Ellwood City Historical Society Scholarship Winners

On Wednesday June 3, the Ellwood City Area Historical Society awarded the Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarships.  Under adverse conditions due to the Covid 19, the awards had been delayed.  Two graduating students attending higher education were selected from several entries

Gabrielle Louise Gretch, Riverside High School and is the daughter of Dan and Alice Gretch; essay was titled “The Selfless War Hero.”  Gabrielle will attend Shadyside School of Nursing this fall. It is a 16 month program and she will acquire a position at a UPMC hospital after graduation..   On June 22 she will start a Certified Nurse Assistant classes, then start as a CNA at Sherwood Oaks in Cranberry. Gabrielle is also in the process of trying to have Ellwood City place veteran military photo flags on Lawrence Avenue and Fifth Street.

Lincoln High School graduate Levi Alexander Smith, essay was titled The Record That Will Never Be Broken.  Levi Smith is one of six children of Doug and Joanne Smith. Levi graduated as Valedictorian of Lincoln High School, and has participated in Varsity Football, Soccer, Track+Field, and marching band in his time at LHS. Levi was also a member of National Honor Society and Peer Leadership, as well as a Life Scout of Boy Scout Troop 806 in Ellwood City. He is currently working on his Eagle Scout Project, an Outdoor Classroom at Perry Elementary School. Levi will be attending Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA for five years to obtain a Master’s Degree in Accounting, with an anticipated minor in Sports Business.

Both students read their submitted winning entries.  Several comments were made about the students selected topics.  David Barensfeld praised the students for their accomplishments.  He noted that his parents, who were very active in the Historical Society, also appreciated students that were interested in continuing their education.  David then, on behalf of his parents, Robert and Janice Barensfeld, awarded each student $1,500.00, to help further their education.

Gifts from the History Society, a wooden replica of their high school, a History Society Tee shirt and an 1894 map of Ellwood City was presented each student by Everett Bleakney, Historical Society President.

The scholarship committee, Mary May, Kaye Houk and Barbara Mastropietro; all former teachers were acknowledge for their dedication in judging the essays.

Graduation theme refreshments were prepared and served by the scholarship committee.

From Left to Right: Levi Smith, Everett Bleakney, David Barensfeld and Gabielle Gretch