The Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education awarded $1,000 scholarships to three Pennsylvania Western University students during a ceremony March 24 in Harrisburg.

Ariana Futch, a sophomore at PennWest Clarion, was awarded the K. Leroy Irvis Undergraduate Scholarship for the central region. Futch is a psychology/sociology major with a 3.88 GPA. She is an ambassador for Clarion’s Building Bridges program in which she facilitates meaningful and thought-provoking conversations about equity, diversity and inclusion. She is a Frederick Douglass Scholar recipient. Futch, of Mechanicsburg, completed an internship with Justice Works Youth Care. Her career goal is to become a licensed professional counselor to make a difference in the lives of others.

Letters recommending Futch for the award noted her professionalism and eagerness to continue learning, and her desire to use her education to serve her community, helping others to persist through their struggles.

Kennedy Brown, a freshman at PennWest Clarion, received the K. Leroy Irvis Undergraduate Scholarship for the western region.

Kennedy Brown, a freshman at PennWest Clarion, received the K. Leroy Irvis Undergraduate Scholarship for the western region. Brown, an environmental geoscience major from Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, has a 3.69 GPA. During the pandemic, she volunteered to deliver lunches to children who were signed up for their schools’ free lunch plans. She also helped elderly people move heavy food boxes that had been delivered to their homes. At Clarion, her focus is on her studies, but she enjoys reading and being among people when time permits.

Brown was described in her letters of recommendation as someone with passion, determination and drive, who contributes insightful comments to classroom discussions. Her commitment to her academic courses was also cited.

Criteria for students to receive the K. Leroy Irvis Undergraduate Scholarship include outstanding scholarship, extracurricular participation, leadership qualities and interpersonal qualities.

Isaiah Dean, a senior at PennWest California, was awarded the Esther-Jafari Haymon Scholarship.

Isaiah Dean, a senior at PennWest California, was awarded the Esther-Jafari Haymon Scholarship. Dean is a senior psychology major with a 2.48 GPA. Dean is committed to helping his mother and three siblings in their Pittsburgh home. He volunteers with the youth of Pittsburgh’s North Side area, interacting with them and helping to create a good environment for them. He is passionate about being involved in his community and growing his leadership skills.

Those recommending Dean remarked about his willingness to do the hard work needed to succeed, his integrity and a strong moral compass beyond that of his peers. He is described as having a quiet confidence.

Criteria for the Esther-Jafari Haymon Scholarship include demonstration of leadership skills and participation in co-curricular activities, as well as financial need.

In a letter to recipients, PBCOHE president Rachael J. Banks wrote, “We join your village in rooting for you and wish you continued success in your pursuit of academic and professional excellence. You are your ancestors’ wildest dreams, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish.”

Photo: Ariana Futch, a sophomore at PennWest Clarion, was awarded the K. Leroy Irvis Undergraduate Scholarship for the central region.