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Dean’s List For Spring 2018 Announced

The Dean’s List for the Spring 2018 semester has been released. Penn Highlands Community College is proud of these students and their accomplishments.

Acosta – Megan Kelly Coddington, Brooke Elizabeth Gary

Altoona – Jared Michael Bender, Shantell Lynette Brown, John J. Cicchitello, Bryce Julian Colabove, Derek Matthew Cursio, Michaela Nicole Detwiler, Christina Marie Evans, Adrienne Grace Ford, Diane Louise Gallagher, Joyce R. Hughes, Janice D. Jorge Matos, Casey Aaron Kreiger, Jordan Levi Luciano, Rachel M. McGeary, Rebecca M. Rago, Alexandria Margaret Ratay, Todd Raymond Rice, Jamey Joe Sleesman, Justin Ross Straesser, Annette M. Thompson, Imani Vaughn, Ebony Makayla Wilson, Joan M. Yohn

Apollo – Tucker John Insko

Ashville – Caleb Andrew Eckenrode, Mackenzie M. Sherry

Beaverdale – RaeLynn Danielle Hammond, Devon Christopher Michaels

Bedford – SaDawna Marie Eshelman, Adam Robert Vanmeter

Bellwood – Elizabeth Jayne Whaley

Belsano – Hannah M. Melius

Berlin – Bradley Lynn Airesman, Lisa Ann Ferko, MaKenzie Noelle Maust, Matthew Charles Shipley

Bigler – Dylan J. Thompson

Boalsburg – Rabia Biyik

Boswell – Emily June Kennell, Von Michael Yoder

Brackenridge – Regis Daniel Uhric

Cairnbrook – Elle Elizabeth Griffiths, Benjamin Robert Yelovich

Carrolltown – Madison Leigh Augustine, Grace Elizabeth Bertram, Calem Robert Illig, Evan Joseph Johnson, Jared Paul Shank

Central City – Robert Ralph Antesberger, Joshua Clair Bulger, Ashtyn Michel Edwards, Hannah Beth Frazier

Charleroi – Richard Lee Rifenburg

Cherry Tree – Baylee Lynn Boring, Joyce Lynne Pittman

Clearfield – William Shane Rowles, Sarah E. Snyder

Colver – Bryan Edwin Guyer, Christine Marie Janosko, Allyssa Newton Nash, Kristy Lynn Weber

Conemaugh – Angela Rose Santacroce

Cresson – Shaina Lavon Aurandt, Angela Marie Forlina, Devin Scott Selip

Davidsville – Noah John Livella, Jordan P. Miller, Jennifer C. Yoder

Dayton – Zane Nathaniel Clowser

Duncansville – Todd Andrew Beard, Aaron Logan Cook, Kylee Marrie Lonsinger, Kaitlin Darlene McKee, Lyndzi Michele Vaughn, Dylan Matthew Zeiders

Dysart – Taylor A. Hoover

Ebensburg – Brandon C. Hritz, Hunter B. Kish, Thomas Matthew Lauer, Alix Marie Llewellyn, Zachary James Mallin, Amber N. McBreen, Jeremy Andrew McBreen, Kierra J. McBreen, Nathan Lee Smith, Faith Marie Sodmont

Erie – Mark David Woods

Fairhope – Phillip Kenneth Walter

Fallentimber – Lucas James Lumadue, Jeremy M. Rinker

Flinton – Julie Anna Seech

Frederick, MD – Jordan David Fortson

Freedom – Christopher Chance Parish

Friedens – Elizabeth Marlene Reese, Ashlynn Elizabeth Thomas, Jennifer Lynn Zborovancik

Gallitzin – Sarah A. Crynock, Julie L. Gray

Hastings – Jason P. Serafin

Heilwood – Thomas J. Letso

Hollidaysburg – Michael James Cheskey, Clair Marie Rhodes

Hollsopple – Alexis Lynn Christofes, Rebecca Lynn Yoder

Homer City – Alaina M. Campbell, Anthony Joseph Corso, Brandi E. Cramer

Huntingdon – Amanda L. Hartman, Aaron Charles Snook, Morgan Mikael Snyder, Lane Matthew Wilson

Imler – Sarah Nicole Allison

Indiana – Patrick Donald Graham, Cassidy Margaret Newman, Julia Marie Paynter

Irwin – Adam Edward Polakovsky

Jeannette – Matthew Joseph Grupp

Jerome – Keith Michael Baldwin

Johnstown – Riley G. Allen, Roman A. Arcurio, Brady Jordan Bachota, Evan James Barkhimer, Taylor Alan Beneke, Aaron Trent Berger, Haley N. Bicko, Nevaeh S. Blackman, Brandon J. Blasko, Andrew Joseph Bloom, Jack Joseph Brookings, Victoria A. Brumbaugh, Candice S. Buksa, Trista Marie Busch, Bradley Joseph Casper, Mya Frances Makana Ceballos-Palmer, Nicholas Rostom Constantino, Keith Allen Cook, Cassandra N. Cosgrove, Natalie Marie Costanzo, Sabrina L. Custer, Drew L. Deffenbaugh, Emilie Marie Deffenbaugh, Tara Nicole Dill, Jennifer L. Durica, Angel S. Eisenhuth, Brittany N. Ellsworth, David Henry Felix, McKenzie Lynn Fitzpatrick, Austin J. Gibson, Nikki Shirlene Gilpatrick, Zane D. Goldstrohm, Taylor Rae Gruss, Joshua Ray Hagen, Jordyn Elizabeth Hamilton, Autumn Marie Hause, Brady William Hess, Jaydrik Darian Hinton, Benjamin Harrison Holmes, Erin Marie Hoover, Dylan Thomas Hughes, Marcayes E. Hutchins, Christian Ovidio Jaramillo, Tiffany Amber Jones, McKenna M. Kachmar, Tyler Simms Katenbrink, Sara Marie Kimmell, Susan Marie Kinsey, Miranda B. Kiser, Emily A. Knapp, Kate M. Knapp, Nakyah N. Knight, Tyler Will Kocsis, Jessica K. Krouse, Kenya S. Kurcin, Nicholas Brian Letosky, Oliver Mark Lindrose, William Eugene Livingston, Anastasia M. Machik, Emily Jane Mantini, Caitlyn J. Marlowe, Ryan C. Mastovich, Allison Rose McClain, Ashlyn N. McConnell, Chey Yvonne McKelvey-Todaro, Ashley D. Michaels, Jacob T. Miller, Kaitlynne Elizabeth Miller, Rorrie E. Miller, Selena R. Miller, Denzel A. Mobley, Nolan P. Mock, Brock T. Moore, Alecia M. Morgan, Kristopher Matthew Mulvehill, Andrew Don Ogline, Samantha Renee Orris, Theresa M. Ozeck, Morgan B. Page, Nikolas P. Papaioannou, Miranda Lynne Pastuch, Brendon Skyler Rager, Andrew Colin Rand, Logan James Reese, Alexander Eric Ritenour, Lewis Raymond Michael Rose, Seth R. Rosenbaum, William F. Roth, Matthew T. Salem, Ashley Lynn Santichen, Bret Alan Sarlouis, Madalyn N. Scaletta, Rachel Lynn Scott, Christina Michelle Shaffer, Shana Lynn Slagle, McKenzie L. Slippy, Regina Faith Smith, Samantha M. Smith, Kaleya I. Smothers, Victoria Frances Smothers, Shane Thomas Steele, Jenna E. Stevens, Anji Lynn Stewart, Kane Isaiah Stiffey, Megan Nicole Stiffler, Tyler James Streets, Geoffrey David Stumpo, Lauren Alyssa Uchaker, Brendan M. Veney, Elonyá J. Veney, Dakota Ray Vojtowicz, Kala Ann Wainwright, Christopher John Weld, Austin M. Wienand, Alicia Alynn Wolfhope, Lauren Ann Zajdel, Andrew M. Zierer

Karns City – Angelo S. Rondinelli

Ligonier – David Lee Wasil

Lilly – Victoria Anne Costlow, Matthew Anthony Stephens

Loretto – Craig Matthew Eckenrode

Mapleton Depot – Donta Alexander Christoff

Martinsburg – Samantha Jean Burket, Zachary Steven Rumberger

Meyersdale – Micah James Bender, Amanda Noelle Custer, Eliza Adeleine Darnell, Alexis Jade Day, Megan Taylor Lavin, Presley R. Yutzy

Mineral Point – Nathan S. Kaschalk, Kathleen M. Orawiec, Aaron Robert Rieg, Vanessa D. Sheehan

Morrisdale – Bethany Dawn Hunt

Mount Pleasant – Ethan Timothy Charlesworth

Mount Union – Christopher J. Dodd, Diana Marie Roher

Nanty Glo – Lauren Elizabeth Amos, Anthony Edward Cornetti, Tashia Marie Hartman, Michael James Kivisto, Erika Elyse Law, Nathanael W. Sell, Brendon A. Smith, Kimberli Ann Weirauch

New Florence – Amber M. Boring

Normalville – Joel Kevin Berger

Northern Cambria – Seth Michael Charney, Quinn Sherwood Earnest, Chase Patrick Hill, Jordan G. Hill, John R. McBee II, Bradley C. McMullen, Linda Evelyn Seibert, Autumn Angel Wise

Orbisonia – Shea Raymond Berrier

Osceola Mills – Savannah Rose Patterson

Patton – Heather Renee Dietrick, Morgan Olivia Maslonik, Matthew John Milanesi, Jarred Andrew Reed, Devin Michael Shaner

Penn Run – Lauren G. Dumm, Seth E. Fyock, Bailey L. Orr, Justice E. Ratay, Alexandera Noel Ringler, Abagail Marie Sleppy

Petersburg – Tara Mae Sheetz

Philipsburg – William Thomas Foreman

Portage – Alex M. Bisaha, Lauren Nicole Deetscreek, Jacob Nathaniel Eichelberger, Allison L. Jones, Brooke L. Kennedy-Brecht, Steven D. Panick, Hannah Jean Shaffer, Karla Marie Troxel

Roaring Spring – Sarah Beth Kuntz, Thaddeus Bruce Willey

Robinson – Hannah D. Detwiler

Rockwood – Augusta Margaret Hay, Jacqlyn A. Knox, Jessica L. Knox

Saint Benedict – Cheyenne Marie Hayes, Bryan M. Shaffer, Elizabeth Anne Shaffer

Saint Boniface – Justin Wayne Thomas

Saint Marys – Joshua William Gleixner

Saxton – Gregory Thomas Lynn

Seward – Emily Kathleen Kemler, Laci Kaitlin Stone

Shade Gap – Jennifer Lynn Kreider

Sidman – Barbara Jeanne Fye, Mikala L. Hamara, McKenna Dawn McMasters, Danielle C. Mickus

Somerset – Jordan Lee Beistel, Justin Lee Chabol, Allison May Lane, Travis Stankan, Daniel Prescott Weaver, Cory Lynn Weicht, Matthew Lee Willison

South Fork – Madison Paige Brewer, Lakin Elaine Burkett, Misty Rose Custer, Megan Vivian Facciani, Crystal L. Fyock, Erin Christine Hof, Cameron Daniel Neuts

Stoystown – Lynne Nicole Brewer, Joseph James Nemchik

Strongstown – MaKenna J. Tinsman

Summerhill – Dana Danielle Bodenschatz, Kirsten Grace Foor, Alicia M. Gaunt, Edana Helene Glessner, Joshua David Gould, Maria Rose Lewis

Three Springs – Catherine Grace Anderson

Tire Hill – Kevin W. Clement

Twin Rocks – Tyler Ryan Hegedus

Tyrone – Brittany Allison Harris, Matthew David Laird, Joseph John Noel, Stevie Marie Pennington, Tiffany Marie Shearer, Jon Dennis Vandevander

Valencia – John Alex Cicconi

Vintondale – Lilac D. Brown, MaKayla D. Fertick, Tiffaney Jade Smith

Westover – Aaron Michael Bakaysa, Rachel Lyn Bakaysa

Williamsburg – Noah Daniel Detwiler, Xavier Ryan Maslowski, Teryl Austin Rice

Windber – Rebecca Blough, Timothy A. Borish, Madison Brooke Crum, Justin Michael Gates, Savanna Joy Kestermont, Andrew M. Mattis, Conor Duane Nitka, Hunter S. Thomas, Trevon Antonio Wallace, Sha’lee Meriem Watters, Jennifer M. Young

New Simulation Lab Benefits Student Experience In Healthcare Programs

Healthcare faculty and their students are celebrating an addition to their learning experience with a brand new simulation lab. This lab will benefit students in various current and forthcoming healthcare programs at Penn Highlands Community College, including Medical Assisting Technology and Pharmacy Technician.

A simulation lab replicates many healthcare environments such as a doctor’s office. Simulations done through this lab will allow students to role-play and act out situations they may encounter in the healthcare industry.

The new lab at Penn Highlands consists of many essential supplies and equipment. This includes EKG machines, venipuncture training arms, vital signs equipment, a pulmonary function monitor, infant mannequins and scales, a surgical skills trainer kit, infection control supplies and personal protective equipment, respiratory supplies, assistive devices (wheelchair, crutches, walker, cane), and so much more.

Students will be able to practice and perfect their skills in a safe and controlled environment. The simulation lab will help students learn to avoid medication errors, develop critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills, promote effective communication, and encourage teamwork.

“Our Medical Assisting students have waited patiently for this wonderful opportunity, and we are very grateful for the generosity of those that have contributed to the enhancement of our students’ learning experience,” stated Tammy Calpin, Assistant Professor of Medical Assisting Technology and Practicum Coordinator at Penn Highlands.

Fellow faculty member Gaynelle Schmieder, Associate Professor of Health Care Professions and Health Sciences Department Chair, shared her excitement for the college’s addition.

“This new Health Sciences simulation lab will have a positive impact on technological advancements in learning for years to come,” said Schmieder. “I’m so excited because of the impact it will have for both our current and future students.”

The Lee Initiatives Grant provided partial funding for the simulation lab. Currently, the Richland Campus is the only college facility to house a simulation lab, but plans are in the works to bring a similar simulation lab to the Penn Highlands Blair Center in the near future.

Faculty, staff, and students unveiling the new simulation lab at the Penn Highlands Richland Campus.

Media Production Students Honored With Top Prize In Statewide Film Competition

Media production students from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College took home first place in a statewide film competition that included entries from independent filmmakers and school groups throughout the state. This competition, held and judged by the Greater Erie Film Office, looked at creativity and innovation, cinematography, acting, sound design, and editing within each film.

The “Secret in the Pines” film takes place at an orphanage in the 1930s and 1950s. It involves a young woman who returns to the orphanage to confront the administrator that abused her as a child.

The short film was a project for the MPR 250 Video Production course at Penn Highlands. It was honored with the award at the recent Film and New Media Dinner Party held in Erie, PA. This project was based off an award-winning screenplay written by Heidi Dugan and Stella Rugiero, both from Erie County, PA.

Students involved in the production include Timothy Borish (director), Joseph Castania (camera), Katelyn Carnell (audio and camera), Nick Letosky (music and planning), Mark Harkcom (make-up), and Ryan Stout (make-up). Students participating as actors included Andrea DiSalvo, Aaron Capouellez, Jennifer Yoder, Del Broughton, Autumn Hause, and Jordan Stanko.

“This is the college’s third year entering the competition,” stated Rick Bukoski, Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies. “The first year we won third place, and the second year we won second place. On this third try, we won first place. We felt we were on a good trend and were very pleased with this entry. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to be involved in creating a film from screenplay to final product in about a month’s time.”

Bukoski discussed how it was especially challenging to create a film involving several young children who played orphans at an orphanage, but the students were up to the challenge.

Beginning this fall semester, a new group of media production students will be involved in the statewide film competition.

Videographer Joseph Castania gets ready for a shot.

Timothy Borish (left), Katelyn Carnell and Joseph Castania film Andrea DeSalvo in a scene from The Secret In The Pines.

Cameraman Joseph Castania (left) and audio operator Katelyn Carnell (right) test a scene with actor Aaron Capouellez.

Director Timothy Borish operates a drone for some overhead shots.

MPR Students accept award at event.

Twenty-Third Graduating Class To Be Honored At Commencement Ceremony

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be holding a Commencement Ceremony for their Twenty-Third Graduating Class on Saturday, May 12th, in their Richland Campus Auditorium. The Ceremony will begin at 10:00am.

Student Senate President Kane Stiffey, of Johnstown, will be giving this year’s commencement address. Mr. Stiffey will obtain two degrees during the ceremony, an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences and an Associate of Science in Business Administration. He has been very active during his time at Pennsylvania Highlands as both a College Student Trustee and the Student Senate President.

Kane Stiffey will share his story to over 250 graduates who are planning to be in attendance. Also addressing the graduates will be Penn Highlands Community College President Dr. Walter Asonevich, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Greg Winger, Cambria County President Commissioner Thomas Chernisky, and Faculty Senate President Yvette Madison.

In addition to awarding associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the ceremony, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will also present the Distinguished Graduate Award, which honors a student who has contributed his or her time and effort to Pennsylvania Highlands and the community while maintaining a high level of academic performance.

For those unable to attend the event, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be streaming the event live via the college’s Facebook account. Click here to access.

Please join us in congratulating our Twenty-Third Graduating Class!

Marketing & Communications Team Honored With National Award

The Marketing and Communications team at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College recently earned national recognition for its efforts in marketing through video production.

The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) awarded Penn Highlands Community College a silver Paragon Award in the Video Shorts category, which included promotional or marketing videos less than two minutes in duration. Penn Highlands received this coveted, national honor among two-year colleges at NCMPR’s annual awards event recently held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The video short that received this honor highlighted the story of Sadie Carney, a Penn Highlands graduate and aspiring doctor. Click here to see her journey and watch the award-winning video.

“To be recognized nationally for the work we do in promoting Penn Highlands is a tremendous honor,” stated Raymond Weible, Jr., Director of Marketing and Communications at Penn Highlands Community College. “This award, along with those we earned at the regional level, shows the commitment and effort put forth on a daily basis to highlight the college as a premier institution in western Pennsylvania.”

The department has earned eight regional awards since 2015. This is its first national award.

The Paragon Awards presented by NCMPR recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at community and technical colleges. This national competition is the only one of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and PR professionals at two-year colleges.

Marketing & Communications at Penn Highlands Community College consists of three team members: Raymond Weible, Jr., Director of Marketing and Communications; Sean McCool, Creative Services and Marketing Specialist; and Andrew Podolak, Marketing and Communications Assistant.

Penn Highlands collaborated with Wade James of Adliv Collective during the production of the video that garnered this achievement. Adliv Collective provides professional photography and videography services in Johnstown, PA.

NCMPR is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges. They are one of the fastest-growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, representing more than 1,550 members from over 650 colleges across the United States, Canada, and other countries. The organization consists of seven (7) districts, with Penn Highlands being a member of District 1.

About NCMPR
The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations is a professional organization for individuals involved in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior, and technical colleges. NCMPR provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves, and recognizes professional excellence. For more information, visit www.ncmpr.org.