Each year PAHRA awards scholarships to encourage higher education, develop self-sufficiency, and increase self-esteem for those served by our members. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors as well as adults pursuing higher education or technical careers.
Read on to learn more about the deserving recipients of PAHRA’s 39th annual scholarship awards. These six inspiring individuals
truly exemplify the motivation and effort required to accomplish goals and achieve success.
Asia is a single mom to 6 children, 4 of whom she still home-schools. She admits that “prioritizing my children’s well-being and schooling and working part-time was extremely hard.” But she has risen to the challenge by earning her Associate of Arts degree from Erie County Community College, where she was named to the Dean’s List and President’s List, in preparation for the ongoing pursuit of her Bachelor’s degree in either Biblical Counseling or Psychology at Lancaster Bible College.
Asia encouraged three of her teenage sons’ entrepreneurial spirit and assisted them in establishing a business, Pierre Books, LLC, where she serves as media and marketing manager. Having faced multiple traumas in her life, she refuses to let those hardships and struggles keep her from achieving her goals. She defines success as “knowing and accepting
God’s purpose, will, and plan for your life, which gives you courage to face challenges and barriers that may arise.” Upon earning her degree, she aspires to provide others with access to. healthy and wholesome resources that teach parents how to build and lead their family.
Ms. Johnson is a Family Self-Sufficiency participant pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, having laid the foundation for this career through training as a medical assistant, phlebotomist, and medication technician. She is currently employed as a medical technician and direct care worker, but still finds time to volunteer at the Southside Warming Center for the homeless, providing shelter, warm meals, and clothing.
As a mother of 8, Lisa believes that “post-high school education is the most powerful tool I have to change the trajectory of my family’s life.” Lisa states that joining the Family Self-Sufficiency Program shifted her mindset, teaching her a level of time management, resilience, and discipline that can’t be learned in a classroom. She looks forward to earning a new level of independence through her education and states that this scholarship helps to serve as “the final piece of the puzzle in the transition from public housing to a lifelong career in service to others.”
Kayla is studying for her degree in Social Work at Kutztown University, where she was selected as a Presidential Scholar. While maintaining a focus on academics, Kayla also plays Kutztown Women’s Rugby and serves as Sustainability Chair of Student Hall Council. Her high school National Technical Honor Society Advisor states that “Kayla displays a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition – demonstrating outstanding leadership and a clear sense of purpose and open-mindedness while garnering the respect and confidentiality of her peers.”
Pursuing a career in social work is Kayla’s way of giving back to those social workers who advocated for her through difficult times and stressful situations in her own youth. She too would like to help children and families in need and be their voice, while advocating for their rights.
Special recognition to Mercer County Housing Authority (MCHA), which has committed to an annual contribution of $1,000 to the scholarship fund in honor of L. DeWitt Boosel, a former PAHRA President, who was employed by MCHA for 39 years, 17 of which he served as Executive Director. We truly appreciate your generous contribution.
A first-generation college student, Ingrid will be pursuing a degree in secondary mathematics education at Thiel College, where she has been selected to receive a Thiel College Merit Scholarship. While working two part-time jobs to ease the financial burden of college costs from her parents, Ingrid was a four-year Academic Achievement Award winner throughout high school, where she played basketball for four years and also assisted with financial aid night at school, as well as the Community Santa Program. She is described by Sharpsville Area School District Guidance Counselor as a “hard-working student who consistently demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and outstanding character.” Ingrid is proud that being bilingual will enable her to “become a secondary teacher who educates and inspires not only English speaking students, but also bilingual and Spanish speaking students.” In this way, she aspires to become the best version of herself and a role model for her community.
A senior at Mercyhurst Preparatory School, where she received a full merit scholarship, Samira earned First Honors in grades 9-12, with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. She also participated in National Honor Society, Student Government, the Student Advisory Board, Speech and Debate, French Club, Model United Nations, and cheerleading. Her community service includes volunteering at the Erie VA Medical Center, Erie Children’s Museum, and the Anna Shelter, as well as the Student Conservation Association and tutoring for refugees at a local mosque.
In addition, Samira is taking dual enrollment courses at Mercyhurst University. She hopes to become a lawyer, with a goal of being a United Nations diplomat to help people internationally. Her school counselor describes Samira as a “dedicated, determined, intelligent, and compassionate young woman” who consistently challenges herself.
Upon graduation from Tunkahannock Area High School, Christian plans to attend Millersville University to major in Social Studies Education – Government and Political Affairs. Balancing academics, athletics, and the arts, Christian participated in volleyball, volunteered as assistant coach for the junior high volleyball team, and was team manager for the girl’s volleyball team. He also was active in school theater and served as President of FCCLA, while working part-time at a local restaurant. Christian is also active in civic and community activities, which include volunteering at Bridgewater Church, and the Wyoming County Democrats office, and serving as a representative on the Youth Advisory Board of PA, advocating for youth in foster care.
School officials state that Christian has “overcome challenges with resilience and maturity” and that he is “determined to use his story to make a difference for others”, not dwelling on the obstacles he has faced, instead he looks for ways to help others overcome their own.
