SCHOLARSHIPS

​In 2022, PROF, in partnership with our generous community members and sponsors, awarded 25 scholarships totaling $45,000 to Pine-Richland High School seniors. Each scholarship is sponsored by individuals and organizations that set their own unique criteria which PROF then administers to reach the largest number of potential candidates. The number of scholarships and award amounts vary from year to year, and some scholarship awards may be split among top applicants. 

Scholarship recipients will be notified by email of their awards and asked for specific information for funds disbursement.  
Below are brief summaries of our scholarships in 2023.
Please email scholarships@prof-fund.org with any questions.
SCHOLARSHIP WINDOW OPENS: MARCH 1, 2023
DEADLINE: APRIL 7, 2023
DEADLINE FOR RECOMMENDATION LETTERS: APRIL 21, 2023

​NEW​  Killian Cavanaugh Memorial Scholarship- $5,000 This scholarship will honor a Pine-Richland Student/Athlete who best exemplifies Killian’s qualities and spirit. The recipient must have at least a 3.8 GPA and participate in a Varsity sport.
Killian had the ability to change lives of even those with whom he shared the briefest encounters.  He was charmingly social yet deeply introspective.  He was once a sober intellectual and a vigorous athlete.  He was witty but not facetious.  He was assertive but never mean.  He was an old soul, with a quiet pose and a supreme classiness.  He was selfless and understanding, a loving son and brother.  Killian loved genuineness and honesty and vulnerability in friends.  He defied stereotypes and easy assumptions. He always tried to see the good in people and always lived in the moment. Killian enjoyed playing baseball and football and taking the most rigorous classes. He was attending The University of Chicago. 
​
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America Scholarship)-
$5,000 or (2) $2,500 
One FBLA scholarship for $5,000 or 2 scholarships for $2,500 each, generously donated by the Swartout family, will be presented to graduating seniors who have had active membership in the organization for a minimum of two years. Applicants must possess a strong sense of character and display a passion for the business field. One of the FBLA goals is to encourage members to contribute to the improvement of home, school, business and community. The ideal candidate will be able to articulate how they have embraced this goal through strong work ethic and their value of community service.

PROF Impact Scholarship - anticipated $4,000 award
This scholarship is generously sponsored by PROF. Estimated value at $4,000, the scholarship will be awarded to one eligible applicant who meets the qualifying criteria and satisfies the application requirements. The Pine-Richland Opportunities Fund Scholarship Committee will select the recipient based upon the involvement in the community and PRHS coupled with the potential impact that the award can have to assist the recipient achieve his/her educational goals as articulated in an essay.  The winner of this scholarship has the option to remain anonymous; s/he may choose whether or not to be recognized publicly at the senior awards night. The recipient will be a 2023 graduate of PRHS, must be accepted into a four year college or university, must have participated in extra-curricular and/or community service activities, demonstrates financial need for this scholarship in order to attend a college or university.

Christian Cochran Memorial Scholarship - What’s Good About Today?- $3,000 OR (2) $1,500
The Christian Cochran Legacy Fund, through the Pittsburgh Foundation, has established a $1000 scholarship for a deserving senior who has participated as a member of the cast or crew of either or both, Fall Play and/ or Spring Musical. There have been generous matches for this scholarship so either the recipient(s) will be awarded $3,000 OR there will be (2) $1,500 recipients. The scholarship is open to students regardless of intended college major. Christian Cochran was a 2016 graduate of Pine Richland High School and was a member of both the Fall Play and Spring Musical programs. He was President of the PRHS chapter of the International Thespian Society and a member of the PRHS Marching Band Drum Line. Christian’s Fall play credits include: Fahrenheit 451 (Captain Beatty), 1984 (Winston Smith) &The Bully Plays; Christian’s PR Musical credits include: The Music Man (Mayor George Shinn), Pippin (King Charles), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy Smith) & BIG. On August 26th, 2020, Christian was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the liver, Cholangiocarcinoma. When we told Christian how sorry we were, as his parents, that he had to have this awful disease, he replied, "It's ok, because if it wasn’t me, then it would be someone else that would have to endure this struggle.” From the day of his diagnosis to the moment he took his last breath, Christian never complained, not once, about his situation. He willingly accepted his extraordinary burden. Eventually, Christian's cancer went to his bones. Much of his spine, his femur, his hip, his shoulders became involved. Amazingly, he never complained. He would often ask us all, "What’s good about today?" It was his daily reminder to us all that we have to focus on all that is good within each day, and to make the very most of it. On September 1st, 2021, Christian peacefully passed into God’s loving embrace. One month prior to Christian’s passing, he asked us to establish this scholarship at Pine Richland High School. As Christian explained to us, "I'm so grateful for the love, kindness and generosity of so many people. I cannot wait to pay it forward.” Christian was the most charismatic, kind, funny, creative, buoyant and positive person you could ever hope to know. He was loving, loyal, inclusive and generous. His brilliant beaming smile and boundless light were a source of joy and comfort to everyone whose path he crossed. 

Martha King Memorial Scholarship- $1,000
The Martha King Memorial scholarship is awarded to a deserving Pine-Richland senior attending college majoring in education. Because Mrs. King was a longtime Pine-Richland math and science teacher, those fields of interest for the applicant are preferred. 

Diversity in Technology and Engineering Scholarship - $2,000 
The Diversity in Technology & Engineering Scholarship is generously sponsored by the Hein family, who have three Pine-Richland High School graduates. The goal of this scholarship is to encourage underrepresented students to pursue a career in Technology or Engineering and is thereby awarded to a graduating female or minority student who attended Pine-Richland for her/his entire junior and senior years. Applicants must plan to attend a 4-year college/university and pursue a major in one of the mentioned fields. Applicants should demonstrate interest in one of these fields through her/his prior experience and interest as evidenced through high school classes, extracurricular pursuits, family background, or expressed excitement about a upcoming profession in one of these fields. This scholarship may be renewable for the student’s sophomore year of college (this resulting in a total award of $2000) dependent on continued enrollment in STEM program and satisfactory academic achievement.

Hance Elementary PTO - $500
This $500 scholarship is provided through the generosity of the Hance Parent Teacher Organization and will be awarded to a Pine-Richland High School senior who also attended Hance Elementary for his or her entire elementary education. The ideal applicant is a well-rounded student and can attribute a memory/experience from Hance Elementary that has influenced his/her future years at the Pine-Richland School District.

Kenneth M Young Public Safety Scholarship - $1,000
Ken Young was a lifelong resident of Wexford and a 1976 graduate of Pine-Richland. He joined the Wexford Vol. Fire Dept. at age 14 and was an active member his entire life. He served as Fire Chief of the department for 22 years. Ken worked tirelessly to provide a safe environment for the firefighters and a high standard of service to the community. He also worked as a police officer for Northern Regional Police Department for 18 years and specialized in accident reconstruction. Ken dedicated his life to serving his community.  Sponsored by Ken's family and friends, this public service scholarship is available to a Pine-Richland senior who meets the qualifying criteria. Consideration may be given for financial need, though this is not a requirement of this scholarship.  The scholarship sponsors will select the recipient of this scholarship from among eligible applicants.

Kyle Pomerleau Memorial Scholarship - Anticipate 2 scholarships at $1,000 each
This kindness scholarship is in memory of Kyle Pomerleau, tertiary of the class of 2014, who passed away from glioblastoma multiforme (an aggressive brain/spine cancer) soon after graduation. He played cello in the orchestra and bassoon and sax in the band. Kyle was a member of the fencing and track & field teams, as well as NHS, Interact Club, and president of Model UN. Kyle was known for being encouraging, friendly, and helpful to others, and for his unfailing positivity and sense of humor. This scholarship is awarded to a senior who has participated in band or orchestra and demonstrates genuine goodwill and compassion toward others on a personal level. Academic achievement may also be considered. The Pomerleau family and friends review and select the scholarship recipient.

Monica Young Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
The Monica Young Memorial Scholarship is offered to help a student with learning disabilities and has benefited from special education services at Pine-Richland School District.  Monica Young, passed away from brain cancer on February 12, 2016.  Monica worked with children with learning disabilities at Wexford Elementary School for over 18 years.  Monica was dedicated to her work and had the special ability to establish a strong rapport with these children which allowed her to positively impact them, their parents and their future.  During her long struggle with cancer, Monica continued to inspire people through her strong faith, acceptance of her suffering, concern for others and her positive strength.  This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one or more graduating  Pine-Richland students. Students of all abilities are encouraged to apply. The award can be made to further life skills training, vocational training, trade or technical school, or other post-secondary education. The ideal candidate should demonstrate good academic effort, participate in activities during high school, exhibit a positive attitude and have identified a positive next step or goal.
Faculty, staff and coaches are strongly encouraged to recommend that qualified students apply for this scholarship. The Pine-Richland Opportunities Fund Scholarship Committee, in conjunction with the scholarship sponsors, will select the recipient of this award from among eligible applicants.
Musical Boosters Scholarship - (3) -$500
The Pine-Richland Musical Boosters is sponsoring three $500 scholarships. Each scholarship will recognize students who have demonstrated dedication, responsibility, and commitment in one of the following groups: Cast, Crew and Pit Orchestra. The selected students are team players that others respect because of their commitment to the musical.

Pasquinelli and Erie Insurance Scholarship - $3,000
This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates leadership characteristics, a positive and caring attitude, and a strong work ethic. Preferably, the student will have participated in at least three extracurricular activities for a minimum of two years during high school. The scholarship sponsor participates in recipient selection.

Pine-Richland High School PTO Scholarship - $1,000
The “We Are PR” scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates excellent character and is hard-working and caring towards others. The recipient will be selected on resiliency, growth and the student's contributions to the Pine-Richland Community. The PRHS PTO Scholarship Committee selects the recipient of this scholarship.

Pine-Richland Choral Boosters - Booster Scholarship
Pine-Richland Choral Boosters- William B. Machiko Scholaship
Choral - 2 $500 open to all current senior choir students. Students will be evaluated on a written statement on how music has impacted their life as well as character references.
Machiko - $1,000  open to any current senior choir student planning on majoring in either music or education in college. In addition to a written statement on how music has impacted their life and references, The Machiko Scholarship will require an audio file vocal selection of the applicants choice

Richland Elementary PTO - $1000
This $1000 scholarship is provided through the generosity of the Richland Parent Teacher Organization and will be awarded to a Pine-Richland High School senior who also attended Richland Elementary for his or her entire elementary education. The ideal applicant is a well-rounded student and can attribute a memory/experience from Richland Elementary that has influenced his/her future years at the Pine-Richland School District. 

Rich-Mar Rotary Club Scholarship(s) - multiple scholarships totaling $4,000
This service to others scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior(s). The selection criteria includes an emphasis on a student's history of the Rotary ideal of "service above self" as demonstrated by their involvement in establishing and/or participating in organizations that serve the community and the world. The student's academic achievement and leadership are also evaluated. Finalists will be invited to an interview. The Rich-Mar Rotary Club Scholarship Selection Committee selects the recipient(s) of this scholarship. The final number of scholarships and award amounts are at the discretion of the Rich-Mar Rotary Club Scholarship Selection Committee. The scholarships will be awarded to eligible applicants who meet the qualifying criteria and satisfy the application requirements.  

Ryan Malady Memorial Scholarship - $2,500
​This scholarship is in memory of Ryan Malady, son, devoted husband, and loving father of 3, who passed away in May 2019. Ryan was a family man; he loved being involved in the needs and activities of his children. He was a man of great character who had a passion for helping others. Ryan had many hobbies including golf, skiing, running, and watching the Steelers. Relationships mattered to Ryan, and this was most evident in his lasting friendships with his high school and college friends. This scholarship is awarded to a Pine-Richland senior who exemplifies some of the character traits that Ryan was so well known for: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. The applicant's volunteer and community involvement will also be evaluated as part of the scholarship selection. Financial need may be considered in determining the recipient of the scholarship as well. 

Veterans Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
In honor of PR graduates who died in service to our country, the Veterans Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating Pine-Richland student and is provided due to the generosity of the Clarke family and Veterans of Pine-Richland High School. 
In Memory Of:
Neil Riley - Class of 1965, Died 13SEP1966, Vietnam, Marine Corps
Herb Weltz - Class of 1966, Died 25MAR1968, Vietnam, US Army
Gary Johnston - Class of 1964, Died 17SEP1968, Vietnam, US Army
Michael "Mickey" Slebodnik - Class of 1987, Died 11SEP2008, Afghanistan, US Army
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
- George S. Patton
We remember and honor Neil, Herb, Gary & Mickey for making their sacrifice in service of our country. Through this scholarship, we hope that Pine-Richland High School students will know of their story and service. These heroes were normal people and students at Pine-Richland High School just like you and in a few of these cases only a couple of years older than you are now. May their memory never fade or be forgotten.

Wexford Elementary PTO Scholarship - $500
This $500 scholarship is provided through the generosity of the Wexford Parent Teacher Organization and will be awarded to a Pine-Richland High School senior who also attended Wexford Elementary in the final year of elementary school (grade 3). The ideal applicant is a well-rounded student and can attribute a memory/experience from Wexford Elementary that has influenced his/her future years at the Pine-Richland School District.

Important Dates: Window opens 3/1/23
                                  Deadline 4/7/23

2021 Scholarship Recipients​