Recipient Testimonies

That the scholarship recipients have appreciated the vital role their PSF scholarships have played in their careers has been affirmed consistently over the years.

In the Building Careers program booklet for the 35th Anniversary Celebration, the stories about the first six recipients make clear the importance of the scholarships. Patricia Stern, the first to repay her award of $300, was reported as recalling that the award made the difference between her finishing and not finishing her studies for a degree at Shippensburg University. Pat went on to teach at Pennsbury’s Manor Elementary School in Levittown and then followed her husband’s Army career to teach in the Panama Canal Zone, Germany, Colombia and Korea. She eventually became a nurse and was a health educator for a community health center, setting up day camps for diabetic children, scrounging money for blood glucose meters and serving on the Virginia board of the American Diabetes Association. In the program booklet, Pat’s story is concluded with, “[her] careers [were] nearly doomed at the start until a Pennsbury scholarship came her way.” For perspective, that $300 compares with the $1,300 that the average student at a public college was spending for everything.

The 35th Anniversary Careers booklet also states, “That it has been worthwhile is affirmed at each Board meeting when letters from Pennsbury graduates are read, expressing their appreciation for the financial help they received when they needed it most.”

Pennsbury High School seniors and matriculating undergraduates have continued to send letters telling of what getting help with expenses for their educational goals has meant to them. Being chosen to receive a scholarship is confidence building and has motivated them to do their best because the people of the PSF believed in them.

Following are statements of appreciation by scholarship recipients over the years.

“The award I received from the PSF allowed me to meet my school expenses and earn a B.S. degree from Trenton State College. My scholarship helped to alleviate some of the pressure that often goes hand-in-hand with a college education. I am grateful for the assistance I was given, and I encourage all eligible students to apply for their own zero-interest loan/grant”. Kelly C., PHS 1992

“The Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation has been respected now for 60 years because of the diligence in its selection process. I was honored to be recognized by the foundation. Moreover, receiving the Scott Gitomer Namesake Scholarship gave the award further meaning; it gave me further purpose. Not only was my family supportive of my future educational goals, but the Gitomer family had also given me the privilege to study in their son’s honor”. Thomas R. PHS 2005

“Thank you for the grant/loan that allowed me to attend Boston University. While there I was fortunate enough to participate in once-in-a-lifetime experiences……to pursue my dream. Currently I am at LSU. My research has been tracking the health and populations of fish around the offshore oil rigs. I also volunteer at a local high school mentoring an environmental science club”. Sarah M. PHS 2011

“It is with pride and honor that I express my gratitude to the PSF which gave me a scholarship decades ago. Coming to the US from a then third-world Brazil, and speaking no English, was a challenge. I could not have orchestrated a fuller, more fulfilled life than the one I now lead. There is a trail of people and moments that led me here. My mother’s unending support is something I wish for all children. Support from great teachers who impacted me and were pivotal in my education is priceless. These moments led a crumb trail to successes in my education and career.

The Pennsbury Scholarship helped me in the pursuit of higher education which led me to this point. The foundation group who read my essays did not realize how important that scholarship was to that young lady years ago, but I have never forgotten that generosity. Today I manage a satellite campus for Clemson University. This exciting and gratifying position all leads back to writing an essay to the PSF. It has been quite a crumb trail, indeed.” EdiVania Feijo A. PHS 1983

“The Pennsbury Scholarship helped me tremendously. It, along with other grants and loans and jobs, afforded me the opportunity to fully fund my college education on my own.” Stepen O. PHS 1994

“Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation has provided much needed support for PHS students seeking higher education. That support helped me achieve my goal of becoming a veterinarian.” Dorian H. PHS 1993

“Making the move to New York to go to NYU was a huge decision. And the Pennsbury Scholarship made it much easier financially. With the grant I was able to afford my first computer and I was able to focus on school for the first crucial semesters rather than get a part time job to make ends meet.” Ann S. PHS 1990

“Thanks in good part to the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation’s zero-interest loan, I was able to attend my chosen undergraduate institution, Bucknell University. Doing well at Bucknell made it possible for me to pursue an MBA at Cornell University, which in turn made it possible for me to successfully pursue my dream of becoming a personal financial advisor.” Lisa D. PHS 1987

“I love my job and love giving back to Pennsbury and my community. I am grateful to the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation.” Laura L. PHS 1985

“I am grateful to the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation, which helped me launch my academic career.” Sharon N. PHS 1978

“I would like the Foundation to know that your gift was very deeply appreciated.” Pamela B. PHS 1974

“It is an honor to be recognized once again by the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation,” Amy R. PHS 1987

“I wish to accept the scholarship which the Foundation has bestowed upon me. I am deeply honored that you found me worthy of this honor. Votes of confidence such as this enable me to redouble my efforts and to strive to do even better in the coming academic year. Your confidence and financial support have played no small part in making my academic endeavors so successful. And for this I am grateful.” Franklin M. PHS c.1988

“With great honor, I proudly accept the generous scholarship of $1,500. I am proud to accept this award in honor of Adam Blomberg.” Linda F. PHS 1989

“It is with great pleasure that I accept the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation grant for $1,500.” Michael L. PHS 1989

“I would like to express my appreciation to the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation for the help and encouragement they have given me. I have been fortunate enough to receive some aid from the foundation all four years that I have been in college. It has been encouraging to have my high school contribute to my financial needs in my pursuit of a college education. It seems that our scholarship foundation is a rare but necessary program. Keep up the good work – it is greatly appreciated!” Susan S. PHS c,1988

“Thank you so much for awarding me one of the Pennsbury Scholarships. I greatly appreciate the scholarship money!” Lauren E. PHS c.1991

“Thank you for accepting me as one of this year’s grant recipients. The $600 will help me financially attend college.” Jennifer R. PHS 1991

“First let me take this opportunity to thank you and the Pennsbury Foundation for honoring the 59 students that you chose from the class of 1991. I am proud to be one of them.” William R. PHS 1991

“I gratefully accept both the scholarship and the loan you have offered me. Thank you for offering me this financial aid.” Ann S. PHS 1990

“I would like to take this opportunity to accept and thank you for this grant which you awarded me; after several years of hard work, I truly appreciate this symbol of your recognition of my labors.” Jeffrey R. PHS 1991

“I would like to thank you and the scholarship committee for your generous award. Your $1,000 scholarship and $1,000 loan will ease the burden on me and my parents to afford the cost of Lehigh University. I feel honored that your committee picked my application as one of the 51 students granted an award.” Brian C. PHS 1993

“I would like to sincerely thank you for your support. The money which you have provided is greatly needed and appreciated. The confidence that you have shown towards my abilities as a student will push me to achieve, as to not let your expectations down.” Lawrence L. PHS 1994

“I would like to personally thank you, the scholarship committee, for your time in evaluating my application. I was enormously pleased, as well as surprised, to be chosen. Thanks again for your appreciated assistance.” David M. PHS 1994

“I was honored to be chosen as a recipient of a Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation grant. Thank you very much. My parents would like to thank you also.” Dawn H. PHS 1996

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous contribution towards my college education. It has made these wonderful times of my life possible.” Adam W. PHS1996

“Thank you for taking the time to consider me for another Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation grant. Even though I did not get selected this year, I am thankful just the same. In addition, I have just been offered summer employment, which will help in financing my ’98-’99 college year. Because of this good fortune, I am enclosing a check for $600 to pay back the loan of $600 that you gave me last year. Once again, thank you for being there to help me out. I look forward to my college graduation and employment stability to be able to donate to your worthwhile cause in the future.” Aphrothiti F. PHS c.1996

“I wanted to write and tell you how grateful I am to have the Pennsbury Scholarship. For the past there years, this scholarship has been a great asset towards financing my college career.” Jamie D. PHS c.1995

“I would like to express my deep thanks towards your grant for my 1998-1999 school year. As you well know, the rising costs of higher education make it difficult for many to attend college. However, your generous offer has helped to defray these high costs. You have also helped me prove to myself that I can do it; I remain of the Dean’s list after four consecutive semesters.” David O. PHS c.1996

“Thank you for the checks toward my education. I am honored to be selected and I hope to live up to your expectations.” Mathew R. PHS 1999

“Thank you very much for awarding me with the scholarship and loan. My parents and I are very grateful as well as honored. Your generosity has been a big help.” Heather B. PHS c.1998

“Thank you very much for the generous grant and loan that you awarded me. It has greatly deferred the cost of attending Penn State University and I really appreciate it.” Erin B. PHS 1999

"It's just so appreciative and it provides an excellent opportunity for me. There's the whole irony of the starving artist ... and having to pay for art school on top of it is extremely expensive. I need everything I can get and this is amazing." Rachel L. PHS 2000

"The cost of college is absolutely shocking. to get this is a wonderful thing." Melissa C. PHS 2000

“In the spring of 2003, you so graciously presented me with a scholarship grant of $600 and a $600 loan to assist me in attending Arcadia University. As of May 2007 I graduated. I am writing to see if it is possible to attend one of your meetings, to thank you all in person, for assisting me in my quest to attend college.” Alicia F. PHS 2003

“It is such an honor to be awarded one of the nine Memorial Namesake Scholarships, and I am truly thankful to both the Allen Family and the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation. Thank you for the lovely reception for scholarship recipients and thank you to everyone involved in selecting me to be one of the recipients.” Shannon C. PHS 2004

“I would like to thank you and the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation. Not only will it help support me financially, but it is a great honor to be recognized by my school in this way.” Darcy G. PHS 2004

“I am so thankful to have been recognized by the board of the Scholarship Foundation and am touched by the donators’ generosity.” Cara B. PHS 2004

“I greatly appreciate your generosity in awarding me this scholarship. Your contribution will definitely lighten the financial burden.” Jessica C. PHS 2004

“Thank you so much for your generous scholarship It will make paying for college much more affordable.” Dan K. PHS 2004

“Just wanted to thank you for choosing me as one of your 2004 recipients. I hope one day I will be able to return to the Pennsbury School District after graduating from college and give back to the community what it has so generously provided me.” Lindsay K. PHS 2004

“Thank you very much for selecting me as a Pennsbury Scholarship recipient. I regret that I cannot attend this year’s reception to express my thanks in person.” Michael G. PHS 2004

“I just want to take a moment to thank you for the generous grant and loan.” Meredith S. PHS 2004

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the honor that you and the Board of Directors have bestowed on me.” Christina L. PHS 2004

“Thank you so much for your support over the years! I graduated from medical school earlier this year and having the ability to defer the loan was a huge help. I’m happy to return these funds to now help another student. (Was initially the recipient of the Dr. Cynthia Schaffer Memorial Scholarship. Paid remainder of loan $3,100. Total loan was $7,500.) Ashley B. PHS 2004

“I am writing to thank you again for awarding me the generous Sean Denis Sibner Memorial Scholarship. As I continue my education at Drexel University, I can concentrate more on my studies than on financial concerns thanks to you.” Karli A. PHS 2018

“[In] purchasing my first semester books, I will never forget the feeling of writing a check that took me almost all summer to save. I was stunned! That was when I truly felt the cost of college and also realized how important my scholarships were to making my dream come true of attending college. I look forward to staying connected with Pennsbury.” Rebekah M. PHS 1996

“I won a scholarship a couple of years ago” and “I won today” “We’re both very grateful.” Sister and brother at 2022 Recipient Reception

“I am extremely grateful to receive this award so I can pursue my education in law” 2022 Recipient

“I’m really grateful for receiving this scholarship. For someone who is funding their own education, it really helps.”

2022 recipient

“I’m a Pennsbury graduate and graduated from Lehigh University in the bio-engineering and finance in the honors program. If it were not for the scholarship, I don’t think I would be where I am today.” 2016 recipient commenting at the 2022 recipient reception,

“Part of the agreement for a scholarship is the obligation to pay back the loan after one has settled into a job or career. The loan is without interest, so it is not a worrisome part of the deal. After starting the payback, I began to realize how important it is to continue to give back so that others can move forward.” Kelly C. PHS 1992

“In each of the 4 years before I graduated from Penn State in 1978 I was a recipient of a Pennsbury Scholarship award. These awards gave me the financial freedom to attend the dental school of my choice, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Looking back over my dental career, I continue to appreciate the help I received from the Pennsbury scholarships.” Jeff S. PHS 1974

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Compiled from files of Wanda Long. Hal Long