Scholarship Recipients
The Vertras Foundation Student Leader Scholarships were established to provide a one-time $2,500 or $5,000 scholarship to each recipient. The scholarships recognize graduating seniors from PSBA-member districts who have demonstrated ongoing leadership and meet the criteria for one of four available scholarships.
The 2026 scholarships recipients are:
Frerichs Scholarship: Adalyn Witherite, DuBois Area School District
Adalyn Witherite has been awarded a Frerichs Scholarship by the PSBA Trust. Adalyn has distinguished herself through exceptional academic achievement, strong leadership and a deep commitment to service. She has balanced a rigorous course load with extensive involvement in extracurricular activities, serving as president of Beaver Buddy Club and Interact Club, vice president of Instrumental Club, drum major of the marching band and captain of the Unified Bocce Ball team. Her leadership reflects a strong dedication to inclusion, teamwork and community engagement. In addition to her school involvement, Adalyn has remained active in her church, volunteering at a food pantry, participating in mission trips and taking on leadership roles within her congregation. Her passion for education and service has inspired her to pursue a degree in speech-language pathology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with the goal of becoming a speech teacher and supporting students’ communication and learning.
Frerichs Scholarship: Adeline Crawford, Redbank Valley School District
Adeline Crawford has been awarded a Frerichs Scholarship by the PSBA Trust. Adeline has distinguished herself through strong academic achievement, exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to service. She has maintained a rigorous course load while pursuing hands-on experiences aligned with her interest in education, including work in special education. A dedicated leader, she has held numerous roles, including president and secretary of the Bible Club, treasurer of the senior class and National Honor Society, secretary of the Clarion County Youth Council and Business Leaders of Redbank Valley, and vice president and public relations officer of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Her leadership extends beyond school through extensive community and faith-based service, including volunteering at a homeless shelter, participating in mission work and helping organize large-scale service initiatives and student leadership events. Adeline plans to attend Slippery Rock University to pursue a degree in early childhood and special education, with the goal of creating inclusive, supportive learning environments for young students.
Marcus Scholarship: Natalie Eshleman, Chambersburg Area School District
Natalie Eshleman has been awarded a Marcus Scholarship by the PSBA Trust. Natalie has distinguished herself through outstanding academic achievement, exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to service. She ranks in the top 10 of her class with a weighted GPA near 5.0 while balancing a wide range of extracurricular activities and part-time employment as a library assistant. A dedicated leader, she has served as a section leader in band, treasurer of Special Olympics, vice president of Latin Club, co-organizer of the school blood drive and editor and writer for the Midweek Update Club. She is also an active member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Beyond school, Natalie has volunteered extensively with Keystone Health Center and supported community meal initiatives, reflecting her passion for helping others. She plans to attend Seton Hill University to pursue a degree in forensic science with a minor in biology, with the goal of working in a forensic laboratory and advancing the pursuit of justice through science.
Swope Scholarship: Elizabeth Mumbauer, Blue Mountain School District
Elizabeth Mumbauer has been awarded a Swope Scholarship by the PSBA Trust. Elizabeth has excelled academically while demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to the arts across multiple disciplines. She ranks near the top of her class while maintaining an extraordinary level of involvement in both visual and performing arts. A strong leader, she serves as president of French Club and Mock Trial, bringing communication, advocacy and organizational skills to each role, and participates in orchestra, chorus, band and other ensembles. Beyond school, Elizabeth has studied ballet for more than a decade, performing at an advanced level and mentoring younger dancers, and has developed her musical talents through years of violin performance. Her artistic achievements have been recognized through awards in both visual art and performance. Elizabeth plans to pursue a degree focused on art history and French, with the goal of building a career that combines her interests in art, language and law.
Swope Scholarship: Nevaeh Yingling, Greater Latrobe School District
Nevaeh Yingling has been awarded a Swope Scholarship by the PSBA Trust. Nevaeh has distinguished herself through strong academic achievement, exceptional artistic talent and meaningful leadership in the arts. She has pursued a wide range of coursework in studio art, art history, sculpture and ceramics, earning multiple awards for her work, including Best in Show honors. A dedicated leader, she serves as president of the National Art Honor Society, where she has led initiatives that connect art with the community, including public art projects and service activities that engage fellow students and residents. Nevaeh also maintains a strong academic record and serves as secretary of Mu Alpha Theta, demonstrating her commitment to excellence across disciplines. She plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design to pursue a degree in animation with minors in painting and writing, with the goal of using her art to tell meaningful stories and inspire others.
Quimby Scholarship: Anika Walsh, Elizabethtown Area School District
Anika Walsh has been awarded an H.H. Quimby Scholarship by the PSBA Trust. Anika has excelled academically while demonstrating exceptional leadership, advocacy and dedication to public service. She ranks in the top tier of her class while balancing a demanding schedule filled with leadership roles and community engagement. As student school board representative, she served as a vital liaison between students and the board of directors, collecting student feedback, presenting at public meetings and advocating for policies that support safe, inclusive and effective schools. Her efforts helped advance continued student representation on the board, strengthening student voice for years to come. Anika’s leadership extends across her school community as president of the Roots & Shoots Environmental Club, a member of student council, a former Model United Nations secretary and an active participant in journalism, music and theater programs. She has also served her community through church leadership, mentoring younger students and supporting inclusive programming for children with disabilities, and through her work as an advocacy assistant with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Anika plans to pursue a degree in political science or public policy, with the goal of building a career in advocacy and civic engagement.
Quimby Scholarship: Tyler Blanchard, South Middleton School District
Tyler Blanchard has been awarded an H.H. Quimby Scholarship by the PSBA Trust. Tyler has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, leadership and a strong commitment to civic engagement. He ranks first in his class while maintaining extensive involvement in school governance and extracurricular activities. As a student school board representative for two years, Tyler gained firsthand experience in public decision-making and developed a passion for policy and advocacy. He demonstrated initiative by reviving his school’s Social Justice Club and serving as its president, fostering thoughtful dialogue on important issues. His leadership also includes roles as secretary of student council, vice president of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Interact Community Service Club and captain of the swim team, along with participation in Model United Nations and other activities. Tyler has further extended his interest in public service through an internship with a state representative. He plans to pursue a degree in political science, with the goal of continuing his work in leadership, policy and public service.