Newsroom

College partners with Retraining Assistance Program for Veterans

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is reminding all unemployed veterans that training assistance is available through the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). The Department of Labor will offer employment assistance to every veteran who participates in and completes the program.

The VRAP offers training assistance to veterans who:

• Are between 35 and 60 years old
• Are unemployed on the date of application
• Have an other than dishonorable discharge
• Are not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program
• Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability
• Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program

This program is limited and filling up quickly. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). The Department of Labor will offer employment assistance to every veteran who participates upon completion of the program.

Veterans may contact Pennsylvania Highlands at 814.262.6446 to speak with an admissions representative about participating. For further information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Dean’s List for Spring 2012 announced

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2012 semester.

Alexandria: Ashley Z. Miller, Teresa M. Mock

Altoona: Matthew T. Frederick, Kara J. Nixon, Krista E. Nixon

Ashville: Maria L. Novak

Bedford: Isaac A. Stiffler

Berlin: Alyssa A. Weigle

Boswell: Susan L. Heider, Clarissa J. Shaffer, Tammy L. Zeek

Canonsburg: Jonathan W. Jubin

Carrolltown: Nicole A. Eckenrode, Kristen R. Illig, Jeffrey A. Kline, Ronald A. Krumenacker

Cassville: Markie S. Whitsel

Central City: Stephanie M. Barnes, Shyla J. Collins, Heather M. Gogo, Bo W. Presto, Rosealyn Torquato

Coalport: Stephanie M. Tarr

Colver: Frank D. Brown, Travis A. Sergent, Janette Thompson

Conemaugh: Brandon M. Grove, Edna J. Livingston, Lisa A. Vasas

Cresson: Samantha A. Albarano, Abby A. Bono, Marsue R. Glenn, Kaitlin N. Harris, Katherine L. Luther, Tracy A. West

Curryville: Tara M. Sollenberger

Davidsville: Todd D. Bacon, Belinda R. Ford, Carly A. Frick, Laurel C. Harrison, Sarah L. Lloyd, Joshua R. Stine, Marisa L. Wagner

Donegal: Patricia-Joan Hager

Dunlo: Luther T. Varljen

Ebensburg: Jody M. Burkhardt, Maria C. Comisac, Megan A. Dospoy, Christopher J. Evans, Timothy R. Howard, Daniel J. Ledwich, Casey J. Little, Brian S. Riccella, Carley M. Smith

Elmora: Dennis W. Abrams, April L. Lane, Julie A. Lane

Fishertown: Christopher R. Carthew

Flinton: Trisha A. Cann

Gallitzin: Joslyn L. McAllister, Suzan Q. McMullen, Meghan G. Pike

Garret: Thomas L. Keller

Gray: Jolyn M. Gontis

Hastings: Jami L. Beltowshi, Courtney M. Dibble, Aaron W. Patterson, Kelley A. Talerico

Hesston: Christian N. Kafka, Jessica D. Reffner

Hollsopple: Mallory E. Ott, Crystal W. Palermini, Karen L. Steel

Homer City: Michelle L. Campbell

Hooversville: Dawn E. Yanosky

Jenners: Haden A. Kapitan

Jerome: Emanuel A. Coleman

Johnstown: Danielle M. Abbotts, Danielle M. Alberter, Scott J. Amity, Bobby J. Andrews, Emily J. Baker, Jacob M. Bambino, Julianne Banda, Clinton S. Belcher, Cathy M. Bergman, Naomi J. Bersamina, Kayla N. Boyer, Shanice N. Brandon, Ryan R. Browne, Leslie R. Buchan, Sarah M. Bunyea, Ashlee I. Burgo, Justin K. Burke, Tiffany J. Burnosky, Justin F. Capoueliez, Nicole E. Chaney, Murray C. Charney, Tiffany N. Chuklochak, Nicholus C. Clark, Jennifer M. Claycomb, Andrew R. Colvin, Lindsey M. Colvin, Brandon J. Cook, Heather M. Coulter, Dana M. Crosley, Caitlin J. Crowley, Amy B. Dixon, Michael P. Duffy, Clifford N. Dull, Joseph I. Ettien, Marcus L. Gaunt, Jacob A. Geisel, Andrew M. George, Gordon K. Giffin Jr., Shari L. Goodyear, Kelli M. Gowarty, Laurie M. Graham, Allison G. Griffith, Heather J. Griffith, Lindsey M. Gulmy, Christie J. Hall, Kayla M. Hardison, Majida N. Hatcher, Joshua L. A. Hearn, William B. A. Hearn, Eric M. Heims, JoAnn M. Herdman, Cortney M. Hildebrand, William J. Hill, Matthew A. Hirko, Lara J. Holdsworth, Edith M. Hubbard, Rebecca A. Huber, Raymond R. Jastrzab, Teresa B. Jerome, Lori A. Kasterko, Michael D. Kennedy, Danielle N. Kiefer, Melissa M. Korenoski, Sarah J. Kushnir, Eric P. Lesosky, Adam Lichvar, Joseph R. Lint, Jonathan R. Little, Michael S. Lovrencic, Katelin M. Macey, Kristin G. MacEwan, Latrice J. Mack, Jennifer K. Malone, Angela M. Margucci, Karen A. McAleer, Richard E. McCaulley, Bonny L. Michael, Christopher C. Miller, Daniel J. Miller, John E. Miller, Joshua W. Miller, Brenda L. Miltenberger, Michelle G. Moore, Jessica E. Nagle, Brittni L. Naugle, Jacob M. Norman, Amanda M. Oaks, Samantha L. Orlando, Astha A. Patel, Alexandra L. Patrick, Neil T. Penrod, Kelsey M. Pisarczyk, Bruce P. Pitt, Olivia M. Price, Aubrey L. Rafinski, Hope M. Raslevich, Holli A. Ream, Kelly M. Rhodes, Nicole M. Rob, Edward M. Rosbaugh, Douglas M. Rosenberger, Jeremy M. Ruiz, Sean W. Sabo, Evelyn I. E. Samuel, Matther T. Scholl, Melissa L. Sherrell, Robert J. Shook, Danielle M. Shovlin, Amanda L. Simendinger, Crystal M. Simms, Raymond D. Stockley, Susan M. Sunseri, Jonathan W. Szczur, Deanna C. Trio-Schompert, Matt Turk, Ryan M. Utnik, Brenda L. Valentine, Amy L. Valinsky, Ashley A. Varner, Josette M. Vilecco, William D. Weible, Kayla Williams, Takeisha D. Wilson, David D. Wingard, Dorthy E. Wyatt,

Lilly: Matthew T. Hoover, Carrie A. Martynuska, Jason N. Noland, Emily M. Steberger

Loretto: April L. Boback

Markelton: Gerald A. Wilson

Martinsburg: Robert L. Delvin

Mineral Point: Kayla R. Getz, Brandon K. Kolesar, Danielle L. Peruso, Tiffany M. Young

Nanty Glo: Claudia Batovich, Victoria R. Dunchuck, Amanda L. Gailey, Breanne M. Zidak

New Florence: Toni L. Heming, Danielle N. Smith

Nicktown: Joshua J. Dumm, Michael J. Manda, Michael J. Peters, Paige E. Younger

Northern Cambria: Joshua P. Demi, Kayla E. Duriez, James M. Gormish, Ryan J. Kirsch, Kristen R. Paronish, Stephanie R. Paronish

Orbisonia: Cassandra Thomas

Patton: Katelynn M. Farabaugh, Jennifer L. Halerz, Gary G. Lansberry, Nicholas J. Lansberry, Ryan J. Litzinger

Portage: Ryan F. Bednarski, Courtnie E. Eshbaugh, Jacob J. Franey, James R. Hale, Samuel D. Lamar, Zachary J. Niper, Tarynn L. Rusnak, Sarah L. Wagner

Revloc: Eden E. Lasinsky

Robinson: Lisa R. Flickinger

Rockwood: Katie M. Bowman

Rural Valley: Joseph M. Sabula

Salix: Tessa K. Barnouski, Brionna S. Corson, Haley D. Saccol

Saltillo: Andrea D. Shope

Seward: Lori L. Chesla, Ruth A. Moore

Sidman: Cassandra N. Cosgrove, Jeremy S. Horvath

Somerset: Kayla L. Barnick, Samantha R. Burk, Hannah A. Clark, Mystique M. D’Amour, Alan D. Fike, Andrea L. Raupach, Sonya K. Richards, John D. Wendel

South Fork: Chelsea N. Bassett, Krislyn N. Boyles, Mitchell J. Brewer, Kody M. Johnson, James J. Martin, Thomas L. McVicker, Kimberly R. Myers, Michelle E. Pavcik, Brooke L. Plummer, Marcy A. Vasbinder

St. Michael: Lindsey A. McKenry

Stoystown: Lee D. Brewer, Brianna J. Will

Strongstown: Audrey A. Mottin

Summerhill: Lauren E. Malesky, Brian T. Motchenbaugh, Maria A. Pasierb, Emily J. Smay

Tire Hill: Amanda R. Davis

Tyrone: Sean E. Morrissey, Christian R. Solecki

Windber: George G. Agypt, Tasha N. Barbe, Shannah D. Brutz, Sara L. Dressick, William J. Golden, Jennifer R. Heinrich, Justin M. Heinrich, Jessica L. Horvath, Shelley L. Horwitz, Richard A. Johns, Erik A. Johnson, Marianna J. Kloster-Malmed, Rachelle L. Lint, Amy K. Marsh, Donna G. Peele, Emily P. Russell, Britny N. Saver, Robert H. Seese, Michael R. Seitz, Christina M. Slifco, Carol A. Strapple, Stephanie M. Studinary, Daniel R. Valchine, Adrianne M. Varner, Rebecca L. Wargo, Monica M. Wegrzyniak, Michelle A. Wirick, Samantha L. Young

Two Students named to the All-PA Academic Team

Congratulations to Stuart Custer, of Lilly, and Dorothy Wyatt, of Johnstown, as they were named to the 2012 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team on the evening of April 2, 2012. These students, combined with students from across Pennsylvania’s other community colleges, were honored for their achievements in the classroom and for their volunteerism in their communities. And, in order to be named to the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, they must maintain a 3.5 GPA.

Stuart Custer is a scholar-athlete and on the Dean’s List at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. With a degree in General Studies from Pennsylvania Highlands, Stuart will transfer to Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Biology. In addition to being a member of the College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, he is also active in his community. Stuart volunteers at his church, organized a drive for homeless veterans, and participated in an environmental clean-up.

With a degree in Early Childhood Education from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Dorothy Wyatt plans to obtain her Master’s Degree and become an Early Childhood Educator. While at Pennsylvania Highlands, Dorothy has been on the Dean’s List for four semesters and has served as Treasurer of the College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. She also participates in a variety of other child-centered campus activities such as the Mentor Program, the Early Childhood Club, and as a tutor for a local school district. Off campus, she is a volunteer Sunday School Teacher and a bookkeeper for her church.

The All-Pennsylvania Academic Team awards program, building from the National All-USA Academic Team for two-year colleges, recognizes an exceptional group of community college students who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated a commitment to their colleges and communities. For 18 years, The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges has joined with Phi Theta Kappa to honor students who have been nominated by their colleges to the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team.

Black Bear Sprint to Success 5K Race Results

Congratulations to the participants and winners of the Black Bear Sprint to Success 5K Run/Walk held on Saturday, March 24, 2012. Below is a listing of the race results. Many thanks to our race sponsor, Wessel & Company, as well as our race supporters, East Hills Recreation Commission, Kesslak Financial Group, MedExpress, Metz Culinary Management, Somerset Trust Company, Bill & Brenda Moynihan, and all of our volunteers. We look forward to seeing you at the 2013 Black Bear Sprint to Success 5K.

Race Results

Top Three Male Runners Overall
1. Ryan Gleason, 30 – 19:10
2. Rodney Young, 24 – 19:26
3. Joshua Kalp, 33 – 21:03

Male age 14 and under
1. Tyler Curry – 23:16
2. Ben Mostoller – 30:15
3. Nate Gerko – 34:24

Male age 15 – 19
1. Quentin Freedman – 22:16
2. Ray Wilhelm III – 31:36

Male age 20 – 29
1. Elliot Sumner – 21:10
2. Korey Boyer – 23:21
3. Frank Brown – 23:31
4. Adam Maddy – 24:18
5. Justin Zimmerman – 25:38
6. Justin Michaels – 28:18
7. Jeffrey Podrasky – 28:19
8. Dana O’Sullivan – 29:36
9. Bill Reid – 29:47
10. Jeffrey Haynal – 29:57
11. Raymond Weible, Jr. – 31:14

Male age 30 – 39
1. Glenn Katrancha – 21:20
2. Brandt Hutzel – 22:05
3. Wayne Langerholc – 23:29
4. John Jacobs – 24:27
5. Cory Mennett – 26:21
6. Brian Selepack – 28:52
7. Robert Doperak – 33:07
8. Marc McClelland – 35:06

Male age 40 – 49
1. Greg Winger – 21:13
2. Vince Pavic – 21:31
3. Brian Kurpiel – 22:14
4. Paul Smiach – 22:33
5. Eric Fogle – 22:55
6. Eric Curry – 26:09
7. Dwayne Kaufman – 26:19
8. William Lash – 38:09
9. Eric Gerko – 48:26

Male age 50 – 59
1. George Hancock – 23:41
2. Richard Bizjak – 25:14
3. Joe Paros, Jr. – 26:46
4. Nick Freedman – 29:06
5. Tim Brown – 30:40
6. P.W. Gillin – 30:45
7. Roddy Felton – 32:45
8. Jeff Maul – 34:44

Male age 60 – 69
1. John Nakich – 34:35

Male age 70 and up
1. Keith Neff – 23:41

Top Three Female Runners Overall
1. Brenda Szelong, 48 – 23:04
2. Amy Burkett, 35 – 23:37
3. Tharisa Langerholc, 37 – 24:20

Female age 14 and under
1. Melanie Gerko – 48:26

Female age 15 – 19
1. Hannah Pelesky – 33:30
2. Kira Schroll – 34:46

Female age 20 – 29
1. Emily Horn – 25:55
2. Danielle Weyant – 27:16
3. Shiann McGovern – 29:12
4. Courtney Amrhein – 30:00
5. Chelsey Laurdo – 30:06
6. Nicole Borosky – 30:32
7. Kaitlyn Thiel – 32:18
8. Cara Smay – 33:34
9. Melissa Sitman – 37:01
10. Ivori Achen – 38:08
11. Nikki Babik – 41:05
12. Brittany Amrhein – 42:55
13. Adrienne Graybill – 49:07
14. Emma Mock – 49:33

Female age 30 – 39
1. Liz Katrancha – 25:01
2. Michelle Babalonis – 25:56
3. Susan Berardinelli – 27:04
4. Danielle Miller – 28:51
5. Dawn Pringle – 42:56
6. Tara Gearhart – 48:44
7. Deanna Coates – 51:47

Female age 40 – 49
1. Leanne Kurpiel – 25:22
2. Karen Kohler – 26:58
3. Susan Stepp – 27:11
4. Joyce Jackson – 35:18
5. Denise Papcunik – 47:01

Female age 50 – 59
1. Barbara Yoder – 29:21
2. Diane Felton – 32:11
3. Tina Honkus – 33:49
4. Sue Babik – 41:10

Top Three Male Walkers Overall
1. Rodger Thomas, 49 – 32:53
2. Michael Pasierb, 58 – 36:19
3. William Obert, 64 – 39:32

Male Walkers age 14 and under
1. Kaeden Errett – 1:04.34

Male Walkers age 40 – 49
1. Domenic Sunseri – 49:03

Male Walkers age 50 – 59
1. James Marlowe – 50:34

Top Three Female Walkers Overall
1. Sherry Obert, 56 – 36:33
2. Lynn Byer, 55 – 43:07
3. Stephanie Stohon, 43 – 45:19

Female Walkers age 14 and under
1. Haidec Errett, 3 – 1:04.34

Female Walkers age 20 – 29
1. April Sedei – 49:33

Female Walkers age 30 – 39
1. Angela Novak – 45:20
2. Susan Sunseri – 47:48

Female Walkers age 40 – 49
1. Sue Brugh – 50:33
2. Amanda Fisher – 54:14

Female Walkers age 50 – 59
1. Jane Marlowe – 50:33

Female Walkers age 60 – 69
1. Sharon Custer – 50:44
2. Deborah Cook – 50:44
3. Susan Babalonis – 53:49

College first in State to offer GED Test on Computer

In striving to provide more adult learners throughout the state with a high school credential, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is partnering with GED Testing Service to offer the GED test on computer. Registration, scheduling, and testing will be available beginning March 30^th.

Pennsylvania Highlands is the first in Pennsylvania to offer GED testing on the computer. Registering, scheduling and testing on computer provides a new experience for GED test-takers and continue to improve the GED testing system, which is a gateway for adults to find jobs or better paying jobs, enter workforce or college training programs, and better support themselves and their families.

Randy Trask, GED Testing Service’s president and CEO said, “Adult learners are often times juggling jobs, families, study time and transportation issues. GED testing on computer will be a significant step to make the scheduling and testing experience easier, more flexible and faster for adult learners across the state and eventually the country. We are so pleased that Pennsylvania Highlands is our partner in this important endeavor and hope that other testing centers in Pennsylvania join us in the transition to GED testing on computer.”

The GED test on computer is the same test content currently offered on paper. Its accompanying systems will provide an array of new benefits for both the testing center and GED test-takers. Some of the initial benefits include:

• An introduction of basic keyboarding and computer skills
• Enhanced test security
• Flexible testing appointments for test-takers
• Instant test scores
• One-stop online registration and scheduling

Test-takers interested in taking the test on computer at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College should go to www.GEDcomputer.com.

The implementation of GED testing on computer also has an important role to increasing accessibility and flexibility for test-takers, since a double-digit increase in the number of GED test-takers is expected by 2013. A new GED assessment is schedule to be released in Jan. 2014, and a significant number of adults who haven’t taken or passed all five content areas will want to test before their scores expire and the new assessment begins.

While testing and scheduling on computer is a significant new benefit for test-takers, GED Testing Service warns consumers there are those who will attempt to bilk unsuspecting adults out of precious dollars by creating confusion. “It is so important that consumers understand that GED testing on computer doesn’t mean the GED test is online,” said Trask. “Potential test-takers should not respond to individuals or so-called “institutions” offering an on-line GED test. The GED test – whether on paper or computer – must be taken in-person at an official GED testing center.”

For more information about GED testing on computer, please visit www.GEDtestingservice.com.