Meet the 2026-2027 Lancaster County Community Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Isabella Trout

Isabella is studying Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Harrisburg Area Community College. She works at Willow Valley Communities and has taken a number of AP courses in her high school career. 

Colson Erb

Colson is studying Civil Engineering at Pennsylvania State University – University Park. He served in student government as Class President, a member of Student Council, a co-president of National Honor Society, and a member of Science National Honor Society. An avid athlete, he played football and volleyball, winning the section championship in both and receiving All-Star honors in volleyball.

Joelle Kroesen

Joelle is studying Biochemistry at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. An avid athlete, she participated in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, and received All-Star honors in each sport. Joelle was awarded the Landis A. Brackbill Award, E. Jerry Brooks Award, PHSFHCA Individual GPA Award, and NFHCA Scholar of Distinction.

Lexi Wettig

Lexi is studying Nursing at Saint Joseph’s University.

Janelle Miller

Janelle was involved in Marching Band (Secretary, President), Donegal Performing Arts Tech Crew (Crew Lead), Dance Classes at Raven T24Studio, Jazz Band, National Honor Society (President), and Key Club. Janelle was also part of Donegal News Network, Link Crew, Peer Tutoring, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Math Honor Society. Janelle received the Rotary Student of the Month award, Director’s Award for Band, and Best Marcher Award. Additionally, Janelle participated in LLMEA County Band, Youth Group at Trinity Lutheran Church, babysitting, and the Philadelphia Service Trip.

Kensington Edmond

Kensington is studying Environmental Engineering at Wilkes University. In high school, she was active in Math Honor Society and Science Olympiad, and held leadership roles in tennis, 4-H, Key Club, and National Honor Society. She received awards in both 4-H and tennis and dedicated a summer to teaching tennis to children as a volunteer.

Rayahna Clerico

Tiyya Geiger

Tiyya Geiger is a graduate and IB Diploma Candidate of McCaskey High School. She plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania to study Political Science and Sociology with a concentration in Educational Policy. Some of her high school achievements include being president of both the Black Student Union and National Honors Society, Editor-in-Chief of the McCaskey Vidette, founder of the school’s first Peer Tutoring Program, and winning awards in Model UN.

Vanessa Grant

Vanessa studies Social Studies & Biology at Harvard College, where she is active in student-led legal and international relations initiatives.

Elijah Samuel

Elijah is studying economics at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He has been involved in Orchestra (Violin) and Band (Baritone) for 11 years. He participated in soccer at McCaskey High School for all four years and served as captain. For the past three years, he has played club soccer with Lancaster FC as a Center Back. At West Chester, he is a member of the Men’s Soccer Team and enrolled in the Honors College.

Jordan Chen

Jordan is studying Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology at Harvard College. A talented pianist and community leader, Jordan has served as piano accompanist for PMEA All-State Chorus and participated in varsity tennis and local volunteer efforts.

Elizabeth Roberts

Elizabeth is studying Astrophysics at Yale University. She served as Vice President of the Science National Honor Society, Vice President of Interact (the school’s community service club), Secretary of the National Spanish Honor Society, Class Treasurer, and Colorguard Captain. Additionally, she was a member of the National Art Honor Society, Computer Science Honor Society, and National Honor Society. Elizabeth volunteered for the Central PA Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference and received the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership for Service Gold Award. She was also recognized with the 2025 and 2026 National Center for Women & Information Technology Central PA Aspirations in Computing High School Award.

Malloree Marshall

Malloree is majoring in Music Theatre at SUNY University at Buffalo. She participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District, Regional, and All-State Chorus. She was also recognized on the Honors and Distinguished Honor Roll of Tri-M Music Honors Society and National Honor Society. Malloree was a recipient of the Salvation Army Olga Ruth Stratton Scholarship.

Lana Dyer

Lana is studying Music Education at Gettysburg College. She is involved in various musical activities; including being a children’s choir director at a local church, participating in various theatrical productions (both musical theater and opera), and preparing for SongFest (a 3-week-long intensive summer music training program).

Adrienne Crick

Adrienne, an aspiring nurse, is deeply engaged in leadership and service through Key Club, Mini-THON, choir, and community outreach in Elizabethtown.

Alyssa Daly

Alyssa studies Educational Studies at Dickinson College. She’s a leader in civic engagement, advocacy, and arts education and will intern with the Lancaster County Democratic Committee this summer.

Cameron Zuschmidt

Cameron is studying Chemical and Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania. He leads multiple STEM clubs and is involved in advanced research and local science education outreach.

Kara Nissly

Kara studies History at the College of William and Mary and is a talented writer and singer. She remains active in music, faith-based groups, and academic clubs.

Max Herman

Max is majoring in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester. He is a multi-instrumentalist, accomplished German scholar, and competitive academic team participant.

Annaliese Sauve

Annaliese is studying Political Science and International Relations at Duquesne University. This year, she worked as an Opportunity Pathways Intern for the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh. At Duquesne, she is in the Pre-Law Society (Events Coordinator), a part of Duqathon, and received the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award in the 2026 Duquesne University Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Symposium.

Brooklyn Stauffer

Brooklyn is studying Economics at Dickinson College. A 2025 High School graduate, she walked the stage as Valedictorian with a 4.75 GPA. At Dickinson, she participates in Women’s club soccer, Girl Gains (a workout group), German Club, Christian Fellowship, and Club Ultimate Frisbee. Her interests include sewing, boating, water sports, hiking, and baking. 

Caiden Karpel

Caiden is studying Electrical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University – University Park. In High School, he served as Cross Country and Track Captain, Prayer Group Club Leader, Sunday School Leader, and Peer Tutor. Additionally, he was a member of the Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Chess Club. Caiden was named a National Merit Commended Scholar, earning a spot on the 3200m Honor Roll for a top 12 time in school history. He also received Second Team All-Star honors in cross country, was selected as Student of the Month, and won the school-wide chess tournament three times.

Hannah Slobozien

Hannah is studying Film Production at Pennsylvania State University – University Park.

Lauren Leister

Lauren Leister is the daughter of Tim & Bethany Leister. She graduated from Warwick High School in June of 2023 and will be attending The College of William & Mary, majoring in Public Policy. Following college graduation, she plans to attend law school. In her free time, Lauren enjoys playing field hockey and lacrosse, running, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

Josiah Pletcher

Josiah is majoring in Communication and Media at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He is a part of MVNU men’s volleyball team, Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference All-Academic Team, a NAIA Scholar Athlete, and a member of WNZR leadership team.

Julianna Lindberg

Julianna is studying Spanish K-12 Education at Grove City College.

Savannah Stauffer

Savannah is studying Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. A graduate of Ephrata High School, she was deeply involved in her church youth group, leading multiple mission trips across the U.S. and abroad. She served as president of her school’s Bible Study Club and Science National Honor Society, and was active in Link Crew and National Honor Society. Savannah also received numerous honors, including Rotary Student of the Month and awards in science and German language competitions.

Lauren Livengood

Lauren is majoring in CLEG (Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, Government) at American University.

Brynn Young

Brynn is majoring in Bioengineering at Northeastern University. In the fall of 2025, she participated in the NU.in. program, where she studied abroad in Prague, immersing herself in a new culture. Within NU’s community, she has participated in the Northeastern University Dance Company as a dancer and choreographer, and the Society of Women Engineers as a member, where she volunteers in the surrounding Boston area.

Sania Singh

Sania is studying Commerce at the University of Virginia. Her accomplishments include serving as a Research Assistant at Darden Business School, Deputy Director of Student Council Academic Affairs, Director of Outreach for the Frank Batten Investment Fund, Tutor for the Association of Women in Mathematics, Consultant at the Virginia Consulting Group, Smart Woman Securities Analyst, and Grata Scholar.

Kai Unwin-Wisnosky

Kai is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at the University of Pennsylvania. His academic accolades include being an International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Finalist, Grand Champion of the North Museum Science and Engineering Fair (NMSEF), and a NMSEF First Place Category Winner for three other years. In 2025, he was the presenter at the International Journal of High School Research (IJHSR) Paper Publication during the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE). 

Abigail Rabert

Abigail studies Accounting at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Her recent activities include playing Rugby and serving as Team Captain. She is a dancer in the Bloomsburg Dance Ensemble. Passionate about learning new things, Abigail loves to cook and is interested in the creative arts.

Chelsea Carpenter

Chelsea studies Accounting at Messiah University. She is a member of the Messiah Women’s Field Hockey team and was named to the NFHCA 2024 and 2025 Division III National Academic Squad. Additionally, she recently received the Jansen W. Hein Professional Development Award.

Emma Lingle

Emma is majoring in Accounting at Millersville University. Her accomplishments and involvement include serving as an elected Township Auditor, Treasurer of the Students for Life club she helped found at Millersville, and an elected member of the Perry County Republican Committee. She is also an active member of her hometown church and participates in Millersville’s FCA Bible study. Outside of her academic and leadership activities, she enjoys cooking, baking, camping, and boating with friends and family.

Michele Luo

Michele is studying Accounting at Penn State Harrisburg through an integrated MBA program, with minors in Information Sciences and Technology and Finance. She is a Dean’s List student, founder and president of the Accounting Club, and has gained experience through internships in tax, audit, compliance, and finance. Michele is pursuing CPA licensure and is committed to a future in public accounting.

Jackson Knaub

Jackson studies Accounting and Finance at Shippensburg University. He is a part of Disciplemakers Christian Fellowship and serves on the leadership team as Treasurer. He loves reading books, woodworking, hiking, and is currently working as an Accounting Intern at Sight and Sound.

Leanna Sheaffer

Leanna is studying Secondary Education – English at Slippery Rock University. Her involvement includes Chorus, Chorale, County Choir, Honors Choir, Drama Club, Women in Business, and volunteering at her local library and high school. She has participated in Fall Plays as a cast member and later as Stage Manager, as well as Spring Musicals as both a cast member and Stage Manager. She also served as an English/Drama Teacher Intern and is a member of the International Thespian Society, National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Delvin Kneisley

Delvin is specializing in Plumbing at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. He has achieved interior qualification at the West Willow Fire Company. He is also participating in mission trips this summer.

Raka Jenik

Raka is majoring in Music Technology at New York University. She spends her time engineering for college radio, attending local music shows, and creating with friends.

Charra Swisher

Charra is studying at Millersville University. She is going into her seventh-year volunteering at her local theater, MPACT, as stage crew.

Moira Shott

Moira is studying International Studies at Millersville University. Her recent accomplishments include earning Dean’s List recognition in 2025 and completing a thesis currently pending approval on the effects of environmental racism. She plans to attend law school to study Energy Law and Environmental Policy.

Zoe Patterson

Zoe is pursuing Early Childhood Education at Millersville University. At Millersville, her activities include serving as Vice President of Mentoring Educators for Tomorrow (MET) for the 2025–2026 school year, involvement in the Black Student Union, and working as an Orientation Leader for the 2026–2027 school year. She will also serve as a Future Educator Academy Mentor this summer.

Layla Morales

Layla studies Secondary English Education & Art Education at Millersville University.

Nicol Torres

Nicol is studying Nursing at Harrisburg Area Community College. She earned a Pennsylvania Skills Certificate for Advanced Level in the Health/Medical Assisting Services career and technical education program at McCaskey High School. She also participated in the Rotary Mentoring Program and the Discovering Paths Mentoring Program.

Ty Wealand

Ty studies Residential Remodeling at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. His activities and interests include sports, woodworking, art, and outdoor activities. Recent honors and awards include Team Captain and All-Star honors in both basketball and soccer in the LL League.