2024 Armco Credit Union Scholarship Winners

Armco Credit Union is pleased to award $20,000 in scholarships to 20 students entering their freshmen year of college in the fall. The students were selected from 98 qualified applicants based on academic achievement, extracurricular/work activities and leadership skills.  Students attending college as well as vocational schools were eligible.  Armco Credit Union has awarded over $125,000 in scholarships during the past seven years. Watch for next year’s scholarship announcement in our monthly eNEWS or follow us on social media.

Ethan Barnhart

Ethan Barnhart is a graduate of Armstrong Junior Senior High School. He will attend the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to major in civil engineering with hopes to become an engineer. Ethan has been involved with both amateur and high school hockey for many years, school musicals, and numerous school clubs such as National Honor Society, the Vice President of Student Council, Senior Class Cabinet, Leadership Experience and Opportunity (LEO) Club, and many more. He is employed at ACMH working in the dietary department as a casual employee. Ethan participates in community service projects with his local youth group, called FiveFourTeens. They have contributed to Habitat for Humanity projects, Christmas caroling events, volunteered at the Special Olympics, and much more. In his free time, he likes to golf, go to the gym and hang out with friends.

Anthony Battaglia

Anthony Battaglia is a graduate of Freedom Area High School and the Beaver County Career and Technology Center. He will study graphic design at the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Anthony has been involved with DECA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, Big Brothers Big Sisters (3 years), Good News Club, Drama Club (6 years), Bocce, National Honor Society, National Technical Honors Society (2 years), National Business Honor Society, and Conway Alliance Church (2 years). He was the Vice President and 4-year Social Media Director for DECA and the Treasurer of his FBLA chapter. Anthony won 4th place for Advertising Design in DECA, 3rd place for Human Resources Management for DECA, 2nd place for Publication Design for FBLA, and 2nd place for Visual Design for FBLA. He likes to play video games and make pin-back buttons for his Etsy shop, Battaglia Graphics.

Kristen Benedek

Kristen Benedek is a graduate of Butler Area Senior High School. She will attend Citizens School of Nursing for the next two years while simultaneously attending Butler County Community College. Kristen graduated high school with 12 BC3 credits which will help her achieve her nursing goals faster. She was an active member in the Butler Marching Band and the Butler jazz ensemble. Kristen volunteered at Meals on Wheels as well as the Herman Volunteer Fire Company. She has received many awards for academics, attendance and from the National Junior Honors Society.

Lauren Birckbichler

Lauren Birckbichler is a graduate of Butler Area Senior High School. She will attend West Virginia University to study Exercise Physiology. Her goal is to become a Physical Therapist, specializing in dance injuries since she has grown up dancing. In high school, Lauren was involved in Student Council, National Honors Society, Best Buddies, and the Butler Marching Band Sequinette Dance Team where she served as co-captain this past year. She also volunteered in many different community service projects. Lauren works as a lifeguard during the summer, and also works at Pflueger’s Candy throughout the school year.

Maisee Carrier

Maisee Carrier is a graduate of Fairview High School in Fairview, PA. She will attend Marietta College to study computer science and also pursue minors in both cybersecurity and creative writing. In high school, Maisee served as Student Council President, Senior Class Secretary, Spanish Club Vice-President, and Community Service Club Co-President. In college, she looks forward to being a member of the women’s soccer team and playing in the competitive Ohio Athletic Conference. Once she obtains her degree, she aspires to move south and work as a cybersecurity analyst.

Jessica Chwalik

Jessica Chwalik is a graduate of Butler Area High School. She will Attend PennWest – Clarion University and major in elementary education and special education. In high school, Jessica participated in many activities such as: Vice President of Best Buddies, Vice President of Student Council, Butler County Leadership Program and the FITE club (Feminism, Inclusion, Tolerance, and Equality). She attended the National Best Buddies Leadership Conference. Jessica played girls varsity basketball, unified track and field and participated in the Regional Special Olympics Unified Track and Field Leadership Team. She is also active in her church youth group and works at a daycare, Maurices and dog sits.

Gretchen Foehringer

Gretchen Foehringer is a graduate of Knoch High School. She will attend Butler County Community College to major in history. After graduating from BC3, she plans to transfer to another school to earn a bachelor’s degree in education. Gretchen is a member of several clubs including: History, German, Conservation, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She serves as President of the Photography Club and Treasurer of the Science Club. Gretchen played soccer and lacrosse. She works at Freedom Farms and volunteers at her church and in the community. Gretchen especially enjoys doing activities that involve veterans. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym and embroidery. Her professional goal is to become a high school history teacher, focusing on American history and early European history.

Riley Gillis

Riley Gillis is a graduate of Knoch High School and plans to attend college for Business Analytics in the fall. In high school, he was one of the captains of the high school track team as well as the president of his school’s chess club. Riley enjoys going on yearly mission trips as a way to be active in his faith. He currently works at a local gas station as a cook and owns his own lawn company.

Tyler Hutchison

Tyler Hutchison is a graduate of Karns City High School. He will attend Butler County Community College to major in nursing. Once he earns an associate’s degree at BC3, he plans to enroll in an online RN to BSN program followed by attending a CRNA school. His long-term goal is to become a nurse anesthetist. Tyler played baseball and football throughout high school. He enjoys hunting, fishing, riding bikes and hanging out with friends.

Emma McCosby

Emma McCosby is a graduate of Mars Area High School. She will attend Westminster College to major in biology on the physician assistant track. In high school, Emma was a 4-year member of the varsity volleyball team. She was also a manager for the boy’s varsity volleyball team. Emma’s activities include: Secretary of German Club, involved in German National Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Water Protection Program, Interact Club, Key Club, and AFS. Emma has committed to play volleyball for Westminster in the fall.

Lauren McKean

Lauren McKean is a graduate of Butler Area Senior High School. She will attend Penn State University to major in finance. In high school, Lauren was Captain of the Rifle Team, President of the Environmental Club, Secretary of the Student Council, Vice President of Future Business Leaders of America, and a member of the National Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys working out and volunteering in her community. Lauren’s goal is to become a financial advisor.

Noah Mourer

Noah Mourer is a graduate of Karns City High School. He will attend Slippery Rock University to major in Civil Engineering. He also plans to attend High Flight Academy in Butler to get his pilot license. In high school, he was the Vice President of Student Council, Treasurer of the National Honor Society, Senior Class Treasurer, President of the Home Economics Club, a member of Extreme Leadership, and a member of the Science Club. Noah was also the captain of the varsity soccer team and ran cross country. Through these groups, he completed a large amount of service. Recently, he helped create two large projects that raised money for local families. He works as a server assistant at the Butler Texas Roadhouse and enjoys golfing, fishing and going to the gym.

Ireland O’Donnell

Ireland O’Donnell is a graduate of Karns City High School. She will attend the nursing program at Butler County Community College. In high school, she was a member of Student Council, National Honors Society, Spanish Club, and Student Athletic Training. Her activities outside of school consist of babysitting and setting up weddings with a local business, Preston’s Petals. After graduating from BC3, Ireland plans to work in a local hospital as a Registered Nurse and then eventually continue her education to become a Physician’s Assistant.

Kaitlyn Parson

Kaitlyn Parson is a graduate of Slippery Rock High School. She will attend Purdue University to study Pharmacy. In high school, Kaitlyn served as President of the National Honors Society and Treasurer of the Senior Class. She was a member of the Student Council, Interact Club and Ski Club. Kaitlyn was also captain of the Girls Swim Team this year and was a three-year participant.

Emma Pflugh

Emma Pflugh is a graduate of Butler Area Senior High School. She will attend Penn State University to major in biology. In high school, Emma was a member of the varsity swim team and was captain this past season. She was also in the National Honor Society and lettered with 20 hours of community service. She was the Vice President of the FITE club  which stands for feminism-inclusion-tolerance-equality. Last summer, Emma completed the Junior Auxiliary program at Independence Health System, which gave her the opportunity to shadow different areas of the hospital.

Davina Pry

Davina Pry is a graduate of Moniteau Junior Senior High School. She will attend Slippery Rock University to study strategic communications with a concentration in digital media production. In high school, Davina was a member of the volleyball, basketball, and track and field teams. She was President of the Yearbook Club, Secretary of The National Honor Society, and a member of Student Council, Senior Class, and Spanish Club. Davina volunteered at the Math and Writing Tutoring Centers where she helped students struggling with math problems or writing skills. Additionally, she enjoys volunteering on mission trips and participating in community service such as Wreaths Across America, Adopt a Highway, the school store, Spring Carnival, and helping with basketball clinics and track and field days for the elementary students. Davina works at Butler Texas Roadhouse as a waitress and enjoys camping, photography, videography and traveling.

Mariska Shunk

Mariska Shunk is a graduate of Moniteau Junior Senior High school. She will attend Penn Foster to earn a Vet Technician certificate. Mariska has many accomplishments throughout life and has spent many hours helping the community. She was a 4.0 student athlete. She was a member in the National Honors Society for four years and was also in Junior National Honors Society. Mariska played on the golf team and varsity softball team. She has assisted with softball clinics, fire department activities and Parkinson’s disease awareness fundraisers.

Meghan Smith

Meghan Smith is a graduate of Mars Area High School. She will attend the University of Pittsburgh to study pre-pharmacy with a minor in chemistry. Meghan served as Vice President of National Honor Society, Treasurer of Key Club, Secretary of Creative Writing Club, drum major of the marching band, and was an All-State Musician. She also participated in the Science National Honor Society, German National Honor Society, Future Women in Healthcare, indoor drumline, wind ensemble, and many Pennsylvania Music Educator Association events.

Robert Staresinic

Robert Staresinic is a graduate of North Catholic High School. He will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in economics and political science. There he will continue his interests in government as he works towards a career in law and politics. He looks forward to taking advantage of the university’s honors college curriculum and their study abroad opportunities as well as becoming a member of the campus Mock Trial Team. In high school, Robert participated in the local area’s Youth and Government program. He practiced debating and wrote state and federal student bills and legislation. For fun, he likes to work out at the gym, play ultimate frisbee, bowl and play board games especially chess and Scrabble.

Coleton Welter

Coleton Welter is a graduate of Butler Area Senior High School. He will attend St. John Fisher University to study finance and play volleyball. Coleton played basketball for 10 years and volleyball for 6 years. He also played club volleyball for Steel City Volleyball Club for 3 years. Coleton enjoys working with money, understanding economics and the stock market. He collects, buys, sells and trades sports cards. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, and doing hands-on activities outside. Coleton plans to be a financial planner and work in the finance world. His parents are Michele and Terry Welter.

Abigale Moskala

Abigale Moskala was one of five recipients to receive a scholarship from the Beaver Valley Chapter of Credit Unions. As a member of Armco Credit Union, Abby was eligible to apply for the scholarship. She is from Fenelton and is a graduate of Butler Area High School.

Abby is currently majoring in Electrical Engineering at Gannon University. At Gannon, she works as an Electrical and Cyber Engineering LAB Assistant. Abby is involved in the collegiate chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computer Science (SEECS), the Environmental Club and Art Club. She enjoys community service and volunteers regularly at a community center near campus. Her goal is to join a research project and secure an internship to gain experience. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in developing electronics to help in environmental remediation.