. The applicant must be enrolled in a four-or two-year college or university upon graduation from high school.
  3. Applicants must submit an essay, cover letter, resume, unofficial high school transcript, and two letters of recommendation.
  4. A joint letter of nomination from the district superintendent and school board president must be included with the application packet.

Essay

Please include a 300- to 400-word essay discussing what it means to be a leader today and how you plan on growing your leadership skills beyond high school.

Scholarship application packet

It is your responsibility to ensure that all requirements are fulfilled by the deadline, or your application can not be considered.  All submissions are due by Friday, March 15th at 5PM.  Submissions should be sent as PDF files to scholarship@psbatrust.org.  Each award is a one-time scholarship. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

 

Questions about the scholarship process and requirements should be submitted to scholarship@psbatrust.org.

Application checklist

  • Applicant is enrolled in a PSBA-member district
  • Applicant is enrolling in a two- or four-year college or university upon graduation
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Essay
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Joint nomination letter from the school board president and district superintendent
  • Completed application form
Download application

Apply

2024 applications are now closed.

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