Greater Pike Community Foundation has awarded a total of $44,745 in scholarships to 17 area students to use for their college or university studies. The 2026 recipients include 10 graduating seniors from Delaware Valley High School and one each from Kittatinny Regional High School and Wallenpaupack Area High School. In addition, five past scholarship recipients have received recurring awards as they continue their studies.
The scholarships come from 10 funds administered by Greater Pike, “each one carrying a story of a life remembered, a passion honored, or a family’s desire to give back to this community,” said Rick Little, Greater Pike’s Executive Director. The varied scholarships award student achievement in the arts, academics, sports, and general good citizenship.
“This year’s scholarship recipients represent the very best of our region—students who have worked hard, given back, and earned this support,” said Ann Morey, Chair of Greater Pike’s Scholarships Committee. “Greater Pike is proud to invest in their potential and grateful to the donors whose generosity makes it possible.”
The newest award at Greater Pike is the Moulton-Snodgrass Scholarship, presented annually to a graduating senior who plans to pursue a nursing degree at a four-year college or university. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. The inaugural winner was Emma O’Dea.
The 2026 recipient of the Ann Intilli Morey Art Scholarship was DV’s Maya Zhivkovich. Dr. Morey, an author, educator and dean at San Diego State University, established her scholarship to recognize aspiring young artists with outstanding portfolios. This award is eligible for annual renewal, and three former recipients—Michaela Velez, Youngeun Choi, and Gabrielle Polarski—will receive ongoing support in the coming school year.
Ms. Zhivkovich also received a second art award, the Amanda Nicole Thoenig Memorial Scholarship. Kasandra Santiago from Kittatinny Regional High School was also awarded an Amanda Nicole Thoenig scholarship. Named for a young artist and DV student who tragically lost her life in a car crash in 2019, this scholarship goes to students pursuing degrees in the visual arts.
The Kyle James Pascoe Memorial Scholarship likewise honors a DV student who died in a car crash. An honor student and member of both the football and track teams, Kyle Pascoe lost his life while returning home from a football banquet in 2018. The scholarship established in his memory awards students who demonstrate community involvement, a spirit of giving, and excellence in football, track, or academics. This year’s winners were Chase Gillette and Gideon Yost.
The Walt Edwards Ashenfelter Music Scholarship, which honors the legacy of a beloved Milford musician, supports young musicians planning to study performance, composition, production, or music education. This year’s winner was DV’s Ashantia Dicette.
The Art Ridley Spirit of Kindness Memorial Scholarship, named for the late Milford attorney known for his kindness and his deep belief in the power of education, was awarded to Kaitlin Gelardi of DV. The scholarship honors students who embody a spirit of giving and have exhibited acts of kindness to those in need.
Local residents Allyson and Charlie Gillinder’s scholarship aims to encourage the next generation of engineers, scientists, and teachers. This award is presented annually to a senior planning to pursue a degree in engineering, physics, or world-language education. Joseph Benavides was the recipient of this year’s Gillinder Scholarship.
Sydney Fluck’s “Syd’s Kids” Scholarship was established in memory of an avid outdoorsman and lifelong resident of the area, in celebration of his life and love of Pike County. This year’s “Syd’s Kids” award went to DV senior Angela Olsen.
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce Gouse-Krawitz Scholarship honors two community leaders: John Gouse, a respected businessman and dedicated volunteer, and Sidney Krawitz, who practiced law in Milford and spent his career as a public defender and advocate for justice. The Chamber’s Memorial Gouse-Krawitz Scholarships go to students who demonstrate exceptional volunteerism, community involvement, and overall excellence. This year’s winners were Elizabeth Bailey of DV and Jewel Dickerman of Wallenpaupack Area High School.
Finally, the Reggie Cheong-Leen & Peter Spielhagen Scholarship provides multiyear support for DV students who are first-generation U.S. citizens and who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. Recurring scholarships have been awarded to former winners Hugo Huerta and Samantha Huerta.
Online donations to any of Greater Pike’s scholarship funds can be made on the Funds page of Greater Pike’s website (www.greaterpike.org/funds). Greater Pike offers individuals, families, and local businesses an opportunity to provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community. For more information about creating a fund or scholarship, or contributing to an existing fund or scholarship, contact Rick Little, Executive Director, at (570) 832-4686, ricklittle@greaterpike.org, or visit www.greaterpike.org, Facebook.com/GreaterPike, or Instagram.com/GreaterPikeCF
