KEN WALDIE MEMORIAL SCOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
2024
Recipient: Jenna Lang
Award: 2024 BPHS Waldie Scholarship Winner
Jenna Lang was recently awarded $16,000 as the 2024 Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship winner. A team Captain of the Cross Country and both Indoor and Outdoor track teams, she was also a cheerleader. Jenna was a state medalist in both track and cross country as well as a record holder in track.
A member of National Honor Society and a volunteer at Pittsburgh Police Mounted Patrol Unit, she also worked part-time.
Jenna will be attending Coastal Carolina University this fall continuing her track career while majoring in Early Childhood Education.
2023
Recipient: Lucas Varley
Award: 2023 BPHS Waldie Scholarship Winner
The 2023 Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship recipient of the $14,000 Scholarship is Lucas Varley…Lucas will be attending Pitt and studying mechanical engineering…..Congratulations!!!
Lucas was involved in 3 sports: Soccer and Diving, where he served as Captain and Track & Field as a javelin thrower.
He was a National Merit Scholar, a member of the NHS, and graduation Marshall. Volunteer hours were spent at youth soccer camps and charity carnivals.
Dear Ken Waldie Memorial Fund,
Thank you very much for selecting me as the recipient of the Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship this year. It was a wonderful surprise to receive such a meaningful and generous award. I hope to honor Mr. Waldie with my efforts next year at the University of Pittsburgh.
Thanks again for your commitment to helping Bethel Park students succeed.
Sincerely, Lucas Varley
2022
Recipient: Lily Gaston
Award: 2022 BPHS Waldie Scholarship Winner
Her school and extracurricular activities included National Merit Scholar Finalist; Chamber orchestra (cellist); Class Marshall and National Honor Society serving as vice-president.
Lily Gaston has been awarded the 2022 Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship. She was awarded a $ 12,500 check in Ken’s memory. Her application was chosen from 22 other outstanding recipients.
She also volunteered as a youth soccer camp, as a math and science tutor, and at a covid-19 vaccine clinic.
Athletically, Lily was a 4-year soccer letter winner, receiving All-Section honors 3 times and All-WPIAL in 2021.
2021
Recipient: Ethan Donovan
Award: 2021 BPHS Waldie Scholarship Winner
Ethan Donovon's High School Activities Include The Debate Team, DECA And As A Four-Year Letter Winner In Soccer, Serving As Team Captain And Earning All-Section Honors. He Also Excelled In The Classroom With A 4.53 GPA.
Outside of school, Ethan played club soccer for Century United and completed an internship at an area wealth management firm.
An essay on “Character” was submitted as part of the scholarship application.
Ethan will be attending Boston College and plans to study finance. He was awarded a check for $11,500 from Frank DelPercio at the school’s annual senior awards ceremony.
2020
Recipient: Sydney Burns
Award: 2020 BPHS Waldie Scholarship Winner
The 2020 Bethel Park High School Ken Waldie Scholarship Winner is Sydney Burns. She was a 4-year Cross Country letterman, serving as team captain her senior year. She also participated and lettered in track as a freshman and sophomore. Other school activities included the Principal’s Advisory Council, serving as Vice-President ,the National Honor Society and Editor-In-Chief of the School Literary Magazine. Sydney also was involved in DECA and is a Class Marshall.
Volunteer time was spent in the pharmacy department at UPMC Mercy, GOLD Teen Leadership Corps and as a liaison for the Bethel Park Board of Recreation. In her spare time, Sydney enjoys Horseback riding.
Sydney will take her talents south, as she will be attending the University of South Carolina. She was presented with a check for $11,500.00 under unique circumstances.
2019
Recipient: Kelly Shelpman
Award: 2019 BPHS Ken Waldie Memorial
Our 2019 BPHS Waldie winner is Kelly Shelpman. Kelly was a Varsity Competitive cheerleader for four years, serving as Co-captian her senior year. She has volunteered for Horses with Hope, and been a leader at children’s cheer camps and for Special Olympics.
Kelly was a member of the National Honor Society and completed course one in American Sign Language.She will be attending West Virginia University and is thrilled to join the “Waldie Family of Recipients.” We are thrilled to add her name to our plaque.
Kelly was presented with a check for $ 11,000 to aid in furthering her education.
2018
Recipient: Connor Wholey
Award: 2018 Waldie Scholarship Winner
The 2018 Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship winner is Connor Wholey. He was a 2-year letter winner on the football team, earning All conference honors his senior year. Connor was a long-time member of the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Order of the Arrow and the highest scout rank…that of Eagle Scout!
Connor was a member of the National Honor Society and Teen Leadership Corps. He graduated with a 4.24 gpa and will continue his education and football career at Carnegie Mellon University. He was awarded a check for $9,000.00 at this year’s award ceremony.
Ken Wadie Memorial Fund & Associates, I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved with this scholarship for selecting me as the recipient. It is an honor be recognized in such a way and with such a generous award. I hope to see the two gentlemen who gave me my award at one of my football games at Carnegie Mellon University. Thank You, Conor Wholey
2017
Recipient: Elizabeth Farnan
2017 Waldie/Shaeffer Award
The Waldie/ Shaeffer Award winner for 2017 is Elizabeth Farnan from Seton-LaSalle. She was chosen from the four outstanding finalists and will be attending the United States Naval Academy.
Elizabeth graduated with a 5.09 GPA while participating in lacrosse, swimming and cross country, where she qualified for the PIAA championship.
Her extracurricular activities included class senator, an assistant drum major in the marching band, English National Honor Society and National Merit Commended Scholar.
2017
Recipient: Ryan Pfab
Award: 2017 Bethel Park High School
Ryan Pfab has been awarded the 2017 Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship. He will be attending Ohio University. He received a check for $ 9,000.00 at the annual school’s award ceremony.
I would like to thank the men and women behind the Ken Waldie Memorial Fund for the wonderful contribution that you have made in my life. With the scholarship award I have received, I will be able to pursue my dream of accomplishing a bachelor’s degree more affordably.
As I begin my first semester at Ohio University, I will prepare to embark upon a challenging road to improve myself intellectually and as a person. I will do my best to carry on the memory of Mr. Waldie through my actions and academic performance in the coming years. Once again, thank you for your generous donation.
Sincerely, Ryan Pfab
2016
Recipient: Joe Campion
2016 Almanac Waldie/Shaeffer Award
Joe Campion, of Bethel Park High School, was selected amongst eight finalest as the 2016 Almanac Waldie/Schaeffer Award Winner. Joe was a four-year member of the soccer team, President of NHS, a member of the chess team and competed in Ultimate Frisbee. He carried a 4.17 GPA, while earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He will attend the Virginia
Photo provided by The Almanac Military Institute.
2016
Recipient: Zachary Sedor-Schiffauer
BPHS Waldie Memorial Scholarship
Zachary Sedor-Schiffhauer was awarded the 2016 Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship at the schools Senior Award Ceremony. Zachary was a member of the Golf team and the NHS. He also belonged to the French NHS, was class Marshall and a 2015-16 Carson Scholar.
He will be attending Case Western Reserve in the fall. Zachary received a check for $ 8,500.00
2015
Recipient: Dontae Penn-Jones
Waldie/Shaeffer Award Winner
On May 31st, Dontae Penn-Jones was awarded the Waldie/Shaeffer Scholarship at The Almanac’s annual Sports Banquet. Dontae wrestled, played football and ran track at Chartiers Valley High School. He has overcome many challenges through out his life. Raised by his grandmother, who passed away during his senior year, he continues to honor her memory.
Having completed basic training in the National Guard, he will be reporting soon to Oklahoma.
2015
Recipient: Steven Davis
BPHS Ken Waldie Scholarship Winner
Steven Davis was awarded the 2015 Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship by Frank DelPercio on May 27th. Steven was a 4-year letter winner on the swim team, a member of NHS, and a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. He worked as a lifeguard, volunteered at a local hospital, and while involved with the Boy Scouts, earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Steven received an $ 8,000.00 check to aid with the cost of attending Penn State University.
2014
Recipient: Ben Haus
Ken Waldie/Shaeffer Award
The 2014 Waldie/Schaeffer Award winner is Ben Haus of Upper St. Clair High School. Ben participated in both football and baseball. He was nominated for Student of the Year, maintaining a 4.08 GPA. His coaches mention his integrity, character and values.
Those qualities will serve him well as he will be attending Virginia Military Institute and plans to become a Navy Seal.
2014
Recipient: Daniel Vater
BPHS Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship
Daniel Vater, who will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the fall, has been awarded this year’s Ken Waldie Scholarship. Dan played soccer, serving as team captain. He is a member of the Student Government Association, Ways and Means, National Honor Society, and is an Outstanding Young Citizen Nominee. Dan was a maintenance worker at his church, part of the recycling program, as well as being a Youth Volunteer.
At the annual Senior Awards Banquet, Dan, with his parents present, was presented with a check for $7,500. As part of the application process, an essay on “Honor” was submitted.
2013
Recipient: Nick Salicce
Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship
The 2013 recipient of the Ken Waldie Scholarship was awarded to Nick Salicce by Frank Del Percio (class of 73) at the annual BPHS Senior Awards Ceremony. Nick received a check for $ 6,000 to help with the cost of his college education at the University of Toronto. He was a member of both the soccer and track and field squads-serving as captain for both.
He was involved in the symphonic band, a member of the NHS and part of the Homecoming Court…
2013
Recipient: Regan Smith
Ken Waldie/Shaeffer Award
Our 2013 Waldie/Shaeffer Award winner is Regan Smith from Chartiers Valley High School. Regan was selected from four scholarship finalists. Regan has always desired to be in the military, and will do that as he has enlisted in the Army. He will train to be a Calvary Scout and hopes to eventually work in special forces.In high school he was a letter winner in track, cross country and wrestling with his coaches speaking of his leadership and passion.
The Waldie/Shaeffer is proud to add his name to previous winners and finalist.
2012
Recipient: Austin Wilding
Ken Waldie/Shaeffer Award
The 2012 Waldie/Shaeffer award winner is Austin Wilding of Upper St. Clair High School. He will be attending the United States Military Academy and was awarded $1,500 at the May 20th Almanac’s Premiere Performance All-Sports Banquet.
Photo by Eleanor Baily from The Almanac.
2011
Recipient: Maria Touloumes
BPHS Ken Waldie Scholarship Winner
Marie was a 4-year letter winner in soccer and a 3-year track letterman. A member of the NHS, she was also active in her Church Youth Group as a Coordinator and President. Maria attended the Blackfoot Indian Mission trip (Montana), the Hosannah Industries Mission (Pittsburgh), and the St. Gregory Palamas Monastery Mission. She volunteered at the Bethel Park Recreation Soccer Tournament and was a member of the Century United CUP Soccer Team.
Maria was awarded $5,000.00 and will attend Johns Hopkins University where she will continue her soccer career.
Recipient Name: Michael Innes
Award: 2011 Almanac Award - US Military Academy $1000
2012
Recipient: Evan Schweitzer
Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship
The 2012 Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship winner is Evan Schweitzer. Evan was a member of the football and basketball teams, where he lettered 3 years in each sport. A member of the National Honor Society, he carried a 4.5 GPA
Evan was presented with a $ 6,000 check and will attend Allegheny College where he will continue his basketball career.
2010
Recipient: Caitlin Brust
2010 Bethel Park Award
Caitlin Brust was our 2010 recipient of a $5,000 scholarship to attend Franklin & Marshall College. Caitlin participated in softball, lettering 4-years and serving as Captain her Senior year. She will continue to play the sport in college. In addition she carried a 4.67 grade point average, was a member of the NHS, and involved in Relay for Life.
2010
Recipient: Keelen Collins
2010 Almanac
Keelen Collins is the 2010 Almanac Award Winner…He received a $1000 scholarship..He is from South Fayette High School and will be attending the University of Penn on an NROTC Scholarship….
2009
Recipient: Alexandra Shiff
2009 Bethel Park Award
The 2009 BPHS winner is Alexandra Shiff she will be attending Cedarville University and majoring in Sports Medicine. She was a letter winner in Diving and Track. In addition had 2 lead roles in the school musicals, involved in gymnastics and youth group. Also a member of NHS. This years essay was “integrity” awarded $4,500
2009
Recipient: Brad Strimmel
2009 Almanac Award
The almanac winner is Brad Strimmel of Canon-McMillan High school. Will be attending West Point. Received $1,000..Pictured with Frank DelPercio and Tom Etzel
Dear friends of Ken Waldie,
It is hard to explain how honored I was by the award the other evening. Ken truly sounded like a great man and model American. I hope I can emulate his character and dedication. I am proud to carry his memory with me to West Point this summer. Again, thank you very much. – Brad Strimmel
2008
Recipient: David Neville
2008 Almanac Award
David received a $1000.00 Scholarship and will attend The United States Air Force Academy..
2008
Recipient: Matthew Kaminski
2008 Bethel Park Award
Matt received a $4000.00 Scholarship to The University of Pittsburgh…Matt is an Indoor Track and Field Letterman…A member of the National Honor Society and Ways and Means….He volunteers with the Jubilee Kitchen and The Relay for Life…His essay on Friendship touched all our hearts..
“It was an honor to have received this award at the Bethel Park High School Awards Ceremony and to have it presented to me by Mr. Frank DelPercio, a former baseball coach of mine. The excitement with which he presented the award to me was truly a memorable one. His tribute to Mr. Waldie at the awards ceremony was heartfelt and inspirational.
2007
Recipient: Sarah Spicuzza
2007 Bethel Park Award
Sarah Spicuzza received a $4000.00 Scholarship to Waynesburg College. Sarah excels in both soccer and track. She is a member of the NHS and Girl Scouts. As part of the application, her essay was on Integrity…Congratulations Sarah.
2006
Recipient: Mark Meshanko
2006 Bethel Park Award
Mark Meshanko received a $4000.00 Scholarship for The University of Pittsburgh/Honors..See an update on Mark under the Special Remarks section..
2006
Recipient: Meeting the Pope
2006 Ken Waldie/Shaeffer Award Winner
The 2006 Waldie/Shaeffer Award winner Adam Potter meets the Pope……priceless
2005
Recipient: Brian Fink
2005 Bethel Park Award
University of Pittsburgh-Honors
$4000
2004
Recipient: Karen Vaughn
2004 Bethel Park Award
Karen Vaugh received a $4000.00 Schlorship.
Special note from Karen:
I will always remember to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Waldie by recognizing the importance of friends, athletics and academics..Thank you..
2003
Recipient: Jeff Mathews
2003 1st Bethel Park Award Recipient
Our first recipient was Jeff Mathews, who received a $3000.00 Scholarship..
Special Note from Jeff:
To be associated with a man like Kenny is a real honor…I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers…
Thank you once again and God Bless..
ADDITIONAL RECIPTIENTS
Recipient Name: Adam Potter
Award: 2006 Almanac Award - Penn-State-Behrend - $1000
Recipient Name: Aubra Thomas
Award: 2003 Almanac Award - US Naval Academy - $500
Recipient Name: Justin Pratt
Award: 2007 Almanac Award - Carnegie Mellon - $1000
Recipient Name: Mark Deluzio
Award: 2005 Almanac Award - US Naval Academy - $1000
Recipient Name: Tyler Haught
Award: 2004 Almanac Award - US Naval Academy - $1000