2025 Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation Community Service Scholarship Recipients Announced!

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Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Community Service Scholarship. This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Jamie Ellenberger, an individual served by Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) who was an active member in the community. The principle of community is central to PMHFOS’s mission, to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health needs to live successfully in the community.

Typically, PMHF awards one $10,000 scholarship to a student in the region who brings that same understanding of the value of community service. This year, however, PMHF decided to award $10,000 scholarships to both Ms. Nandana Menon of South Fayette High School in Allegheny County and Mr. William Lemmon of Burgettstown Area Middle/High School in Washington County.

Ms. Menon’s impressive resume includes the development of Spark, an app designed to support children with autism and their families, in collaboration with CGI and the University of Pittsburgh Autism Center of Excellence. Ms. Menon additionally led the design and implementation of a sensory-modified program at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, supporting neurodiversity inclusion for zoo visitors with aspects including sensory maps and a comfort room. She also was an advocate and workshop facilitator for the Blue Envelope Program, which supports safer interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism in Allegheny and Beaver counties by hosting training workshops and providing educational materials.

Ms. Menon is attending the University of Pittsburgh this fall where she will be studying Neuroscience.

Mr. Lemmon’s lengthy list of community service includes work with the local ALS Chapter, the Live Like Lou Foundation, the Reading Under the Stars Literacy Program, and the student Board of Directors for Club H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday), the community service club at his high school. Mr. Lemmon additionally volunteers extensively at his church. He is also a youth basketball and soccer coach and referee and plays basketball, which he will continue in college.

Mr. Lemmon is attending Saint Vincent College this fall where he will be double majoring in Health and Physical Education and Special Education.

This year, PMHF received 98 applications across 16 counties in western Pennsylvania.

 

 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 PMHF Community Service Scholarship!

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Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) was established to support Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) and its commitment to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health needs. PMHF creates awareness of and provides additional financial resources for the quality programs of PMHFOS, which care for the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of individuals while promoting choice and independence. PMHF upholds the contention that all people have the right to lead full, productive, and independent lives.

The PMHF Community Service Scholarship was created in memory of Jamie Ellenberger. Jamie was a young man who Passavant Memorial Homes (PMH) was privileged to serve.  He thrived in his community despite adversity.  Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jamie successfully transitioned from living in a state facility to becoming an active member of his new residential community at PMH.

While part of PMH’s community residential program, Jamie was an enthusiastic and contributing member of society, both in community-based activities and in our vocational training program.  His positivity and perseverance were always paired with kindness and a smile. After his passing, this scholarship was established in his honor, so his legacy can continue to make a lasting impact in the community in which he loved being a part of.

To find out more about the scholarship and download the application, please click here.  Applications must be submitted by 3:00pm on April 25th, 2025, so apply today!

2024 Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation Community Service Scholarship Recipients Announced!

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Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Community Service Scholarship. This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Jamie Ellenberger, an individual served by Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) who was an active member in the community.  The principle of community is central to PMHFOS’s mission, to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health needs to live successfully in the community.

Typically, PMHF awards one $10,000 scholarship to a student in the region who brings that same understanding of the value of community service. This year, however, PMHF decided to award $10,000 scholarships to both Ms. Gracie Mae Miller of McDowell High School in Erie County and Ms. Madelyn Sheffel of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Beaver County.

Since 2020, Ms. Miller has been directly involved with the Millcreek Township School District’s Life Skills classroom. As a teacher’s aide through this opportunity, she was responsible for creating lesson plans, making worksheets, and teaching the children. Because of this experience, Ms. Miller hopes to become a Life Skills teacher herself.

Her work with those with disabilities doesn’t stop there. Ms. Miller has also been volunteering at Erie’s Adaptive Sailing Experience for the past two years where she assists students with disabilities learn to sail. She was also the President of the Blue Bean Café at her high school. This café sells beverages and food to students and staff, and the workers are all students in the Life Skills and Autistic Support rooms. Monies raised through the café sales allow for special outings for the students to enjoy together. She has also volunteered in the Unified Sports program since middle school.

Ms. Miller has also volunteered for the Mercy Center for Women, the Greater Erie Food Bank, the Special Olympics, the Brevillier Village Retirement Center, Make-A-Wish, and the American Cancer Society.

Ms. Miller is attending Duquesne University where she is studying Special Education/Elementary Education.

After her close family members were diagnosed with cancer, Ms. Sheffel became very involved in cancer initiatives. In 2017, she created a team for the Greater Grove City Area Relay for Life and, in seven years, has successfully raised over $750,000 for the American Cancer Society. She also volunteers at lobbying events at the Pennsylvania Capital, advocating to Congress for better cancer policies and funding.

She has also volunteered for the American Red Cross, Special Olympics of Beaver County, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Community Food Warehouse, Grove City Food Pantry, Best of the Batch Foundation, Grove City Pet Rescue, Wreaths Across America, Operation Gratitude, Light of Light Rescue Mission, Lions Club, and Mario Lemieux Foundation, and she has achieved her Gold Award with her Girl Scouts troop where she collaborated with members of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the American Cancer Society, and WTAE in developing an education program and pop-up education center to educate the public on lifestyle changes to make today to prevent cancer tomorrow.

Ms. Sheffel is attending Slippery Rock University with a desire to be a public school educator and coach. She is double majoring in Middle School Mathematics and Dance, with a minor in Secondary Education Mathematics.

This year, PMHF received 90 applications across 14 counties in western Pennsylvania.

2023 Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation Community Service Scholarship Recipient Announced!

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Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) is proud to announce the recipient of its 2023 Community Service Scholarship. This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Jamie Ellenberger, an individual served by Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) who was an active member in the community. The principle of community is central to PMHFOS’s mission, to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health needs to live successfully in the community.

PMHF aimed to award this scholarship to a student in the region who brings that same understanding of the value of community service, and this was found in Mr. Jonathan Smith of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School.

As an active member of his church and school, Mr. Smith has a very impressive resume, featuring countless hours community service. At his church, he serves as a Children’s Church assistant where he helps in presenting Bible lessons to the young children of his congregation. Mr. Smith also serves as an usher, participates in Christmas Caroling where he performs for shut-in church members as well as nursing home residents, and serves as a guide each year at Vacation Bible School.

At school, he was a Student Leader for the Spanish Club, an IMPACT tutor in both math and science, a presenter for the History and Science Clubs, a member of the Student Council, and part of the Youth Ambassador Club, where he participated in monthly community outreach activities.

Outside of church and school, Mr. Smith was a senior member of his local Boy Scouts of America troop. As a boy scout, he has participated in placing flags at graves of veterans, was involved with the Scouting for Food program, and had assisted other troop members in completing their Eagle Scout projects. He also taught youth in his community how to play chess at his local library.

Mr. Smith was a member of the National Honor Society where he was a guest speaker for the Western Pennsylvania National Honor Society Induction Ceremony that was held in Pittsburgh. He was also a member of the Spanish Honor Society, and he was also selected to participate in the Governor’s School for Global and International Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned three college credits during this four-week program. He was a straight-A student, carrying a 4.0 GPA, and had never missed a day of school.

Mr. Smith is attending Geneva College, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, this fall, where he is studying psychology. His goal is to earn a PhD in psychology and begin assisting people with mental health needs. He wants to dedicate his life to serving others in need as a way to show his appreciation for the efforts of the numerous people who have helped him.

This year, PMHF received 76 applications across 13 counties in western Pennsylvania.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 PMHF Community Service Scholarship!

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Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) was established to support Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) and its commitment to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health needs. PMHF creates awareness of and provides additional financial resources for the quality programs of PMHFOS, which care for the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of individuals while promoting choice and independence. PMHF upholds the contention that all people have the right to lead full, productive, and independent lives.

The PMHF Community Service Scholarship was created in memory of Jamie Ellenberger. Jamie was a young man who Passavant Memorial Homes (PMH) was privileged to serve.  He thrived in his community despite adversity.  Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jamie successfully transitioned from living in a state facility to becoming an active member of his new residential community at PMH.

While part of PMH’s community residential program, Jamie was an enthusiastic and contributing member of society, both in community-based activities and in our vocational training program.  His positivity and perseverance were always paired with kindness and a smile. After his passing, this scholarship was established in his honor, so his legacy can continue to make a lasting impact in the community in which he loved being a part of.

To find out more about the scholarship and download the application, please click here.  Applications must be submitted by 3:00pm on Friday, April 28th, 2023, so apply today!

2021 Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation Community Service Scholarship Recipient Announced!

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Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) is proud to announce the recipient of its 2021 Community Service Scholarship. This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Jamie Ellenberger, an individual served by Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) and who was an active member in the community.  The principle of community is central to PMHFOS’s mission, including efforts to engage in community initiatives and to be involved in community improvements.

PMHF aimed to award this scholarship to a student in the region who brings that same understanding of the value of community service, and this was found in Ms. Sydney Komoroski of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School (OLSH) in Allegheny County. Her lengthy and impressive resume of community service began in 2014 when she hosted her birthday party where, instead of gifts, she asked guests to bring Easter baskets for the children of North Hills Community Outreach. In addition to hosting a party like that each year thereafter, Ms. Komoroski has volunteered for St. Alexis, Aquinas Academy, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She has also completed various service projects for the Little Sisters of the Poor, Satchels of Caring, Light of Life Missions, Yellow Ribbon Girls, and Vincentian Home. She is a member of LeadersNow International and the Girls Scouts of America, where she is working to earn her Gold Award. She has hosted a five-week long Peanut Butter and Jelly Food Drive for North Hills Community Outreach, and she has helped at her high school with Open Houses, Galas, Freshman Foundation Day, and Transfer Student Welcome Day. She has baked cookies for the troops, served meals at soup kitchens, and built a Free Little Library for North Hills Community Outreach in their outdoor vegetable garden. In addition to many other examples of community service activities, Ms. Komoroski has also helped rescue sea turtles, volunteered at her local library, and made seatbelt pillows for cancer patients with ports.

In addition to her community involvement, Ms. Komoroski has been involved in several extracurricular activities. She was a member of her high school bowling team, was in the OLSH concert choir, was an OLSH Ambassador, and was part of the OLSH theatre program where she participated in 17 productions. She is also a member of the OLSH Honor Roll.

Ms. Komoroski will be attending Walsh University, in North Canton, Ohio, in the fall, where she will be studying nursing.

This year, PMHF received 72 scholarship applications from students across 19 counties in Pennsylvania. Ms. Komoroski exemplifies the commitment of PMHF and the late Jamie Ellenberger to serving and improving the community.

Should you have any additional questions or need more information, please email PMHFoundation@passavant.org.

 

Applications are now being accepted for the PMHF Community Service Scholarship!

Posted on

Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) was established to support Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) and its commitment to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health needs. PMHF creates awareness of and provides additional financial resources for the quality programs of PMHFOS, which care for the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of individuals while promoting choice and independence. PMHF upholds the contention that all people have the right to lead full, productive, and independent lives.

The PMHF Community Service Scholarship was created in memory of Jamie Ellenberger. Jamie was a young man who Passavant Memorial Homes (PMH) was privileged to serve.  He thrived in his community despite adversity.  Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jamie successfully transitioned from living in a state facility to becoming an active member of his new residential community at PMH.

While part of PMH’s community residential program, Jamie was an enthusiastic and contributing member of society, both in community-based activities and in our vocational training program.  His positivity and perseverance were always paired with kindness and a smile. After his passing, this scholarship was established in his honor, so his legacy can continue to make a lasting impact in the community in which he loved being a part of.

To find out more about the scholarship and download the application, please click here.

Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation Scholarship Recipient Announced

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Congratulations to Jayda Jones from Brownsville Area High School; she is the recipient of our 2019 Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) Community Service Scholarship, in the amount of $10K! This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Jamie Ellenberger, an individual served by Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) and who was an active member in the community. The principle of community is central to PMHFOS’ mission, including efforts to engage in community initiatives and to be involved in community improvements.

PMHF aimed to award this scholarship to a student in the region who brings that same understanding of the value of community service and it was found in Ms. Jayda Jones. Her impressive resume includes countless hours of community service, involvement in several extracurricular activities, and graduating as the valedictorian of her class!

PMHF received 116 applications for consideration from 15 PA counties. Jayda exemplifies the commitment of PMHF, PMHFOS, and the late Jamie Ellenberger to serving and improving her community.

Jayda and her mother, Ronette Woods, met and has lunch with several members of the PMHFOS Corporate Management team as well as some of our board members.

Jayda will attend Fordham College at Lincoln Center in NYC this fall.

Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation seeks applicants for scholarship

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Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) encouraged western Pennsylvania students to apply for the organization’s annual Community Service Scholarship. The scholarship awards $10,000 in funding for post-secondary education tuition costs to a high school senior who exemplifies the commitment of PMHF and the late Jamie Ellenberger to serving and improving their community.

Community service scholarship open to area students

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Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) announces its annual Community Service Scholarship, which awards $10,000 in funding for post-secondary education tuition costs to a high school senior who exemplifies the commitment of PMHF and the late Jamie Ellenberger to serving and improving their community.