Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, October 28, 2025, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students.
The College awarded 74 scholarships. Alyssa Nicholas, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of the Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, served as the student speaker at the event.
“My scholarship is a reminder that there are people who believe in me, who see my potential and want to help me achieve my lifelong dream of working in veterinary care,” Nicholas said.
She stated that the generosity of the scholarship donors and support from Johnson College allow her to better focus on her studies so that she can pursue her dream to serve the farmers in her rural hometown, offering them better access to the care they need.
The event also featured keynote speaker, Fran Pantuso, benefactor of the Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, created in honor of her father, Al Pantuso, Sr.
Presenting sponsors of the event included Cardinal LG, Jam Works LLC, and SIMONA AMERICA Industries.
The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., chief academic officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included:
AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Christian DeOliveira;
Alekna Memorial Scholarship, Kaiden Hallock, Henry Korman, Felix Peraza, and Sierra Stonier;
Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Jacob Davis, Daniel Marcus, Karen Martinez, and Ally Plantz;
Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Liam Lidy;
Bartolai Family Scholarship, Giulian Morell;
Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Ashton Labert;
John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Parker Azevedo and Claire Getz;
Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Gianna Carlo and Andrew Williams;
Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Connor Griggs;
Hilda Dakey and Harry Dakey Memorial Scholarship, Michelle Calderon and Jackson Lincoln;
Marilyn and Ronald Davies Annual Scholarship, Eric Staskowski;
Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, Jericho Doll;
P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Christian Shields;
John T. Gerod Scholarship, Andrew Baker;
Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Daniel Marcus;
Hawk Family Foundation Scholars, Luke Hoats and Abigail Trowbridge;
Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Mariah Minnelli;
Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Alexandria Haduch;
Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, Cody Schoonover;
Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Aidan Graff and Liberty Graves;
Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Brittany Bella and Keith Rowlands;
Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Charlize Barhite, Krista Dudeck, Anastasia Lehman, and Carter Mistishin;
Johnson College Technology Merit Award, Samantha Warner and John Plumey;
Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Liberty Graves;
William Lesik Memorial Scholarship, Josiah Amoroso and EllaRose Fitzgerald;
Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Christopher Rosa;
F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Connor Angelo;
MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Brendan Galimi and Mariah Minnelli;
Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, Edgar Acevedo;
North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Nursing Scholarship, Aiden Zerbe;
John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Milagros Sosa;
Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Connor Angelo and Hanaa Gohsler;
Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, Kasandra Lopes;
Thomas J. Perry Scholarship, Alessandro Olivieri;
John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Evan Bernardi;
Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Eagon and Alyssa Nicholas;
Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Cole Chesna and Jayden Wasielewsk;
Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Cristal Abreu and James Hancock;
Richmond Merit Award, Austin Fortney and Holly Scielzo;
Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Braeden Alvord and Joelvi Maties-Medina;
Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Jericho Doll;
Taylor Nursing Rehabilitation Scholarship, Alyssa Resio and Jennifer Rodriguez;
Dr. Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Cameron Hedgelon and Tyler Martinelli;
Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Austin Fortney;
Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Andrew Andonizio;
Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Anna Bagnall and Rebecca Bavitz;
Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Gerard Dolinsky.