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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 3, 2023 (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: $1,000.00
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. 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 3, 2023.
Award recipient will be determined by the SV Scholarship Committee.
13. 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 3, 2023.
The Geri Palmieri Memorial Scholarship Committee reviews all essays and determines the recipient.
Award: TBD
14. 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 22, 2023.
15. 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 17, 2023.
Award: $500
16. 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 3, 2023.
Award: $250.00
Award recipient will be determined by the sponsor
17. 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 3, 2023.
The award recipient is selected by the sponsor in conjunction with the Homestead District Lions Scholarship Award in Memory of Marge and Bert Kondis.
18. 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 3, 2023.
19. 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 3, 2023.
Award: TBA (Selected by the Rotary Scholarship Committee)
20. 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, 2023
Award: $1,000 The award recipient is determined by the sponsor of this award.
21. 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 3, 2023.
Award: $500 to be used to purchase books for college
The award recipient is determined by the sponsor of this award.
22. 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
23. 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 3, 2023.
Amanda Olson
3624 Watchill Road
Munhall, PA 15120
24. 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 3, 2023
Award: $1,500
25. 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 3, 2023.
Award: $250
26. 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 essay question. 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 3, 2023.
Award: $250
27. 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 3, 2023.
Award: $250
28. 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 3, 2023.
Award: TBA
29. The Randy Zirkle Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was created in memory of Randy Zirkle, a Steel Valley teacher who had a 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 2023.
Fill out the Randy Zirkle Application Form
Copy of Acceptance Letter from Post Secondary Institution
Award: TBD Due by Friday, April 3, 2023.
30. Richard Bazzy’s Shults Ford College/University 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. This scholarship is geared for students attending a college or university in the fall of 2023.
Criteria: *3.25 GPA or higher
*Letter of recommendation from a Teacher, Counselor, Principal or Coach
*Essay Submission – ON FILE IN THE CAREER CENTER
Award: $5,000
Info on file in the career center. Essays due in the guidance office by April 3, 2023
31. Richard Bazzy’s Shults Ford Trade School 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. This scholarship is geared for students attending a trade school in the fall of 2023.
Criteria: *3.25 GPA or higher
*Letter of recommendation from a Teacher, Counselor, Principal or Coach
*Essay Submission – ON FILE IN THE CAREER CENTER
Award: $5,000
Info on file in the career center. Essays due in the guidance office by April 3, 2023
32. The Helen Laughran Memorial Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is in honor of Helen Laughran. She was a Munhall/Steel Valley High School graduate of 1936 and served as a United States Army nurse in WW2. She later became a school nurse in our district
and was instrumental in getting the Southwestern PA World War II Memorial erected on Pittsburgh’s north shore. She was a loving aunt and caring person.
Criteria: *3.25 GPA or higher
*Majoring in Nursing in the fall of 2023
*Essay Submission – ON FILE IN THE CAREER CENTER
Award: $1,000 Essays due in the guidance office by April 3, 2023
Info and application sheet on file in the career center
33. The Mayor Bodnar and Jane D. Bodnar Memorial Scholarship
Mayor Bodnar, supported by his spouse Jane, served the Munhall community over 50 years. Their community service ranged from assisting youth programs to valuable services helping the senior citizens
of Munhall.
CRITERIA:
*3.25 GPA or higher
*Community service report detailing what community service you have done
*Essay Submission - See below
AWARD: Essays due in the guidance office by April 3, 2023
$750
Info and application sheet on file in the career center
34. The Nancy B Scholarship
This memorial scholarship is in honor of Nancy Runco, owner of Nancy B’s Bakery. She believed that the trades are the backbone of the workforce. People who enter the trades are passionate about what they
do. Nancy was both a licensed beautician and an accomplished baker.
CRITERIA:
*3.25 GPA or higher
*Essay Submission Info and application sheet on file in the career center
AWARD: $500 Essays are due in the guidance office by April 3, 2023
35. The Chau Scholarship Fund
As a Steel Valley Alumna from the class of 2016, I understand how difficult funding a collegiate education can be. The primary source to further my education was through scholarships. I wish to pay it forward by giving students the same opportunity that I had. College should be accessible to all no matter one’s background.
CRITERIA:
*3.25 GPA or higher
*Qualities of leadership and community service involvement
*Financial hardship
*Essay Submission Info and application sheet on file in the career center
AWARD: TBD Essays are due in the guidance office by April 3, 2023
36. The St. Vincent College Award
This award will be given to a student attending St. Vincent College in the fall of 2023.
CRITERIA:
*3.25 GPA or higher
*Have financial need
*Must be accepted and deposited to attend St. Vincent
*Must show your acceptance letter
AWARD: $2,000 Notify Mr. Novak if you meet these criteria by April 3, 2023
37. 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 3, 2023
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: 2023
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES [PDF]
Best of the Batch Foundation 2023 [PDF]
Click image or this link for more information
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 14, 2023.
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 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.