This year, its sixth year of operation, The Challenge Program gave its millionth dollar to a hard-working student.
Started by Johnstown businessman Dan Perkins, founder and chairman of MTS Technologies, the program gives direct monetary rewards to high school students while pairing them with business leaders.
On Friday, students, educators and business sponsors took part in the annual Student Networking Event, held in conjunction with Showcase for Commerce.
Sponsored by Northrop Grumman and held in the new Greater Johnstown Technology Park, the event gave the kids a chance to meet with benefactors and learn more about businesses in the region.
“I wanted to see if there are job opportunities around here,” Jazmine Mock, a Conemaugh Township junior attending Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center, said.
Mock, who is interested in a career in the medical field, was able to meet Scott Becker, president and CEO of Conemaugh Health System.
“This is our future,” Becker said. “(It’s) one of the best things we can do to keep these young minds in our community.”
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, was the featured speaker at the event.
He encouraged the young people to “make a difference” and spoke of his pride in Perkins, whom he had mentored as a young boy looking to shine shoes at Murtha’s car wash.
Bill Moynihan, Northrop Grumman program director, also spoke to the group.
“I challenge you to find something that matters,” he urged the students. “You will be successful when you know the things you do matter.”
Perkins started The Challenge Program with one school – Bishop McCort High School.
“I envisioned one school,” he said. “I’d use my own money.”
The next year there were five schools involved, and he sought help from other businessmen.
This year, 109 schools from 20 Pennsylvania counties, along with schools in West Virginia and Delaware, participated. An additional 35 schools are on the list to be included next year if businesses can be found to sponsor them. Currently more than 100 businesses provide funding for the program.
Barb Grandinetti, executive director, said the program’s growth is beyond the organization’s wildest expectations.
TCP gives $250 awards to students in four categories – community service, most-improved grade, best overall grade point average and attendance.
Checks are given to the top sophomores, juniors and seniors in each participating school.
The money can be used for whatever the child wants – continuing education, a new computer or even to pay for food or other necessities, Grandinetti said.
“We award kids who may never get an award,” she said.
Perkins does not seek affirmation for the good works and readily credits the staff for the success.
For him, an occasional note from a grateful youngster is enough.
On Friday, he was given an appreciation plaque and a standing ovation.
“Your investment in our lives has really made a difference,” Jasmine Narcisse, a senior at Greater Johnstown High School, said as she handed the gift to Perkins.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Scott Becker, president and CEO of Conemaugh Health System, and Barb Grandinetti, executive director of The Challenge Program, talk to students on Friday at the annual Student Networking Event, held in conjunction with Showcase for Commerce. Arlene Johns
Discussion
Challenge Program students network at Showcase
- Local News
-
-
Two Cambria district judge offices to be cut
Two of Cambria County’s 10 magisterial districts could be eliminated as President Judge Timothy Creany looks at realigning boundaries to cut costs while taking into consideration caseloads of the district judges and population changes.
-
Westmont couple inseparable, even in death
People who knew James and Marjorie Landis of Westmont said the two were nearly always together.
-
Company buys valuables from people ready to unload
Jan Hagerich’s buffalo nickel was “healthy” – which was unhealthy for her finances.
-
Blogging with heart
I was feeling overwhelmed yesterday, so today, I’m organizing my work. I have talked to probably a couple dozen people for Heart Month stories and I have pages and pages of notes.
-
Special Olympics return to region
Game on.
More than 300 athletes eager to show off their skills, along with 135 coaches, will be coming to the region to take part in the 2012 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games. -
Special Olympics Schedule
Here is a list of events related to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Winter Games through Tuesday at venues across the region:
Saturday
• Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics; Quemahoning Reservoir near Boswell; registration at 9:30 a.m.; plunge at 1 p.m. -
Water rates going up to pay for line project
An estimated $9 million Windber Area Authority transmission line project will likely head toward construction late this summer.
-
Citizens eye cost-cutting measures
A total of 16 members of a concerned citizens group volunteered to serve on a committee to develop cost-saving ideas that will be presented to the Westmont Hilltop school board.
-
Critz co-sponsoring bills that support emergency responders
U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown, said he is co-sponsoring several bills that support emergency responders.
-
IN BRIEF | Police investigating shooting of city man
State police in Indiana County are investigating the shooting of a Johnstown man late Tuesday or early Wednesday, authorities said.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Two Cambria district judge offices to be cut
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
