The following scholarships are offered to students planning to graduate with the Blackhawk School District High School Class of 2024 by completing our online 2024 Online Scholarship Application.

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Please note that completing one application form enters the applicant for consideration for all scholarships or awards for which the applicant meets the criteria.  All information submitted will be confirmed and verified with the Guidance Office of Blackhawk High School.  A committee comprising members of the BSDEF Board of Directors, donor designees, and the Guidance Office of the Blackhawk High School evaluates all applications, as applicable.

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BSDEF Founders Scholarships

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The shortage of skilled trade workers is a pressing issue affecting not only Beaver County but also the broader Pittsburgh region, the state of Pennsylvania, and the nation. Despite being a prominent concern in local and national headlines, there is a notable disparity in scholarship opportunities for students interested in skilled trades compared to those pursuing traditional 2-year and 4-year college paths.

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In response to these dilemmas, the 2024 BSDEF Founder’s Scholarships will be awarded to support students planning to pursue further education and training in the skilled trades after graduation.  Examples of skilled trades include, but are not limited to, the following vocations:  electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, dental hygienists, chefs, welders, masons, carpet installers, wind turbine technicians, painters, cosmetologists, heavy equipment operators, and mechanics across various industries.

 

The current and past members of the Blackhawk School District Educational Foundation sponsor the BSDEF Founders Scholarships. 

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Friends of Pat Morris Memorial Scholarship

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Patricia A. Morris was a good friend to so many. So good that when she passed away in 2021, her best friend – Kathy Sprague – wanted to make sure her memory lived on. The Friends of Pat Morris Memorial Endowment was created to honor her by providing graduating seniors with a $1,000 scholarship to help them get a jump on college right out of high school … instead of having to wait for over 20 years as she did as a non-traditional student while working full time.
 

Since this world needs more ‘Pats’ – with such a big heart for others that sometimes it left her heartbroken – the scholarship will be awarded to the graduate that best resembles three of her big loves in life.
 

1. Plans to attend Geneva College in the fall following graduation.

2. Is a member of the United Methodist Church.

3. Is enrolled as a music or art major at any college.
    

Being of strong faith – Pat realized perfection only exists in heaven – so a match of all three is not expected. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who shares one or more of Pat’s biggest loves in life, other than her friends, of course. May God bless the scholarship winner with this small monetary award and the gift of great friendships like “The Friends of Pat Morris” shared with her for so long. She is missed but won’t be forgotten!

 

Judy Fusetti Education Award

 

The Judy Fusetti Education Award in the amount of $500 is made available in memory of Judith Fusetti.  This award is presented to a graduating senior who has been accepted to a post-secondary school and plans to major in Education. 

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Marian Jones “Live-Laugh-Love” Spirit Award

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Her family describes Marian Jones as a “life force like no other.”  She impacted everyone she met with her amazing spirit, infectious laugh, beautiful smile, and a heart big enough to reach anyone who needed it.  She was the instigator of impromptu parties, initiated conversations with anyone she met,

always cracked jokes, and made all feel welcomed and loved.  She was an instant friend to all she met.

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Marian was a mom to Blackhawk High School boys and watched every football, basketball, and baseball game they played.  She ran the Little Cougar Football Organization and volunteered as a football mother.  Marian brough her warm, giving personality to many jobs; leaving her mark at Foodland as a baker, Blackhawk School District as a cafeteria worker, as the first line of defense as a TSA Agent, and finally as a school board member for the Blackhawk School District.  She loved the entire Beaver Falls community and found joy in serving others.

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The Marian Jones “Live-Laugh-Love” Spirit Award is a $1,000 award that is available to multiple Blackhawk High School graduating seniors based on involvement and community service and who convey in their online applications and essays how they, like Marian, “Live (Every Moment), Laugh (Every Day) and Love (Beyond Words).”

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Pitt Race / Stout Family Scholarship

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The Pitt Race / Stout Family Endowment Scholarship Endowment was established in partnership with Jim and Kathy Stout to offer three (3) $1,000 annual scholarships to graduating students who demonstrate a strong work ethic, integrity, and character who are planning to pursue a vocational/technical education after graduation in the fields of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, auto mechanics, or any other skilled trade.  If there are not enough qualified applicants meeting these criteria, these scholarships will be awarded to graduating students who are planning to attend an accredited two-year or four-year private or public university.

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Stephen and Andy Sekeres Memorial Scholarship

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Stephen Sekeres was a dedicated, respected, and well-liked sixth-grade science teacher at Highland Middle School in the Blackhawk School District at the time of his death in December 1997.  Andy, a 1979 graduate of Blackhawk High School, was a cross-country runner who enjoyed the competition and camaraderie with his team members and coach, Mr. Naugle.  Andy passed away in a work accident in July 1983.  Bernadine Sekeres, wife of Stephen Sekeres and mother of Andy Sekeres, established this scholarship to honor the memories of Stephen and Andy. 

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The Stephen and Andy Sekeres Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship presented to a graduating student who was a dedicated member of the cross country or track team.  The applicant must have demonstrated and exhibited exemplary character and sportsmanship and earned the respect of their teammates during their high school career.  Furthermore, the applicant must have plans to attend a post-secondary education program during the same calendar year as graduation.