2026 Scholarship Winners:
Carly Monhemius and Julian Silecky
It has been 23 years this past February since we lost Rachel and we are keeping her love of education alive. With “YOUR” help and support we have continued to award scholarships to graduating Special Education students at Seneca Valley High School, where Rachel was a Special Education teacher.
The Review Committee met in April and interview the applicants. We want to thank our Review Committee, Dr. Matthew McKinley, Retired Assistant Superintendent, Catherine Smolter, Learning Support Teacher Special Education, and Derek Librecht, Family Member for taking the time and assisting with the interviewing process.
We are very excited to inform you that this year we have awarded two scholarships.
In May of 2026, at Awards Night at Seneca Valley High School, Joanne Librecht and Devin Kamp, Rachel’s Nephew and Joanne’s grandson, awarded scholarships to Carly Monhemius and Julian Silecky. Both seniors are hard-working and self-motivated. They have accomplished so much throughout their high school years, and we are confident that their college years will help them to become successful adults.
Rachel would be very proud of both of you for “Following Your Dreams.”
In May of 2026, we awarded a scholarship to Carly Monhemius, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Carly is the daughter of Daniel and Rebecca Monhemius of Cranberry Twp. Carly has not let any obstacles define her or stop her from learning and growing. Her teachers say that she has challenged herself by taking difficult courses including classes such as AP Computer Science Principles, CHS Child Development, CHS Financial Accounting, Honors Pre-Calc Trig, and Honors History. Carly has worked on stage crew for the school musical, volunteers at the local library, and is active in her church. She is a member of a leadership group, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America at school. Carly loves horseback riding, swimming, crocheting and baking with her mom. Carly is planning on attending Slippery Rock University. Carly said, “I truly enjoy learning new things and doing everything to the best of my ability.” and “I am looking forward to attending Slippery Rock University to further my education to be able to make a positive impact on people.” Her family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of her. We wish Carly all the best at Slippery Rock University and with her future career.
In May of 2026, we awarded a scholarship to Julian Silecky, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Julian is the son of Taras and Chrystyna Silecky of Cranberry Twp. Julian strives to live up to his potential to the fullest. He has taken Honors and College courses since he began high school. Julian teachers say he pushes beyond expectations that others may place on him, setting goals that reflect both confidence and perseverance. His dedication to his studies is evident in his outstanding academic performance. Julian has won SV Academic Decathlon gold medals in science, social science, and multiple medals in music, art, literature and interview essay. Julian does SAT Peer Tutoring and is certified to tutor calculus, U.S. and world history. He is a member of the SVHS Chess Club, being the Treasurer and President for (2) years, a member of the SV Concert Choir and the Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. Julian is working towards Eagle Scout in Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization. Julian is planning on attending the University of Pittsburgh. Julian said, “This scholarship will allow me to pursue my passion for psychiatry, so that I may give back to my community by helping others as a psychiatrist.” His family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of her. We wish Julian all the best at University of Pittsburgh and with his future career.