Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, November 13, 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 82 students with scholarships. Andrew Abrams, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship and the Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship served as the student speaker at the event.

“I deeply appreciate the financial support these scholarships provide for me and many other students who rely on this assistance to continue their education,” Abrams said.

He stated that the generosity of the scholarship donors and the support from Johnson College allows him to pursue his studies and dream of helping pets lead long and healthy lives.

The event also featured keynote speaker, Dave Thomas, Secretary of the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club incorporated, a club that has long supported the College and its Automotive students through scholarship opportunities. 

The event was sponsored by industry partners including Cardinal LG, SIMONA, Ball, and Mesko Glass.

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, Isaiah Cassel;

Al Pantuso Automotive Scholarship, Andrew Adonizio;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Christopher Rosa;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Alyssa Nicholas and Emma Danowsky;

Bartolai Family Scholarship Fund, Nico Carter;

Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Jacob Holmes and Hanaa Gohsler;

CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Olivia Musto;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Ryan Boyanowski;

Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Cameron Hedgelon;

Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Camron Mcmillan;

Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Nathan Dixon, Daniel Marcus, Hunter Smith, and Michael Chapman;

F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Connor Angelo;

Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Chase Ferranti and Peter Stefanelli;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholars, Donald Church and Jordan Stine;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Cole Chesna and Jarrel Johnson;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Abrams;

Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, Peter Stefanelli;

John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Logan Rehrig and McKenzie Gavin;

John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Jacob Muracco;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Emma Shedden;

Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Jonathan Merlen and Anthony Marsico;

Moses Taylor Foundation Careers in Healthcare Scholarship, Colleen Cannon-Augustine, Adam Rosencrance, Dilyara Akhmedova, Nicholas Novak, Amari Grey, Malana Vega, Stacey Turk, and Hannah Chapman;

MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Hunter Landers and Bruce Kohut;

North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Nursing Scholarship, Briana Kaufman;

Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, Gerard Dolinsky;

P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, James Anderson;

Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association, Hunter Landers and Camron McMillan;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Weston Nugent and Hanaa Gohsler;

Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Ashlee Coe;

Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Maximus Fitzpatrick;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Hunter Landers;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Caiden Stancik;

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Michael Novotka;

The John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Aaron Evans;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Robert Roa;

Thomas J. Perry Scholarship, Vincent Rinaldi;

Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, Michael Novotka;

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Camron McMillan;

Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Amari Grey;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Jordan Bowen and Liberty Graves;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Andrew Abrams, Michael Andrews, Carter Mistishin, and Charlize Barhite;

Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Dravyn Falsone and Keith Rowlands;

Johnson College Richmond Merit Award, Emma Danowsky and Holly Scielzo;

Johnson College Technology Merit Award, Ethan Gardiner and Samantha Warner;

FAA Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Program Scholarship, Matthew Alden, Benjamin Amaya, Joshua Ayala, Christopher Berroa-Mereno, Tahj Bond, Zachary Brown, Pierry Chatelain, Holsen Estime, Michael Fordham, Raphiel Garcia, Kyle Garofolo, Janitza Gonzalez-Caban, Frank Goodwin, Jaylen James-Thomas, Anthony Leombruni, Tanner Little, Logan Rehrig, Amara Rubino, Connor Steele, Amir Vernon.

Johnson College Receives $2,000 Contribution for the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship

Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association recently presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to support the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to two students in the Automotive Technology Program for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

The Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association was established in 1975 and has been funding the scholarship at Johnson College since 2009. The club raises funds through Cruise Nights held at the Viewmont Mall parking lot throughout the year.

Pictured from left to right: John Gall, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Chip Bell, President, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Jim Williams ’00, Automotive Technology Program Director, Johnson College; John Coleman, ’80, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Matt Salvia, Secretary, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; and Tom Lello, Treasurer, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association.

College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, November 9, at Fiorelli Catering in Peckville. The event was held to recognize the scholarship recipients and thank and honor the generous donors who make scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 53 students with scholarships. Stephanie Ropietski, a student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of Hawk Family Foundation Scholars and the Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarships served as the student speaker at the event.

“The scholarships that have been awarded to me and so many of my classmates exhibit how Johnson College and all of the generous scholarship donors care about the success and hard work of today’s students,” Ropietski said.

She stated that these scholarships will help to alleviate the burden of the cost of school for many students, allowing them to focus on their students and strive for success.

The event also featured keynote speaker, Nicholas J. Scarnato ’80, Treasurer of the College’s Board of Directors and long-time supporter of the College and its students. 

The breakfast concluded with the presentation of the scholarship awards 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, Brenden Sutton;

Alekna Memorial Scholarship, Nathan Dixon;

Edgar and Ida Alekna Scholarship Fund, Luke Galli;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Jallen Wilks;

Bartolai Family Scholarship, Robert Jenkins;

John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Rachel Butler and Mackenzie Gavin;

Margaret Briggs Foundation Scholarship, Jonathan Merlen;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Gabriel Gonzalez;

CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Trinaya Parker;

Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, Blake Praschak;

P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Jonathan Hunsberger;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Richard Reed and Emily Royce;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Stephanie Ropietski;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholar, Stephanie Ropietski and Jordan Stine;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Zachary Menichello;

Frank & Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Chase Ferranti;

Jefferson Township Lions Club Scholarship, Tess Maher;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Jordan Bowen and Harrison Kubulis;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Andrew Abrams, Michael Andrews, and Devin Walsh;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Jacqueline Albano;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Gavin Noll;

F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Robert Jensen;

Moffat Merit Award, Richard Bowen and Dravyn Falsone;

Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Kodee Bates;

Moses Taylor Foundation Careers In Care Scholarship, Neyleen Lugo, Tess Maher, Jonathan Merlen, Trinaya Parker, Bryce Shorten, Malana Vega, and Kayla Ward;

Motorworld Lexus Scholarship, Carter Albanese and Paolo Fiorini;

John R. O’Hara Scholarship, King-Shakim Rose;

Christopher Pambianco ’65 Book and Tool Award, Benjamin Flowers and Jacob Holmes;

Thomas J. Perry Scholarship, Abby Bowen;

John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship, Jade Mcdermott;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Aaron Hall and Alyssa Nicholas;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Jarrel Johnson and Ryan Phillips;

Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Brenden Sutton and Hunter Landers;

Richmond Merit Award, Emma Danowsky;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Alyssa Crawford;

Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Tobio Gallucci;

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Michael Novotka;

Technology Merit Award, Tyler Connolly;

Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Dylan Degroat;

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Hunter Landers and Brenden Sutton;

And Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Laura Alleva-Cox.

College Receives Scholarship Award from Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club

The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support the organization’s annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students with demonstrated financial need. The club also gifted the school with a new automotive toolbox. This year marks the 13th year that the scholarship has been awarded to Johnson College students. Funds are raised through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships, and annual calendar sales.

Johnson College’s two-year Automotive Technology associates degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates can work for employers in the automotive career fields of automotive, truck, farm, and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation, and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair/machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales representation; and auto insurance companies.

Pictured left to right: Nick Telli, Villa Capri board member; Mark Kozemko, Johnson College Automotive Technology Instructor; Sal Pizzo, Villa Capri Vice President; Jim Williams, Johnson College Automotive Technology Program Director; Dr, Katie Pittelli, Johnson College President & CEO; Joe Carra, Villa Capri President; Dave Thomas, Villa Capri Secretary; Rick Mroczka, Villa Capri board member; and Joe Caputo, Villa Capri board member.

Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Fiorelli Catering in Peckville. The event was held to recognize the scholarship recipients and thank and honor the generous donors who make scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 42 students with scholarships during the event. Devin Walsh, a student in Johnson College’s Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning program, and recipient of one of the College’s Presidential Scholarships served as student speaker.

“To me, the Presidential Scholarship is more than just money,” Walsh said. “It means that my accomplishments are valuable enough for Johnson to put such an enormous amount of faith in that I will follow through with my education and become a great example of what Johnson College provides to the community.”

Walsh says that the scholarship has lifted the burdens that accompany the cost of pursuing a degree in higher education.

“Most college students need to make major sacrifices, work numerous jobs, and take out huge loans that will cause stress, leading to the inability to focus on coursework,” Walsh told attendees. “The financial assistance of the Presidential Scholarship is a life changer for my family and me.”

The event also featured keynote speaker, David Hawk, who, with his wife Ann, are founders of the Hawk Family Foundation created to help the underprivileged, support education, and encourage community initiatives to help families thrive. The Hawk Family Foundation contributed to the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign specifically for student scholarships and campus developments.

The breakfast concluded with the presentation of the scholarship awards 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, Dylan DeGroat;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Gavin Noll;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Brianna Covington;

Bartolai Family Scholarship, Peter Winowich;

Christopher Pambianco ‘65 Book & Tool Scholarship, Kenneth Stucker;

C.M.C. Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Jessica McKee;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Donovon Brown;

Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship, Nicholas Lathrop;

Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Scholarship, Alexander Carpenetti, Luke Galli, Jordan Navarro, and Madison Trotto;

Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, James Lamberti;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholarship, Julianne Feigenbutz and Christian Overholtz;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Ryan Phillips;

Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Alexander Canjar;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Cassidy Weber;

John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Andrea Marques;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Richard Reed;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Jessica McKee, Emily Ohme, and Devin Walsh;

The Margaret Briggs Foundation Scholarship, Matthew Spiccioli;

Moffat Merit Award, Richard Bowen;

Moses Taylor Foundation Scholarship, Sierra Matash, and Gina Simeone;

MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Jeremy Russo and Casey Williams;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Emma Faithfull and Madison Kier;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Alyssa Crawford and Tiahna Jackson;

Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Kodee Bates;

Scranton UNICO Scholarship, Christopher Henderson;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Mackenzie Snyder;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Jallen Wilks;

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Kyle Williams;

Technology Merit Award, Michael Altieri and Anna-Marie Lake;

The John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Brandon Grandinetti;

The P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Jonathon Hunsberger;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Zachary Menichello;

and Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Scholarship, Jeremy Russo.

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Awards $1,000 Scholarship to Johnson College

The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be given to a Johnson College Automotive Technology student. This year marks the 11th year for the scholarship by the club, which raises funds through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships, and annual calendar sales.

Johnson College’s two-year Automotive Technology associates degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates can work for employers in the automotive career fields of automotive, truck, farm, and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation, and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair/machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales representation; and auto insurance companies.

Pictured, front row, left to right: Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement; Villa Capri President Joe Carra; Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College President & CEO; Mike Macedonia. Back row, left to right: Dave Thomas, Patty Valvano, Frank Valvano, Nick Tielli, Mike Greenstein, and Charlie Leavesley.

Johnson College Extends Scholarship Support to ‘YES’ Program Graduates

The Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council and Johnson College today announced a partnership and a scholarship opportunity for YES (Your Employability Skills) Northeast Program graduates.

YES, which is administered by the Council, is a 120-hour, one-credit, year-round elective course that addresses the shortfall of basic skills that employers say are lacking in many job applicants. The course covers 38 modules in all, including communication, team building, interview/resume/cover letter writing, completing a job application, personal finance, conflict resolution, and time management.

In order to earn a certification and become a graduate of the program, students must achieve passing scores on both the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) and the Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test, demonstrate an attendance rate of 95% or better, pass a six-panel drug screen, complete the 120 hours of curriculum, and earn their high school diploma. Since the program began in 2006, more than 8,500 students have enrolled in the program with 2,918 earning their industry-recognized credential.

Starting with the 2021 fall semester, graduates of the program that enroll at Johnson College are eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship. In addition to the scholarship, students will also be awarded four credits based on prior learning assessment.

“The Council is proud to partner with Johnson College, as together we can help out industry by building tomorrow’s workforce today,” said NEPA MAEC president Darlene J. Robbins. “Manufacturers are currently facing a workforce crisis, with approximately 60 percent of today’s unfilled manufacturing jobs being caused by a shortage of applicants that lack proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as employability skills. Through partnerships such as this one, we can bring more young people into high-paying careers by connecting them with the right training opportunities. This benefits not only the manufacturing sector, but all industries that Johnson College graduates may enter.”

“Our partnership with the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council allows YES Northeast Program graduates to save time and money as they pursue their ultimate goal of entering the regional workforce,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “We look forward to these graduates experiencing Johnson College’s industry-driven, in-demand, hands-on training in a caring environment that we’re known for.”

Cody Fisher Receives Work Ethic Scholarship from the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation

Cody Fisher from Mountain Top, Pennsylvania received a 2020 Work Ethic Scholarship from the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation. The $5,500 scholarship gives Cody the opportunity to focus on his hands-on education in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology Program.

Cody is a Crestwood High School graduate. He found out about the Work Ethic Scholarship after receiving a link to the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation website. Cody knew he had to apply after he read the Foundation’s belief that skilled labor is the back bone of this country and how working hard and having passion in what you do are keys to successful careers.

“I was thrilled when I received the scholarship” said Cody. “It allows me to fully concentrate on my education at Johnson College so I can get out into the workforce sooner without having to worry as much about my college loans.” Cody continued, “Once I visited the Johnson College campus, met the faculty, and leaned about all the courses and hands-on labs, I knew it’s where I wanted to learn my trade. Plus, I’d be going to one of the top trade schools in the nation.”

“During Cody’s journey toward the 2020 Work Ethic Scholarship he displayed Guts, Grit, and Glory, values we share and hold dear at Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “When the opportunity presented itself, he rose to meet it; when there were challenges, he persevered; in the end, his hard work was rewarded by the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation.”

The Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation’s Work Ethic Scholarship Program recognizes people who understand the importance of personal responsibility, delayed gratification, a positive attitude, and, of course, work ethic. The hardworking men and women who keep the lights on, water running, and air flowing—the next generation of skilled workers who will work smart and hard. These are the folks they consider rock stars, and we want to reward them. Learn more about the Mike Rowe Works Foundation at https://www.mikeroweworks.org/.

CMC Establishes Scholarship for Radiologic Technology Students

The CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Student Scholarship Fund Committee has established a scholarship for students in Johnson College’s Radiologic Technology Program.

The CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Student Scholarship will be awarded to two first-year Radiologic Technology students. The funds will give a generous financial boost to those who wish to attend the College.

Funding of the scholarship will be provided from contributions made through the Annual Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament.

Twenty-one years ago, Rich Vinansky started the Annual CMC Employee Golf Tournament. After Mr. Vinansky passed away, his colleagues and friends took the reins, renaming the event the Annual Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament

Jay Kurilla and Jim Lopatka serve as Co-Chairs for the Tournament. This new scholarship was established because those involved wished to see the proceeds from the event go to a worthy cause. Mr. Kurilla expressed, “We felt that it would be a great tribute to our friend to donate in his memory for education of future Technologists.”

Jane Maas, MS, RT, Radiologic Technology Department Chairperson, states, “On behalf of the Radiologic Technology Program and its students, I would like to express our most sincere gratitude to the CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Student Scholarship Fund Committee for presenting this award. Their foresight and generosity will greatly assist both present and future recipients of the scholarship in achieving their goals.”


From left to right: Jay Kurilla, Co-Chair of the Annual CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament; Joan Bonczek B.S. R.T., Clinical Coordinator/Instructor for Johnson College’s Radiologic Technology Program; Katie Pittelli, Johnson College’s Director of Institutional Advancement; Jane Maas, MS, RT, Johnson College’s Radiologic Technology Department Chairperson; Barbara Bossi, R.N., CMC’s Vice President of Patient Care Services; Jim Lopatka, Co-Chair of the Annual CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament