Guidance

Steel Valley Senior High School

Jason Novak
412.464.3600 ext. 2521
jnovak@steelvalleysd.org

Steel Center Online Application

Below is a link to the page for students to register for Steel Center online:

https://www.steelcentertech.com/domain/183

ATTENTION SENIORS: 2023

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The following is a list of local scholarships that will be available to eligible seniors.
Application deadline for the following scholarships: April 16, 2021 (unless otherwise noted).

PLEASE CHECK EACH SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE DUE DATE. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING CONSIDERED FOR ANY OF THESE LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS PLEASE SEE YOUR COUNSELOR OR THE OFFICE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR APPLICATIONS.

1. Annual School Board Graduating Senior – NO APPLICATION REQUIRED

This award is given annually to the student who best exemplifies the district's motto or slogan that year. The award will be given upon recommendation of the High School Principal and will be symbolized by quality pen and pencil set and a $250 scholarship.

Award: Quality pen and pencil set and $250

2. Joseph R. Havrilla Citizenship Award – NO APPLICATION REQUIRED

Recipient is automatically selected.

Recommended by administration. Presented annually to the graduating senior who best exemplifies Joseph R. Havrilla's commitment and dedication to public service, community spirit, and pursuit of educational excellence. The award will be given upon recommendation of the Superintendent and High School Principal and will be symbolized by a shelf of books donated to the high school library in the student's name and a $250.00 scholarship.

Award: $250 and a shelf of books in honor of the student is placed in the HS Library ($500 value).

3. Valedictorian Award – NO APPLICATION REQUIRED.

This award is provided by the Board to the graduate who ranks first in the graduation class. The award will be given upon recommendation of the High School Principal and will be symbolized by a quality pen and pencil set, a $250.00 scholarship, a shelf of books donated to the high school library in the student's name and a commemorative brick to be placed in the memorial walkway.

Award: Engraved pen and pencil set, a shelf of books and $250

4. Athlete Scholar Award – NO APPLICATION REQUIRED

This award is given to the top male and female senior varsity letter with the highest grade point average over their four (4) years in high school. This award will be given upon recommendation of the High School Principal and the Athletic Director and will be symbolized by a plaque, which has been prepared in each of the recipient's honor, and a $250 scholarship to each of them.

Award: $250 and a plaque

5. SVEA Scholarship – NO APPLICATION REQUIRED

Automatically awarded to the top ranked senior planning to major in education.

Award: $500

6. Roger “Butch” Pratt Memorial Award – NO APPLICATION REQUIRED

The recipient is automatically determined.

Criteria:

*GPA of 3.25 or higher
*Participation in two (2) sports
*Sincere desire to pursue college
*Needs financial assistance

Award: 2 - $500 award given to one male & one female student who meet the criteria

7. Betty Hogg Memorial Award – NO APPLICATION REQUIRED

This award is based on nominations from faculty and staff only.

Candidates for this award are female students who are members of the National Honor Society, with a minimum grade point average of 3.25. The recipient is chosen based on good citizenship, a desire to help others, and enthusiasm.

Award: $150.00

8. Homestead District Lions Club Award – NO APPLICATION REQUIRED

Automatically awarded to the top two Steel Valley graduating seniors.

Award: TBD

9. J. Lewis Shannon Scholarship Award – Duquesne Univ – NO APPLICATION REQUIRED

Awarded to one senior male and one senior female who will be attending Duquesne University. Student must have met all application and financial aid deadlines. Duquesne University determines recipient(s) based upon financial need and top academic performance.

Award - TBD

10. The Drew Martin Memorial and Scholarship Fund (NO APPLICATION REQUIRED)

This scholarship is available to a Steel Valley High School senior who demonstrates academic excellence and strong community involvement.

* Award is chosen by the SV Scholarship Committee

Award: $300

11. The Lions Club Community Award (NO APPLICATION REQUIRED)

The club wishes to reward a student who might not otherwise be recognized. Many students do their best and are important members of the school community who do not meet the typical measures of achievement.

• 3.25 QPA pursuing continuing education in the trades or the military
• Award is chosen by the SV Scholarship Committee

Award: $500

12. The Vitalant Blood Donation Scholarship

This scholarship is obtained by community blood donations.

Criteria: *3.25 GPA or higher
*Applicant (or family member) must be a blood donor
*Candidate must be entering a health related field

Award: TBD

Info and application sheet on file in the guidance office

* ON HOLD – Depending on possible blood drives this spring

13. Charlton Award

Criteria:
*Participation in 4 or more extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, student government, etc.)
*50 hours (min.) of community service
*3.25 (min.) cumulative QPA

*Completed application (available in the library career center)

Award: $200.00

DEADLINE: Applications should be submitted to the guidance office by April 16, 2021.

Award recipient will be determined by the SV Scholarship Committee.

14. John Paul Merisko Scholarship

Criteria:
*Minimum 3.25 GPA
*Liberal Arts – Students planning to study Music, Art, Performing Arts and Business
*Must submit a 500 word essay.

Essay topic in the high school library career center.

DEADLINE: Essays should be submitted to the guidance office by April 16, 2021.

Award: $500.00

15. Geri Palmieri Memorial Scholarship

This annual scholarship will be given to a senior interested in pursuing a future in business or a culinary related field. The recipient will encompass the educational philosophies that Mrs. Palmieri promoted in her classroom.

Criteria:

*Five (5) paragraph essay on topic selected by the committee
*Interest in pursuing a business or culinary degree
* Applications in the high school career center

DEADLINE: Essays due to Mrs. Geyer by April 16, 2021.

The Geri Palmieri Memorial Scholarship Committee reviews all essays and determines the recipient.

Award: TBD

16. The Harmony Club of Homestead – Lance-Weems Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in memory of Dorothy Lance and her sister Vivian Weems. They were Pittsburgh Public School elementary teachers for over 30 years and devoted members of the Harmony Club. They were committed to education and responsible for the creation of this scholarship.

Criteria:

*Minority student in the current graduating class with a 3.0 Cumulative QPA
*Must be accepted at an institution of higher learning
*Must be involved in school and community activities
*Must complete application for scholarship (Applications are in the library career center)

The Lance-Weems Memorial Scholarship Committee reviews all applications and determines the recipient.

Award: $250 DEADLINE: April 15, 2021.

17. Garden Club of Munhall Scholarship

The Garden Club of Munhall is offering a scholarship to a deserving SV graduating senior who will be enrolling in a post secondary school program.

Criteria:

*Completed application (Applications are in the library career center)
*Essay
*Two (2) letters of recommendation from SV faculty or administration
* 3.25 cum gpa

All application materials are reviewed by a selection committee of the Garden Club of Munhall.

Applications should be submitted TO THE SPONSOR by April 16, 2021.

Award: $500

18. History-Tribute to Veterans and Memorial Day Scholarship – sponsored by Savolskis-Wasik-Glenn Funeral Home

Criteria:

*Writing Submission - No more than 150 word essay on what Memorial Day means to you and/or how you or someone you know have been personally impacted by a Veteran or active member of the military. We are looking for a personal reflection, not historical facts. The winning essay will be featured in a Memorial Day Ad published in the Valley Mirror as well as receiving a $250
scholarship.
* 3.25 cum gpa

DEADLINE: Essays should be submitted to the guidance office by April 16, 2021.

Award: $250.00

Award recipient will be determined by the sponsor

19. Homestead District Lions Scholarship Award in Memory of Marge and Bert Kondis

This award is based on several criteria:

*Community service and involvement
*3.25 cum QPA
*Other activities

Essay: Candidates must explain in 300 words or less how they have given back to the SV community.

Award: TBD

DEADLINE: Essay due in the guidance office by April 16, 2021.

The award recipient is selected by the sponsor in conjunction with the Homestead District Lions Scholarship Award in Memory of Marge and Bert Kondis.

20. Green Funeral Home Essay Award

Green Funeral Home is presenting an essay contest to all graduating seniors. Interested students should submit a typed essay, “What Family Means to Me.”

Award: TBD

* 3.25 cum gpa

DEADLINE: Essays should be submitted to the high school guidance office by April 16, 2021.

21. The Rotary Club Award

The Rotary Club Award is open to all Steel Valley High School seniors.

Students should write a short (1 page) essay detailing your future plans and how Steel Valley High School has prepared you to meet those plans. Complete application sheets for this award are in the high school career center.

• 3.25 cum gpa

DEADLINE: Applications and essays are due in the guidance office by April 16, 2021.

Award: TBA (Selected by the Rotary Scholarship Committee)

22. The Joy D. Harris Scholarship

This scholarship is available to a Steel Valley High School senior who will be majoring in Early Childhood Development or Special Needs Education. The recipients MUST meet the following conditions:

• Be a Steel Valley High School graduating senior
• Minimum 2.5 grade point average
• Planning to attend an accredited post-secondary school
• Majoring in Early Childhood Development or Special Education
• Applications on file in the library career center.

DEADLINE: Applications must be mailed to the sponsor by April 15, 2021

Award: $1,000 The award recipient is determined by the sponsor of this award.

23. The Jacquelyn Konop-Buckley Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to a Steel Valley High School senior who will be attending an institution of higher education in the fall of 2021. The recipients MUST meet the following conditions:

• Essay on the topic “How will your education benefit others?” (500 words)
• Cum 3.25 GPA

DEADLINE: Essays are due in the guidance office by April 16, 2021.

Award: $500 to be used to purchase books for college

The award recipient is determined by the sponsor of this award.

24. The Carmen Marini Memorial Scholarship

The Carmen Marini Memorial Scholarship Foundation is a way for our family to remember Carmen Marini who passed away on May 2, 2016. He was an amazing man with a caring heart. We want to pay tribute to his memory by providing scholarships to graduating students from the Steel Valley School District who will be attending a college/university or trade school to further their education in the fall of 2021.

Students must:

- have a minimum GPA of 3.25
- be accepted to and planning on attending a college/university or trade school in the fall of 2021
- have volunteered for community service and be involved in school clubs and activities
- complete essay – “How has your family background affected the way you see the world?

Scholarship Amount – Two Awards Will Be Given

1.) $1,500 tuition scholarship

2.) $500 book scholarship

Awards will be distributed to the post secondary school

Where should application materials be sent: Must be postmarked by April 16, 2021.

Amanda Olson
3624 Watchill Road
Munhall, PA 15120

25. The Susan Satriano Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to a Steel Valley High School senior who will be attending an accredited college/university in the fall of 2021. The student must have a parent who unfortunately either passed away of cancer, or has a parent presently battling it.

• Student MUST contact Mr. Novak asap for details
• The sponsor lives out of state and will conduct phone interviews with the candidate

Award: Up to $1,000 per student

26. The Maria Heddleston Reading Warrior Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Maria Heddleston, who was a Steel Valley graduate, teacher, and life long resident. This scholarship will be awarded to a Steel Valley High School student who will be attending a college/university to become a teacher (Education Major).

Students must:

- have a minimum GPA of 3.25
- be accepted to and planning on attending a college/university majoring in education
- complete essay

Essay topic on file in the library career center.

DEADLINE: Essays are due in the guidance office by April 16, 2021

Award: $1,500

27. The SVEA Leadership and Adversity Scholarship

a. $2500 for a male / $2500 for a female
b. Essay Prompt: (Choose ONLY One) Please describe a situation where you have battled through adversity during a challenging time in your life. How has the adversity helped mold you into a stronger person?

Describe a situation where you were in a leadership role and how it helped you develop as an individual.

* Essay length: 300-600 words
* 2 Letters of Recommendation
* Minimum of 3.25 GPA

Hand in applications, in an envelope, to Mr. Goga

Due Date: April 16, 2021

28. The Waterfront Shopping Scholarship

This scholarship is available to a high school senior who plans on majoring in business or marketing, or a senior who plans on going into business himself/herself.

Essay Prompt: 250 words describing your view on “The transition from Homestead Works to The Waterfront.”

* Minimum of 3.25 GPA

Essays are due to Mr. Mark Fallon (gmfallon@steelvalleysd.org) by April 16, 2021.

Award: $250

29. The Russ Gibbons/Dave Demerest Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by the Battle of Homestead Foundation. They are a diverse organization of citizens, workers, educators, and historians dedicated to interpreting, preserving, and promoting a people’s history of the labor conflict in Homestead in 1892.

Essay Prompt: Students are to complete ONE of THREE essay questions. The essay should be between

750-100 words in length. Prompts and info sheet in the high school library career center.

SEE MRS. GEYER WITH ANY QUESTIONS

* Minimum of 3.25 GPA

Essays are due to Mrs. Geyer (jgeyer@steelvalleysd.org) by April 16, 2021.

Award: $250

30. The Jack Kelly Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in honor of Jack Kelly, a 1947 graduate of Homestead High School. Mr. Kelly was a Marine Corps PFC who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroic actions during the Korean War. This is the second year of the scholarship. This scholarship is for students interested in a career in the military, planning to study Law or International Studies (in college), or pursuing a career in politics/government service.

Essay Prompt: 250 words on the life of Jack Kelly, or another Medal of Honor winner.

* Minimum of 3.25 GPA

Essays are due to Mr. Mark Fallon (gmfallon@steelvalleysd.org) by April 16, 2021.

Award: $250

31. The Betty Davis Scholarship

This scholarship is in honor of Betty Davis, a graduate of Homestead High School and an influential figure in the 1970’s music scene. This is the first year of the scholarship.

This scholarship is for students who have participated in music ensembles and musical/art activities, potentially pursuing a career in music or music education.

Essay Prompt: 250 words on “How has music influenced your life and future plans?”

* Minimum of 3.25 GPA

Essays are due to Mr. Mark Fallon (gmfallon@steelvalleysd.org) by April 16, 2021.

Award: $250

32. The St. Vincent Alumni Grant

Saint Vincent College is proud to provide an opportunity for alumni to recommend prospective students for the Alumni Grant of $4,000 ($1,000 per year for four years), which will be awarded upon the student’s acceptance for admission and applied toward tuition, upon matriculation to Saint Vincent.

• Must be applying for full-time undergraduate study at Saint Vincent College in the fall of 2020.
• May not be currently enrolled at Saint Vincent College.
• Completed application must be received by May 1. It can be included with the application for admission or sent separately.

• Mr. Macuga is a recommending alumnus.
• Due date is May 3, 2021
• Essay required
• Applications on file in the high school office.
• Please let Mr Novak know if you are accepted and deposited to attend St. Vincent College in the fall of 2021.

33. The Randy Zirkle Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Randy Zirkle, a Steel Valley teacher who had an overwhelming passion for architectural design, and who displayed enthusiasm to assist and to see his students succeed. This scholarship is a way to continue to memorialize his passions.
This scholarship will be awarded to a Steel Valley High School senior interested in pursuing a future in CAD (Computer Aided Design), architecture, engineering or a music related field. The recipient will encompass the educational philosophies that Mr. Zirkle promoted in his classrooms.

Criteria:

Have a minimum GPA of 3.25
Be accepted to and plan on attending an accredited post-secondary school for CAD, Architect,
Engineering or Music in the fall of 2021.

Fill out the Randy Zirkle Application Form
Copy of Acceptance Letter from Post Secondary Institution

Award: TBD Due by Friday, April 16, 2021.

34. Bernard “Dan” Pishinsky Annual Math/Computer Science Scholarship

Dan Pishinsky is a Homestead High School graduate who went on to the University of Pittsburgh to earn a Math degree. His family wants to give back to the community in which he was raised. Award applicants should be pursuing a Math or Computer Science degree in college.

Criteria:
* 3.25 GPA or higher
* Proof of community service hours
* Essay Submission – Topic: Why do you want to pursue a degree in Math or Computer Science?

Award: $1,000

Due in the guidance office by April 16, 2021

35. The Richard G. Stoeckle, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Richard G. Stoeckle, who passed away on 12/31/13 from cancer. The award is presented by his loving family. Richard was passionate about the field of cosmetology and was an educator in the field for over 25 years.

Criteria:

Have a minimum GPA of 3.25

Be accepted to and plan on attending an accredited post-secondary school for the fall of 2021.

Have an interest in pursuing education or working in the field of cosmetology (not required, but a plus!)

Essay submission – “How has your Steel Valley education prepared you for your future plans?”

Award: $1,000 or possibly 2 awards of $500

Due by Friday, April 16, 2021

Applications are available online and in the high school office

https://www.batchfoundation.org/educational-programs/scholarships/

All Batch Foundation Scholarships must be mailed DIRECTLY to them and postmarked by no later than Friday, April 16, 2021.

36. Richard Bazzy’s Shults Ford Scholarship Fund

As a Steel Valley alum, Richard Bazzy wants to give back to the community in which he was raised. In particular, he would like to see students going on to higher education awarded with the same support he was given.

Criteria:

*3.25 GPA or higher
*Letter of recommendation from a Teacher, Counselor, Principal or Coach
*Essay Submission – ON FILE IN THE OFFICE
Award: $5,000 – given to the student

Info and application sheet on file in the guidance office

Financial Aid Night Presentation Recap

Here are a few electronic materials that can be shared to help during the Financial Aid/FAFSA process as well. If there are other materials you are looking for they can be ordered here.

FAFSA Tip Sheet

Scholarship Tip Sheet

Planning for Higher Education Timeline

Student Aid Guide

Careers and College Resources

SCHOLARSHIPS – Scholarships for students:

ATTENTION SENIORS: 2020

MVCF Scholarship Application

The deadline to submit the online Scholarship Application and supporting documents to the Mon Valley Community Foundation has been extended to Friday, May 15, 2020. Click on the title to link to the online Scholarship Application.

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2021 [PDF]

Best of the Batch Foundation 2021 [PDF]

Click image or this link for more information

More Local Scholarships for Seniors

Application for The Maria Heddleston
Reading Warrior Scholarship [PDF]
The Betty Davis Scholarship [PDF]
Charlton Award Form [PDF]
The Carmen Marini Memorial Scholarship [PDF]
First Annual Tim Wilder [PDF]
Geri Palmieri Scholarship [PDF]
Green Funeral Home [PDF]
History-Tribute to Veterans and
Memorial Day Scholarship [PDF]
Homestead District Lions Scholarship Award
in Memory of Marge and Bert Kondis [PDF]
Mary Ruth Thomas Zahir Memorial Scholarship [PDF]
Richard Bazzy’s Shults Ford Scholarship Fund [PDF]
The St. Vincent Alumni Grant [PDF]
The Battlegrounds Art Scholarship [PDF]
The Rotary Club Award [PDF]
John P. Merisko Scholarship [PDF]
The Jack Kelly Memorial Scholarship [PDF]
The Jacquelyn Konop-Buckley Memorial Scholarship [PDF]
The Randy Zirkle Memorial Scholarship [PDF]
The SVEA Leadership and Adversity Scholarship [PDF]
Tri Boro Federal Credit Union Exemplary Student Award [PDF]

Click here for the ENTIRE 2021 LOCAL Scholarship list for Seniors [PDF]

Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program allows Pennsylvania businesses to earn tax credits, which can reduce their tax bill dollar-for-dollar, for contributions made to an approved Scholarship Organization (SO), Educational Improvement Organization (EIO), and/or a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization (PKSO).

Best of the Batch Foundation is an approved Scholarship Organization and Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization.

For more information on the Pennsylvania EITC program, please visit
Educational Improvement Tax Credit Information.