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Dean’s List for Spring 2017 announced

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2017 semester.

Acosta: Niki Lynn Zerfoss

Altoona: Rachel Lynn Blackburn, Shantell Lynette Brown, John J. Cicchitello, Benjamin David Coldwell,Lillian B. Faison, Adrienne Grace Ford, Nathalia M. Harchak, Alissa Nicole Ingram, Casey Aaron Kreiger, Kylee Marrie Lonsinger, Mikayla Marie Merritt, Nicholas Trevor Ransom, Midah Shahid, Zunaria Shahid, Justin Ross Straesser, Annette M. Thompson, Hannah Kate Wray

Alum Bank: Sarah M. Gardner, Larry E. Sarver

Apollo: Tucker John Insko

Armagh: Thomas M. Bracken, David E. Brendlinger

Athens: Derek Duane Horton

Beaverdale: Kaitlyn Emanuelle Alley

Bedford: Adam Robert Vanmeter

Bellwood: Amy Jo Vaughn

Berlin: Bethany Marie Blubaugh, Tyler James Gindlesperger

Blairsville: Alyssa Marie Debnar

Boswell: Cassandra Marie Brocht, Hunter Matthew Connor, Sierra Mckenn Eagleson, Hanna E. Mesaros, Stephen Allen Mort, Scott Jeffrey Sutton, Melanie Renae Washabaugh

Butler: Tyler Curtis Lemmon

Cairnbrook: Trista Marie Busch

Carrolltown: Michael J. Gmitter, Calem Robert Illig, Evan Joseph Johnson, Matthew Robin Ramsdell, Michael Cyril Shuss, Amanda Kay Stossel, Nicholas Adam Veneskey

Central City: Michael Anthony Contrillo

Chambersburg: Zachary Filer Garnes

Cherry Tree: Brenda K. Smith

Claysburg: Gregory Michael Beiro, Zachary Kyle Cox

Clearfield: Kylee B. Mitchell, Wyatt D. Porter, William Shane Rowles, Sarah E. Snyder, Jena M. Soult, Ashley R. Struble

Colver: Bryan Edwin Guyer, Lyndon Joseph Saylor, Kristy Lynn Weber

Conneaut: Mark David Woods

Cresson: Shaina Lavon Aurandt, Anastasia Elizabeth Clapper, Christopher James Soisson, Hannah Marie Szpala

Davidsville: Marisa Lynne Wagner

Dayton: Zane Nathaniel Clowser

Duncansville: James Franklin Figart, Janelle N. Meadows, Ryder Jadon Pero

East Freedom: Catherine Anne Milillo

Ebensburg: Kimberly L. Chappell, Scott Edward Holsinger, Laurie J. Horn, Cody Francis Mack, Bailie Ann Rhoades, Jessica Lynn Shaffer, Nathan Lee Smith, Heath Francis Wirfel

Everett: Justin William Mearkle

Flinton: Anthony Joseph Barnhart, Megan Kimberly Bickford

Frenchville: Thad Edward Butler

Friedens: Samantha Elaine McKenzie, Miranda Lynne Pastuch

Gallitzin: Sarah A. Proudfit

Gray: Kaitlin D. Sivits

Greensburg: Cole Joseph Frederick

Hastings: Dylan Robert Maurer, Elizabeth Rose Schweiger, Amanda Jane Urgolites

Hollsopple: Alexis Lynn Christofes, Makayla Grace Coughenour, Kylee L. Doyle, Zachary Nicholas Dull, Kristopher G. Hogue, Aaron Nicholas Szapka, Desiree M. Toth

Homer City: Cheyane Marie Hillan

Houtzdale: Megan Elizabeth Patterson

Huntingdon: Shelli Renee Jones-Duffy, Morgan Mikael Snyder

Indiana: Brandi E. Bell, Patrick Donald Graham

Jerome: Leigh Conrad Deist

Johnstown: Alexis Renee Albert, Mary K. Angus, Misty Marie Ashcom, Gabrielle Zoe Belz, Charis Yvonne Biancuzzo, Amanda R. Bosely, Danielle P. Boyer, Jack Joseph Brookings, Gabrielle Elizabeth Buck, DeAnna Mae Burkett, Laura Marie Campagna, Sadie Danielle Carney, Daniel G. Carter, Mya Frances Makana Ceballos-Palmer, Megan B. Cohn, Kaitlen-Marie N. Cooper, Natalie Marie Costanzo, Jenna Nicole Danchanko, Jamie M. Dolinsky, Erin Michele Dubnansky, Theodore Emerson Dunagan, Jessica Jean Eash, Shelby Alanna Edwards, Amaiah L. Ellis, Kayla Christine Eppley, McKenzie Lynn Fitzpatrick, Martina B. Flanagan, John Haynes Follansbee, Anthony J. Furfari, Megan Ashley Graham, Jacob Ryan Green, Jordyn Elizabeth Hamilton, Autumn Marie Hause, Cassandra Sue Helsel, Evan J. Heming, Tanaya Alexandria Hinton, Zachary Michael Hoover, Holly Ann Hostetler, Christian Ovidio Jaramillo, Chante Johnson, Breona Lynn Keirn, Sara Marie Kimmell, Rachel S. King, Cynthia Marie Kist, Phillip Dominick Kniss, Jonathan David Kramer, Alexis Marie LaBuda, Nicholas Brian Letosky, Kayla R. Leventry, William Eugene Livingston, Alexander R. Lopez, Jaimee E. Maluchnik, Lana Evgenevna Maniakhina, Maria E. Manon, Desarae Brooke Margucci, Regina Marie Mcminn Sida, Ashley D. Michaels, Alexander J. Middleton, Ashley Nicole Miller, Katelyn Dawn Miller, Selena R. Miller, Alecia M. Morgan, Arlaya L. Morris, Sheila Ann Myers, Jacob R. Nemeth, Krista Nicole Neuner, Christopher L. Norman, Andrew Don Ogline, Lauren Madison Olshewsky, Lindsay Marissa Olshewsky, Callie A.J. Olvera, Michael David Pellow, Cassidy Rose Polacek, Seth David Pratt, Aaliyah N. Pridgen, Joseph William Prouse, Seth Thomas Reese, Divine I. Rivera, Lewis Raymond Michael Rose, Noah John Sakmar, Melissa Marie Salerno, Joshua S. Scaletta, Katie Abigail Shaffer, Noah Scott Shorto, Heather Renee Shroyer, Ryan S. Slanoc, Misty A. Smothers, Alana Somerville, Kane Isaiah Stiffey, Geoffrey David Stumpo, Logan Christopher Subich, Elizabeth Marie Swanberg, Ruth J. Velazquez-Torres, Brad E. Vermileon, Philip John Vizza, Cheyann J. Warner, Erin Marie Weyant, Ethan A. Wingard, Emily V. Wood, Courtney E. Yoder, Wen Jing You

Knox: Michael Eugene Ritchey

Ligonier: Cheyenne Laurel Stouffer

Loretto: Mark David Eckenrode

Meyersdale: Johnathan James Chaney, Timothy James Garlitz, Ben Martin Helinski, Danielle Leigh Hetrick, Tammy Lee Hetrick

Mineral Point: Daren Von Ashurst

Mount Pleasant: Ethan Timothy Charlesworth, Patrick Robert Heskey

Mount Union: Kevin Eugene Harris, Candy Nan Jordan

Nanty Glo: Ashley Lynn DeSalvo, Taylor Nichol Frederick, Michael James Kivisto, Ethan John Marines, William Blake Ray, Katrina M. Rayman, David M. Shedlock

New Derry: Sarah N. Boyce

New Florence: Amber M. Boring, Alexander Wayne Kells, Colin Andrew Knupp, Laci Kaitlin Stone

New Paris: Cynthia D. Frazier

Newton Hamilton: Jason Lee Hocker

Normalville: Joel Kevin Berger

Northern Cambria: Tanner Lee Carl, Chase Patrick Hill, John R. McBee II, Katie Montgomery Mertens, Michaela Marie Penksa, Autumn Angel Wise

Orbisonia: Shea Raymond Berrier

Patton: Nichole Lynn Helbig, Jessie Karla Hoover, Devin Michael Shaner

Petersburg: Tara Mae Sheetz

Pittsburgh: Willie James Smith

Portage: Alex M. Bisaha, Matthew A. Gage, Darla Rae Kennedy, Brooke L. Kennedy-Brecht, Jesse Karl Kreutzberger, Steven D. Panick, Sandra J. Pentland, Jamie Lee Sossong, David Lee Tutsock

Revloc: Bethany M. Breshears, Brandy Lee Eckenrod, Kelly Ann Hott

Roaring Spring: Brandon Mark Brumbaugh, Hannah K. Moore

Rome: Wyatt Mitchell Shuman

Rouseville: Colton Alan Cunningham

Saint Benedict: Bonnie L. Himmel, Brittany E. McLucas

Saint Marys: Joshua William Gleixner

Saint Michael: Michelle M. Naughton

Salisbury: Shawn Allan Romesberg

Salix: Courtnie Elizabeth Eshbaugh, Chey Yvonne McKelvey, Ashlee N. Sabo, Gabrielle Marie Vogel

Saxton: Gregory Thomas Lynn

Sidman: Joel Michael Barton, Ryan Michael Holgash, Gabrielle Nicole Josephson, Samantha Kaitlyn Knepper, Danielle C. Mickus, Alexa B. Spicher, Carly Danielle Turgeon

Somerset: Ashleigh Nicole Fieg

South Fork: Misty Rose Custer, Megan Vivian Facciani, Noah Joseph Kolar, Easton John Krajewski, Courtney Raye Wilson

State College: Anagen D. Wood

Stoystown: Brittany Nicole Naugle, Erin Maria Sutton

Summerhill: Taylor Rae Burkey, James D. Cornman, Kevin Michael Margic, Christine L. Yakicic

Three Springs: Catherine Grace Anderson

Twin Rocks: Tyler Ryan Hegedus, Kassandra Michele Little

Tyrone: Casey Adam Campbell, Crystal Lynn Hoffman, Joseph John Noel, Stevie Marie Pennington, Tiffany Marie Shearer

Valencia: John Alex Cicconi

Vintondale: Lilac D. Brown, Jacquelyn Marie Sheesley, Tiffaney Jade Smith

Westover: Aaron Michael Bakaysa, Rachel Lyn Bakaysa, Logan Michael Sral

Windber: Timothy A. Borish, Jeffrey John Dagostino, Danielle Denise Dillon, Justin Michael Gates, Julie Anne Gordon, Bonnie J. Keefer, Sarah A. Levadnuk, Tyler Patrick McCall, Jillian R. McNeal, Courtney Marie Mihalko, Conor Duane Nitka, Dana Sue Ramirez, Daniel Robert Shaffer, Hunter S. Thomas, Erica M. Zabrucky

NCMA Exam Results announced with 100% Pass Rate; College recognized as Testing Site

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is pleased to announce that 100% of the eligible individuals connected to the College’s Medical Assisting Technology program, past and present, that took the National Certified Medical Assistant exam in 2016 (NCMA) passed.

College President, Dr. Walter Asonevich, offered his congratulations on this outstanding achievement to the 13 medical assistant professionals that passed and the College’s faculty leaders in our Medical Assisting Technology program: Gaynelle Schmieder, Associate Professor of Health Care Professions, and Tammy Calpin, Instructor of Medical Assisting Technology.

Many of the individuals that took the exam in 2016 will be the first to graduate under the program’s new national accreditation by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Currently, graduates of the College’s Medical Assisting Technology program are eligible to sit for a number of National Certification exams. Eligibility is based on a number of quality factors that include national program accreditation, faculty credentials, curriculum quality, and student success in academics and employment.

Eligible National Certifications for graduates moving forward include:

• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
• National Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)
• National Certified ECG Technician (NCET)
• National Certified Phlebotomy Assistant (NCPT)

In addition to graduates earning certification testing eligibility, the College is now an official National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) test site. As a result, most of the listed exams are administered on-site at the College’s Richland Campus.

As a testing site, the College may better serve allied health students and employers in the Southern Alleghenies. These national certifications help further validate student professional preparation and commitment to the medical profession. Increasingly, healthcare employers are seeking employees who hold certifications as a means of documenting professional preparation and proficiency in specialized fields.

Basketball Star Tony Acrie signs with Carlow University

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to congratulate graduating sophomore Tony Acrie on his recent signing with Carlow University to play basketball for their institution.

“Ever since high school, my dream was to keep playing basketball,” stated Tony Acrie. “Penn Highlands made that dream possible. I am excited to continue my schooling and basketball career at Carlow University. They have given me the opportunity to continue my journey, and I plan on proving my worth to them.”

In his two seasons with the Black Bears of Penn Highlands, Tony earned many accolades. During his freshman season, he was first, nationally, in the NJCAA in rebounds per game (15.1) and 27th in the nation in points per game (19.8). His sophomore campaign had him finishing second in the nation in rebounds per game (15.8) and 15th in points per game (22.0).

Tony made 2nd Team All-Region XX and WPCC All-Conference in his first season, and was 1^st Team All-Region XX and WPCC All-Conference this past year.

“Tony is the hardest working player I have ever coached. He set the tone every day in practice with his energy and attitude,” commented Penn Highlands’ Head Basketball Coach Landon Loya. “He is a great example to young players in our area of how to get it done in the classroom, on the court, and in the community. Everybody will miss him, but we are all so proud of him.”

In his two seasons with the Black Bears, Tony amassed 713 career rebounds and 963 points. Both are all-time records for Penn Highlands Community College. He also broke the school record for rebounds in a single game with 32.

Tony credits his successful two-year stint at Penn Highlands to many people within the Black Bears family including Loya, volunteer assistant Justin Harris, and Director of Student Activities and Athletics Sue Brugh. He would also like to thank Quan Brit, Xavier Thomas, and Greg Nash for their time, effort, and energy in pushing him to become the player he is today.

“I couldn’t have done this without everyone who has helped me along the way,” Acrie said. “It’s been a great journey, and I cannot wait to return and give back to this community in the future. I’ll always be a Black Bear.”

Graduating Sophomore Tony Acrie is accompanied by Sue Brugh (Athletic Director) and Landon Loya (Head Coach, Men’s Basketball) on Monday, May 1st as he signs his letter of intent to play basketball at Carlow University.

Computer Science Professor has Textbook published by Prospect Press

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is happy to congratulate Dr. Kevin J. Slonka, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, for having recently published a new textbook through Prospect Press entitled Assembly Programming and Computer Architecture for Software Engineers. Dr. Slonka recently published this book with his colleague, Dr. Brian R. Hall of Champlain College in Vermont.

Current Assembly/architecture textbooks cater to electrical engineers and teach Assembly on uncommon architectures. Dr. Slonka’s text caters to the computer scientist by teaching Assembly on current Intel platforms using the three mainstream assemblers (GAS, MASM, and NASM). Every computer science program has an Assembly/architecture course as a major requirement. Now, professors no longer have to choose a text that does not meet their needs simply because nothing better is available.

Dr. Slonka began his career at Pennsylvania Highlands as a full-time faculty member in January of 2013. He teaches Computer Science and Information Technology, and currently serves as Department Chair for Technology and President of Faculty Senate. Dr. Slonka holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Mount Aloysius College, dual Master’s Degrees in Information Security and Assurance and Information Technology Project Management from Robert Morris University, and a Doctor of Science in Information Systems and Communications from Robert Morris.

Dr. Kevin Slonka holding his recently published textbook in his office.

Student Sadie Carney named a 2017 Coca-Cola Silver Scholar

Sadie Carney

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that student Sadie Carney, of Johnstown, has been named a 2017 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars, and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each Silver Scholar receives a $1,250 scholarship and a special medallion.

Sadie Carney will be graduating this May with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Around campus, she is very active as president of both Student Senate and Phi Theta Kappa. She serves as a tour guide for prospective students and participates in cheerleading, cross country, and women’s basketball. After graduation, Ms. Carney plans to continue her education at East Stroudsburg University.

“Sadie Carney has been an outstanding student and leader at Pennsylvania Highlands,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “She has been a strong role model for our students and staff, and is a prime example of what is possible when a person pursues their dreams with purpose and conviction. We are proud to be able to count her as an alumnus of Pennsylvania Highlands.”

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program. Student scholars receive local, state and national recognition at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention.

College administrators nominate high-achieving students for this award. An independent panel of judges then considers academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said J. Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of community college students to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is comprised of more than 3.2 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations.