2024 Scholarship Winners:
Jillian Weiss and Miles Bowman
It has been 21 years this past February since we lost Rachel and we are still 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, 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 2024, we awarded scholarships to Jillian Weiss and Miles Bowman. Both of these 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 2024, we awarded a scholarship to Jillian Weiss, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Jillian is the daughter of Erin and Jarrod Weiss of Cranberry Twp. Jillian is planning on attending Penn West Edinboro to major in Studio Arts with a concentration in illustration. Jillian has grown as a student, leader, companion, and supporter of special needs students. Jillian writes for the school newspaper and is a member of the Art Club. Jillian wants to open an art studio with a focus on accommodating people with disabilities and mental health. Putting her art out into the world is her dream and she wants her art to spread awareness. Jillian has been Gender and Sexuality Advocacy Club President for the past two years. Jillian said, “There is never a substitute for hard work and determination.” Also she said “I will not stop challenging myself because there’s always room to grow.” Her family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of her. We wish Jillian all the best at Penn West Edinboro and with her future career.
In May of 2024, we awarded a scholarship to Miles Bowman, a graduating Special Education student at Seneca Valley High School. Miles is the son of Diana and Scott Bowman of Cranberry Twp. Miles is planning on attending Butler County Community College to majoring in Health Science. Miles has grown as a student, leader, companion, and a team player. He is a member of the SV Baseball Team, Cranberry Baseball Association’s youth team, volunteered at the Northside Back Pack Fall Jam. Miles was nominated by his peers to the 2023 / 2024 Homecoming Court which he was then voted as this year’s Home Coming King. Miles went to all the sporting events at Seneca Valley both home and away games to cheer on his friends. He also volunteered at SV Baseball camps. Miles said, “It is very important to me and an honor that I support my fellow classmates and all Seneca Valley Athletes that are representing our school and the community.“ Also, he said “I can’t wait to start college.” His family, teachers, and mentors are very proud of him. We wish Miles all the best at Butler County Community College and with his future career.