Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

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.

Day of Giving on August 18 Benefits Presidential Scholarship Fund

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Johnson College will host its first ever 24-hour Day of Giving fundraising event. Donations during the Day of Giving will benefit the Presidential Scholarship fund. By participating everyone within the community has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Johnson College’s students. To make a donation visit https://johnson.edu/dayofgiving/.

While campuses around the country closed, and the future of higher education became uncertain, Johnson College and its industry partners kept going. Students worked and learned first-hand just how essential they are to the workforce. They kept the economy moving forward in Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. They are fixing, building, and healing our communities, especially through this global pandemic.

Our students kept all of us going when our lives changed and we had to stay at home. Now it is our turn to give back to them.

Johnson College students receive the education, training and skills needed in today’s essential industries and are critical in helping others and supporting our economy. The more you can assist the College’s students to meet their educational goals, the more you will support the community in this unusual and critical time.

Johnson College Open Benefits Students

On May 18, 2012, 120 golfers, which included a record 26 Johnson College alumni, gathered at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountain Top, PA for the benefit of current and future Johnson College students. The 20th Annual Johnson College Open, presented by sponsors Blackout Design and Sweda Advertising, raised over $35,000 – the most money to date for the Presidential Scholarship Fund!

Plans for the 21st Annual Johnson College Open are already underway. The tournament will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountaintop, PA (rain or shine). For more information, contact Stephanie Orzalek, Coordinator of Institutional Advancement, at 570-702-8908 or sorzalek@johnson.edu.


Winners of the 20th Annual Johnson College Open
From left to right: Tom Ruddy; Lamont McClure; Ed Christiano; Joe Kohut


20th Annual Johnson College Open sponsors gather to congratulate Presidential Scholarship recipients.
From left to right (first row): Katie Pittelli, Johnson College; Joshua Evarts ’13, Old Forge, Presidential Scholarship recipient, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology; Ali Frankenfield ’13, Phillipsburg, NJ, Presidential Scholarship recipient, Veterinary Technology; Nicholas Desanto ‘14, Jermyn, Presidential Scholarship recipient, Electronic Technology; Stacey Ondik, Sweda Advertising; Stephanie Orzalek, Johnson College
From left to right (middle row):  Nicholas Costanzo, L.R. Costanzo; Donald Kalina, Highland Associates; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, Johnson College; David Manasek, Manasek Auto Parts, Inc. (A NAPA Dealership)
From left to right (last row):  Joseph Shea ’85, Shea Demolition; Attorney Jill Spott, Sheils Law Associates; Tom Donohue, Lamar Advertising; Attorney Robert Sheils II, Sheils Law Associates

Johnson College Honors Scholarship Recipients

On October 10, 2012, over 100 Johnson College students, family and friends, donors, faculty, and staff gathered for the College’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon, which honored 2012-2013 scholarship recipients as well as donors.

Speakers at the event included donors George Sweda, of Sweda Advertising, and Jack Reager, of Blackout Design, who both spoke about the importance of supporting Johnson College and its students.

Presidential Scholarship recipient Ali Frankenfield ’13, a Veterinary Technology student, also addressed the crowd, sharing, “The fact that there are people out there who care about us students and donate their energy, time, and money to help us through the financial aspect of our college journey will never cease to amaze me. I owe them my heart and eternal gratitude.”


Johnson College Scholarship Luncheon Speakers
From left to right: George Sweda, Sweda Advertising; Ali Frankenfield ’13, Veterinary Technology, Phillipsburg, NJ; Jack Reager, Blackout Design


Recipients of The Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship
From left to right: Dominick Carachilo ’82, Johnson College’s Vice President of Academic Affairs; Sierra Smith ’13, Veterinary Technology, Springville; Ian Farrar ’14, Computer Information Technology, Dalton; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, Johnson College’s President and CEO

Cars on Campus Sets Record

Over 165 classic cars and unique vehicles were on display for Johnson College’s Cars on Campus on September 9, 2012. The event, presented by Manasek Auto Parts, Inc., raised a record $7,825.87 for the Cars on Campus Scholarship Fund, far exceeding the $5,000 goal!

Hundreds of car lovers, students, alumni, and community friends visited campus to enjoy the sights of the remarkable automobiles, the sounds of DJ Conor McGuigan, and the tastes of some delicious refreshments.

Awards were given out in a number of categories. Big winners included Tom Millard’s 1955 Brockway, which won the 2012 Best in Show Award, and George Caswell’s Cadillac Limousine, which took home this year’s President’s Pick Award.

Rudi Dickinson ‘11, who was instrumental in reviving the College’s car show three years ago after a five year hiatus, shares, “It’s great to give back to the College which has given me the skills to pursue a successful life. My hope is that the Cars on Campus Scholarship gives others the same opportunities.”


Johnson College thanks its 2012 Cars on Campus Sponsors
From Left to Right (Front Row): Rebecca Griffis, Jack Williams Tire; Dave Manasek, Manasek Auto Parts, Inc. (A NAPA Dealership); Dave Hopkins, Dalton Garage; Nancy Nealon, Johnny’s Car Wash
From Left to Right (Back Row): Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, Johnson College; Tracey Williams, Jack Williams Tire; Mary Ann Novak, McGrail, Merkel & Quinn; John Nonnemacher, Snyder & Clemente, Katie Pittelli, Johnson College; Heather Stuart, Johnson College


Tom Millard’s 1955 Brockway, 2012 Best in Show


George Caswell’s Cadillac Limousine, 2012 President’s Pick


Johnson College’s 2012 Cars on Campus raised a record $7,825.87 for the Cars on Campus Scholarship Fund!