2025 Scholarship Winner!
Congratulations: Elizabeth Bruner.
The 2025 Katherine McKenna Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Elizabeth Bruner.
Elizabeth is a senior from Blairsville, Pennsylvania. She obtained her associate degree in wildlife technology from Penn State DuBois and is currently attending Penn State University Park pursuing a major in forest ecosystem management and a minor in geographic information systems.
Elizabeth’s long-term career goal is to manage and conserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources and forests for future generations and wildlife.
She is currently working as a forestry intern with the southwest region of the Pennsylvania Game Commission to gain experience and learn forest management for wildlife and plans on working full time with the Game Commission after graduation.
Elizabeth serves as president of the Society of American Foresters student club at Penn State and is a level 1 shotgun instructor in the Pennsylvania 4-H program. Some of her hobbies include hiking, hunting, fishing, and sport shooting.
Congratulations Elizabeth! We wish you much success in your career plans.
2024 Scholarship Winner!
Congratulations: Isabel Ramos
The 2024 Katherine McKenna Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Isabel Ramos.
Isabel is a junior at Bucknell University pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering and Management for Engineers. Over this past summer she worked on undergraduate research focusing on the water quality of streams in Union County.
Throughout college Isabel was a member of Bucknell’s chapter of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) and its Chi Epsilon Chapter (Civil engineering honor society) in addition to being the Vice President for the group.
On campus, Isabel is a teaching assistant for the environmental engineering science lab and a study group facilitator.
Isabel hopes to work in water restoration after graduation and pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering.
Congratulation Isabel! We wish her much success in her choice of career paths!
2023 Scholarship Winner
Congratulations: Elizabeth Bruner
The 2023 Katherine McKenna Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Elizabeth Bruner.
Elizabeth is a sophomore at Penn State DuBois pursuing her associates degree in wildlife technology and her bachelors degree in forest ecosystem management. Over the summer she is working as the forestry intern in Clearfield County for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Throughout high school Elizabeth was very active in Pennsylvania 4-H, the PA Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation, the Wildlife Leadership Academy, Trout Unlimited, and many other conservation organizations.
While in college, she has become a Lion Ambassador, treasurer of the Wildlife Society, a undergraduate tutor, and a student activity fee committee member. Her long-term career goal is to become a forester and manage Pennsylvania’s forest resources.
Congratulation Elizabeth! We wish her much success in her choice of career paths!
2022 Scholarship Winner
Congratulations: Jordon Ponchione
The Katherine McKenna Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Megan Czekaj. Megan is the daughter of Michael Czekaj of Mt. Pleasant, PA.
The 2022 Katherine McKenna Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Jordyn Ponchione.
Jordyn attends Slippery Rock University with a major in Parks and Resource Management and a minor in Adventure Fitness with a concentration in Sustainability. Jordyn hopes to one day be an Interpretive Park Ranger.
Jordyn writes:
"I'm passionate about environmental education. Interpretive Rangers are the teachers of the outdoors, as they explain history on a specific area and demonstrate the science behind each part of that ecosystem – all while making it fun and enjoyable. Interpretive Rangers encourage good 'nature' habits and demonstrate how to be aid to the environment instead of harming it."
"The goal is to teach others without them realizing they are learning. It took me a long time to realize I can use my love of nature for a career path and not just a hobby. Many thanks to my family and friends, my teachers, and to the Greensburg Garden Center."
Congratulation Jordyn! We wish her much success in her choice of career paths!
$1500 Scholarship closed for 2025
KATHERINE McKENNA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The 2025 Annual Katherine McKenna Horticulture Scholarship is now closed for applications for the $1,500 prize.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO APPLIED. Anyone pursuing a 2 or 4 year degree in botany, horticulture, forestry, landscaping, environmental science or related fields is welcome to apply next year for the 2026 scholarship.
Award of the Scholarship is based on relevant field of study, academic achievement, community service and financial need.
Candidates must have completed at least one year in an accredited college.
The Scholarship is for qualifying students living in Westmoreland County and ALL its bordering PA counties.
For more info please call (724) 837-0245.