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Puttapalooza Fundraiser Scheduled For March 28

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation will hold this year’s annual Puttapalooza event on Friday, March 28, at the College’s Richland Campus. 

This will be the 13th rendition of the Foundation’s annual mini golf event, which raises money for the Supporting Scholars Fund and directly aids students with scholarship opportunities at Penn Highlands Community College. 

The event has raised more than $125,000 since its inception, averaging around $10,000 per year. In 2024, Puttapalooza raised over $8,000 for the Supporting Scholars Fund. 

“Puttapalooza has become a community favorite,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “It is a testament to the power of community and fun coming together for a meaningful cause. By joining us, you’re not only enjoying a great evening of mini golf, but also directly supporting our students.” 

Puttapalooza will feature 18 uniquely designed mini golf holes spread throughout the Richland Campus, along with food, a 50/50 drawing, and a raffle with prizes including a sound bar, Brit Floyd tickets, an Igloo ice chest, and more. 

As a part of the College’s 30th anniversary, the event will feature appetizers and a dinner for attendees. Somerset Trust Company is serving as the headline sponsor. 

Click here to visit the Puttapalooza webpage for details and to register.

Bowling Team Earns Multiple Championship Honors At Conference Tournament

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Men’s Bowling Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) Tournament on Friday, earning three championship honors at this annual event.

The Black Bears claimed the Men’s Team Championship for the first time in school history, defeating runner-up Westmoreland County Community College by 516 pins.

Freshman Brice Clinger (Altoona, PA) and sophomore Brady Huss (Johnstown, PA) paired up to win the Men’s Doubles Championship with a combined 1,290 pin total over six games. The Black Bears claimed victory in the Men’s Doubles event for the second time, marking their first win since 2016.

“That was definitely the best we’ve bowled as a team,” Huss stated. “I’m proud of how we did in the event. Every honor we received was well-deserved. Hopefully, we can build on our mistakes and continue this momentum over the next couple weeks.”

Individually, Clinger was Male All-Events Champion after scoring 1,975 pins in nine games. He was the third Black Bear to accomplish this feat, with teammate Huss grabbing the honor last year.

“It’s great to see all of the practice and hard work coming to fruition,” Clinger stated. “It’s definitely what you work for. We have a very talented group of guys that know what we’re trying to accomplish, and that’s to make a run at the national tournament.”

Freshman Luke Collins (Baltimore, MD) finished runner-up in the Men’s Singles event. Collins scored 708 pins over three games to earn second place behind Community College of Allegheny County’s Jason Triscila (747).

Clinger and Huss were given All-Conference honors for the 2025 season. Clinger, Huss, and Collins were all named to the All-Tournament Team.

Penn Highlands head coach Mike Lucas was also presented with the WPCC Coach of the Year Award, his third in nine seasons at the helm of the Black Bears.

“It’s an honor to receive the recognition,” Lucas stated. “It’s a credit to the team. I’ve never had a group that works so well together and supports each other so much. We have a great amount of talent, and we want to make some noise in the next two tournaments.”

The Black Bears will compete in the Region 20 Tournament on Friday, February 14, at Main Bowling Center in Greensburg, PA.

Click here for more information on bowling at Penn Highlands Community College.

Members of the 2025 Black Bears Bowling Team after the WPCC Tournament. Pictured left to right: Luke Collins, Brice Clinger, Brady Huss, Mike Lucas (Head Coach), Garrett Berkheimer, Gabby Riffle, and Jeff Saylor.

Brice Clinger (left) and Brady Huss (right) with their hardware from the 2025 WPCC Tournament, after the 2025 WPCC Tournament.

Luke Collins with his hardware from the 2025 WPCC Tournament, after the 2025 WPCC Tournament.

Head Coach Mike Lucas with his Coach of the Year award after the 2025 WPCC Tournament.

Police Academy Continues Growth And Success In Its Third Year

Now in its third year, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Police Academy has showcased numerous strengths and continues to evolve, with further upgrades planned in the months ahead.

Cregg Dibert stepped into the role of Director after Dennis Miller’s retirement in 2024. Backed by 14 years of law enforcement experience and 15 years in education, Dibert is poised to build on the Academy’s esteemed reputation and lead it into a new chapter of excellence.

Since Penn Highlands took control of the Police Academy, 18 of 19 cadets were employed by police departments upon graduation, good for a 95 percent placement rate.

“It shows the impact the Police Academy is already having on the area,” Dibert stated. “We’re aiming to continue filling more vacancies in law enforcement. With us being a Community College, this is one of the most important things we do, by providing services to the community and making a direct impact.”

Director Cregg Dibert, Assistant Directors Cory Fairman and Kevin Gaudlip, and five instructors hailing from police departments around the Laurel Highlands are currently training the Police Academy’s third class, consisting of six cadets, ahead of their graduation in September.

Overall, the instructors at the Police Academy bring a wealth of experience, with a collective 209 years in law enforcement and 138 years dedicated to training the next generation of officers.

Cadets undergo 919 hours of instruction over 11 months, with 498 hours within a classroom and 421 hours of practical, hands-on training. To graduate, the cadets must pass 26 tests and complete eight real-life scenarios.

Academy officials are currently in the process of acquiring more updated equipment to enhance the curriculum, including headgear, boxing gloves, training weapons, and other safety equipment.

The Police Academy will expand its use of the state-of-the-art Use of Force Simulator, which features over 800 realistic scenarios of varying complexity. This advanced training tool is designed to equip cadets with practical experience and prepare them for real-world situations they may encounter on the job.

“We’re doing our best to enhance the many learning opportunities our cadets will have in the Academy,” Fairman stated. “How we present the information is up to the instructor, but we encourage them to see how they can make it more interesting and try to find as many creative ways as possible to engage the cadets in the activities.”

The Academy is currently accepting applications for its fourth class, which begins in September.

For more information, click here. 

Children’s Literacy Night Set For March

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the Caring for Cubs Education Club are hosting the third annual Children’s Literacy Night on Thursday, March 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the College’s Richland Campus.

Children’s Literacy Night is a free event open to all children from birth to age eight. Designed to foster literacy skills and promote a love for reading, this special evening offers a valuable opportunity to support academic development and introduce young learners to the world of literature.

During the event, current Early Childhood Education and Education students will supervise children at various literacy stations. Every literacy station will offer a hands-on activity that suits the children’s developmental stage, encouraging active engagement. Each station will last approximately 10 minutes, ensuring optimal learning and enjoyment.

The tentative schedule for Literacy Night is as follows:

5:15 to 5:30 PM – Registration & Check-in
5:30 to 7:00 PM – Literary Rotations
7:00 to 7:30 PM – Pizza & Drinks

“As an educator with a deep passion for teaching literacy, I am thrilled to host this event for a third year in a row,” stated Morgan Dugan, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education. “At our gathering, we will explore the transformative power of literacy and how it can be applied to real-life experiences. I am excited to share how my students are not only learning in the classroom but also applying their newfound knowledge to make a tangible impact in their lives and communities.”

All parents or guardians must attend the event with their child.

Children’s Literacy Night is sponsored by the Penn Highlands Community College Caring for Cubs Education Club, Keystone State Literacy Association (KSLA), YMCA, Beginnings, Inc., Cambria County Library, United Way of Southern Alleghenies, Junior Achievement, and The Learning Lamp.

Click here to learn more and register. 

Jake Oglesby Named NJCAA Division III Player Of The Week

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has named Pennsylvania Highlands freshman Jake Oglesby the Division III Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for January 22-28.

Jake Oglesby

Oglesby (Melbourne, Florida) averaged 24.3 points per game while shooting 63 percent from the floor in three contests during the week, as the Black Bears posted a perfect 3-0 record.

In a win over Point Park Developmental Team on January 23, Oglesby tallied 47 points, breaking the school record previously held by Joziah Wyatt-Taylor (46). He also set a new school mark by making 13 three-point field goals in a game.

“It’s a great feeling to get this award,” Oglesby stated. “With all the time I’ve spent in the gym, to see it pay off means a lot. I’m thankful for my teammates for being supportive, and I hope we can keep winning games.”

Oglesby became the fifth men’s basketball player in school history to earn a National Player of the Week honor, joining Joziah Wyatt-Taylor, Tim Biakapia, Matt Forbes, and Delonte Fennell.

“We are proud of Jake for earning this honor,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities & Athletics. “I haven’t seen many kids work harder than him. He’s always in the gym improving. He brings great pride to those who have worn the Black Bear uniform before him.”

Through 23 games, Oglesby has averaged 8.8 points per game on 43 percent shooting, including 34 percent on three-pointers.