An independent judging panel selected 14 recipients of the "Big Joe" Sheetz Scholarship for 2017-18. Joseph M. Sheetz, "Big Joe" served as the leader of store development at Sheetz Inc. for more than 20 years. He was a respected businessman, an avid community leader and a beloved family man. After he passed away in August, 2006 from kidney cancer, Sheetz established the Joseph M. Sheetz Scholarship Fund, Inc. to honor his memory.
The 2017-18 Big Joe Scholars are:
The 2017-18 Big Joe Scholars are:
Derek Arnold, Altoona, PA
"The generosity of the Big Joe Foundation has been incredibly humbling. As I enter my senior year of college and prepare to enter the workforce, I hope to someday be able to give back to the community in the way they have given to me."
Derek Arnold, a senior, attends the University of Pittsburgh where he is majoring in Accounting and Business Information Systems. He was awarded a $10,000 Big Joe Scholarship. His mom, Lori Arnold, works for Sheetz in Hollidaysburg, Pa.
In college, Arnold is active on the Student Government Board, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Beta Lambda, a business society; and the Pitt Pathfinders. He is also a Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship recipient.
"The generosity of the Big Joe Foundation has been incredibly humbling. As I enter my senior year of college and prepare to enter the workforce, I hope to someday be able to give back to the community in the way they have given to me."
Derek Arnold, a senior, attends the University of Pittsburgh where he is majoring in Accounting and Business Information Systems. He was awarded a $10,000 Big Joe Scholarship. His mom, Lori Arnold, works for Sheetz in Hollidaysburg, Pa.
In college, Arnold is active on the Student Government Board, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Beta Lambda, a business society; and the Pitt Pathfinders. He is also a Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship recipient.
Kinsey Birch, Statesville, NC
"I am extremely grateful to have been selected for this award. I am proud and excited that I am bale to make my mother and, hopefully the Big Joe Scholarship committee, proud of my hard work."
Kinsey Birch will enter her freshman year at the University of North Carolina at Ashville this month. She plans to major in Accounting. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her mother, Tammy Birch, works for Sheetz in Statesville, North Carolina.
The South Iredell High School graduate served as president of Future Business Leaders of America, a member of the National Honors Society, National French Honor Society and National Technical Honors Society; Beta Club and the Art Club.
"I am extremely grateful to have been selected for this award. I am proud and excited that I am bale to make my mother and, hopefully the Big Joe Scholarship committee, proud of my hard work."
Kinsey Birch will enter her freshman year at the University of North Carolina at Ashville this month. She plans to major in Accounting. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her mother, Tammy Birch, works for Sheetz in Statesville, North Carolina.
The South Iredell High School graduate served as president of Future Business Leaders of America, a member of the National Honors Society, National French Honor Society and National Technical Honors Society; Beta Club and the Art Club.
Nicolette Diehl, Stoystown, PA
"I am honored to be chosen to be a recipient of the Big Joe Scholarship. This scholarship will greatly aid in funding my education as I pursue my PharmD at the University of Pittsburgh."
Nicolette Diehl is a pharmacy graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her father David Diehl works for Sheetz in Claysburg, Pennsylvania.
At Pitt, Dieh holds leadership roles with the American Pharmacists Association (APA), Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA), and Lambda Kappa Sigma. She was the 2016 OTC statewide competition winner for PPA and the LKS Ruth Davies Flaherty Service award winner in 2016.
"I am honored to be chosen to be a recipient of the Big Joe Scholarship. This scholarship will greatly aid in funding my education as I pursue my PharmD at the University of Pittsburgh."
Nicolette Diehl is a pharmacy graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her father David Diehl works for Sheetz in Claysburg, Pennsylvania.
At Pitt, Dieh holds leadership roles with the American Pharmacists Association (APA), Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA), and Lambda Kappa Sigma. She was the 2016 OTC statewide competition winner for PPA and the LKS Ruth Davies Flaherty Service award winner in 2016.
Gina Harvey, Hollidaysburg, PA
"Extremely excited! I was jumping up and down and hugging everyone. Mostly, I am thankful and relieved, paying that bill was going to be difficult. Thanks to Sheetz' generosity I can relax and enjoy college a lot more."
Gina Harvey will enter Clarks Summit University, South Abington Township, Pennsylvania, this month where she plans to study Business Administration with a minor in Theater – Communications. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her father, Eugene Harvey, works for Sheetz in Claysburg, Pa.
The Cambria County Christian School graduate was active in the school play "Alice in Wonderland", and served as captain of both the basketball and soccer teams. She was named Western Division All-star for basketball for 2015, 2016 and 2017; and for soccer in 2016.
She also won scholarships from Ebensburg Rotary, VFW and the Deets Creek Memorial Scholarship.
"Extremely excited! I was jumping up and down and hugging everyone. Mostly, I am thankful and relieved, paying that bill was going to be difficult. Thanks to Sheetz' generosity I can relax and enjoy college a lot more."
Gina Harvey will enter Clarks Summit University, South Abington Township, Pennsylvania, this month where she plans to study Business Administration with a minor in Theater – Communications. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her father, Eugene Harvey, works for Sheetz in Claysburg, Pa.
The Cambria County Christian School graduate was active in the school play "Alice in Wonderland", and served as captain of both the basketball and soccer teams. She was named Western Division All-star for basketball for 2015, 2016 and 2017; and for soccer in 2016.
She also won scholarships from Ebensburg Rotary, VFW and the Deets Creek Memorial Scholarship.
Alexis Hicks, Altoona, PA
"I am overwhelmed and extremely grateful to receive the Big Joe Scholarship out of the many qualified candidates who applied for the award. I'm proud to represent both Sheetz and Penn State in our community and will continue volunteering after graduation. Thank you Sheetz!"
Alexis Hicks, a senior, is working toward an Accounting degree at Penn State University. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her parents Rashel and Andrew Hicks both work for Sheetz.
The Dean's List student is active in Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting fraternity; the Accounting Society, and a member of the Penn State Lyrical Line Dance Company. She also voluteers for PSU Thon Canning, Canvasing and other events. This is her second Big Joe Scholarship.
"I am overwhelmed and extremely grateful to receive the Big Joe Scholarship out of the many qualified candidates who applied for the award. I'm proud to represent both Sheetz and Penn State in our community and will continue volunteering after graduation. Thank you Sheetz!"
Alexis Hicks, a senior, is working toward an Accounting degree at Penn State University. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her parents Rashel and Andrew Hicks both work for Sheetz.
The Dean's List student is active in Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting fraternity; the Accounting Society, and a member of the Penn State Lyrical Line Dance Company. She also voluteers for PSU Thon Canning, Canvasing and other events. This is her second Big Joe Scholarship.
Jillian Kemmerly, Columbia, PA
"I am so happy to receive financial help while I further my education in an area I love. I am also so grateful for my employment at Sheetz and all of the amazing opportunities offered."
Jillian Kemmerly will begin her college studies as a Speech Language Pathology major at Duquesne University this month. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. She works for Sheetz in Columbia, Pa.
The Lancaster Catholic High School graduate was active in the Marching and Concert Bands, Woodwind Ensemble, National Honors Society, Tri-M Music Honors Society and softball. She also attained the Bronze and Silver Awards for Girl Scouts and received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award.
"I am so happy to receive financial help while I further my education in an area I love. I am also so grateful for my employment at Sheetz and all of the amazing opportunities offered."
Jillian Kemmerly will begin her college studies as a Speech Language Pathology major at Duquesne University this month. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. She works for Sheetz in Columbia, Pa.
The Lancaster Catholic High School graduate was active in the Marching and Concert Bands, Woodwind Ensemble, National Honors Society, Tri-M Music Honors Society and softball. She also attained the Bronze and Silver Awards for Girl Scouts and received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award.
Thuy-Anh Navarro, Ruther Glen, VA
"When I received the letter, I felt a rush of various emotions. I felt immense gratitude, great honored and blessed for this scholarship."
Thuy-Anh Navarro begins her college studies in Biology at James Madison University this month. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship to continue her education. Her mother, Thu-Thuy Butts, works for Sheetz in Ashland, Virginia.
She graduated from Patrick Henry High School where she served as vice president of the Leo Club, participated in SODA (Student Organization of Developing Attitudes), show choir, Beta Club and the National Honor Society.
"When I received the letter, I felt a rush of various emotions. I felt immense gratitude, great honored and blessed for this scholarship."
Thuy-Anh Navarro begins her college studies in Biology at James Madison University this month. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship to continue her education. Her mother, Thu-Thuy Butts, works for Sheetz in Ashland, Virginia.
She graduated from Patrick Henry High School where she served as vice president of the Leo Club, participated in SODA (Student Organization of Developing Attitudes), show choir, Beta Club and the National Honor Society.
Ashley Noah, Ridgeley, WV
"I am extremely honored to have received this generous gift from the Sheetz family. This award will not only help me to further my education, but also allow me to continue serving the surrounding community. Thank you to everyone who played a role in creating such an amazing opportunity for students."
Ashley Noah is a senior at West Virginia University where she is majoring in Biology. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. She works for Sheetz in Morgantown, West Virginia.
At WVU, Noah participates in the Pre-Dental Club, Med Life Club and is on the Dean's List. She also volunteers for Vida, an organization that provides health care to impoverished communities.
"I am extremely honored to have received this generous gift from the Sheetz family. This award will not only help me to further my education, but also allow me to continue serving the surrounding community. Thank you to everyone who played a role in creating such an amazing opportunity for students."
Ashley Noah is a senior at West Virginia University where she is majoring in Biology. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. She works for Sheetz in Morgantown, West Virginia.
At WVU, Noah participates in the Pre-Dental Club, Med Life Club and is on the Dean's List. She also volunteers for Vida, an organization that provides health care to impoverished communities.
Mason Oakes, Glen Allen, VA
"I am honored to be recognized for my achievements and service. I would like to thank Big Joe for helping further my education."
Mason Oakes will enter Virginia Tech as a freshman this month, where he plans to study Engineering. He receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. His step-father, Charles DeGarmo Jr., works for Sheetz in Claysburg, Pa.
Oakes, a Glen Allen High School graduate, was active in the Math, Science, and National Technical Honors Societies. He was also a member of the Technology Student Association and served as vice president of Vex Robotics.
"I am honored to be recognized for my achievements and service. I would like to thank Big Joe for helping further my education."
Mason Oakes will enter Virginia Tech as a freshman this month, where he plans to study Engineering. He receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. His step-father, Charles DeGarmo Jr., works for Sheetz in Claysburg, Pa.
Oakes, a Glen Allen High School graduate, was active in the Math, Science, and National Technical Honors Societies. He was also a member of the Technology Student Association and served as vice president of Vex Robotics.
Jerrik Rydbom, Blairsville, PA
"I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship, and to have been selected as a recipient. Knowing that there are generous individuals who seek to assist such hard-working, involved and successful students obtain their higher education is a great feeling!"
Jerrik Rydbom starts his freshman year at Washington and Jefferson College this month. He plans to study Neuroscience. He receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship to continue his education. He works for Sheetz in Blairsville, Pa.
At Blairsville High School, Rydbom served as class president, captain of the basketball and track teams, and participated in Journalism, the Remembering ADAM anti-drug club and the National Honor Society. He received All-Conference Academic Recognition for Science and Math, All-Conference Athletic Recognition for Track and the Indiana County Scholar-Athlete Award.
"I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship, and to have been selected as a recipient. Knowing that there are generous individuals who seek to assist such hard-working, involved and successful students obtain their higher education is a great feeling!"
Jerrik Rydbom starts his freshman year at Washington and Jefferson College this month. He plans to study Neuroscience. He receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship to continue his education. He works for Sheetz in Blairsville, Pa.
At Blairsville High School, Rydbom served as class president, captain of the basketball and track teams, and participated in Journalism, the Remembering ADAM anti-drug club and the National Honor Society. He received All-Conference Academic Recognition for Science and Math, All-Conference Athletic Recognition for Track and the Indiana County Scholar-Athlete Award.
Audrey Simpson, Duncansville, PA
"I'm so grateful to have been selected for this scholarship among the many applicants. It is an honor to receive this award named after "Big Joe" Sheetz, who was such an influential community member."
Audrey Simpson is a junior at Ursinus College where she studies Biochemistry and Dance. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her father, Michael Simpson, works at Sheetz headquarters in Altoona, Pa.
In college, she is on the Dean's List; runs for the women's cross country and track and field teams and serves as a resident advisor. She is also a member of the Escape Velocity Dance Troupe, Ursinus College Dance Company and the Brownback Anders Pre-Health Society.
"I'm so grateful to have been selected for this scholarship among the many applicants. It is an honor to receive this award named after "Big Joe" Sheetz, who was such an influential community member."
Audrey Simpson is a junior at Ursinus College where she studies Biochemistry and Dance. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her father, Michael Simpson, works at Sheetz headquarters in Altoona, Pa.
In college, she is on the Dean's List; runs for the women's cross country and track and field teams and serves as a resident advisor. She is also a member of the Escape Velocity Dance Troupe, Ursinus College Dance Company and the Brownback Anders Pre-Health Society.
Julian Warner, Hamburg, PA
"I feel both honored and appreciated to receive such support from Big Joe's friends and the Sheetz family. As a recipient of this scholarship, I will continue to prioritize the well-being of others as I perservere to put the old me out of business."
Julian Warner will begin his junior year at Pennsylvania State University as a Biomedical Engineering major with a Chemistry minor. He receives a $10,000 Big Joe Scholarship to continue his education. He works for Sheetz in Shoemakersville, Pa.
At PSU, he participates in the Pre-Medical Society, the Penn State Berks Honors Club and the Volleyball Club. He volunteers for Blue Mountain Wild Life and served as a team leader for the Reading Public Museum Design Project through his EDSGN 100 Class.
"I feel both honored and appreciated to receive such support from Big Joe's friends and the Sheetz family. As a recipient of this scholarship, I will continue to prioritize the well-being of others as I perservere to put the old me out of business."
Julian Warner will begin his junior year at Pennsylvania State University as a Biomedical Engineering major with a Chemistry minor. He receives a $10,000 Big Joe Scholarship to continue his education. He works for Sheetz in Shoemakersville, Pa.
At PSU, he participates in the Pre-Medical Society, the Penn State Berks Honors Club and the Volleyball Club. He volunteers for Blue Mountain Wild Life and served as a team leader for the Reading Public Museum Design Project through his EDSGN 100 Class.
Elizabeth Weiland, Imler, PA
"Winning the Big Joe Sheetz Scholarship means the world to me in order to financially afford and achieve my educational dreams of attending college. Not only is this scholarship incredible from a financial standpoint, but also, having a support system here at Sheetz is so encouraging and inspiring to continue to work hard in my educational and leadership classes, community service ventures and extracurricular activities as I begin my college career."
Elizabeth Weiland will begin her studies in Supply Chain Management at the Penn State University, Schreyer Honors College this month. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. She has worked for Sheetz as a sales associate and as an intern.
The Claysburg-Kimmel High School graduate was active in Future Business Leaders of Amercia, serving as a chapter/region officer. She also played basketball, volleyball and served as drum major in the marching band. She was inducted into the National Honor Society, served on the executive committee for student council and participated in Scholastic Scrimmage. She also received many awards, such as class Valedictorian, Rotary Student of the Month, 2017 Outstanding Senior Athlete and the Ron Rickens Sportsmanship Award.
"Winning the Big Joe Sheetz Scholarship means the world to me in order to financially afford and achieve my educational dreams of attending college. Not only is this scholarship incredible from a financial standpoint, but also, having a support system here at Sheetz is so encouraging and inspiring to continue to work hard in my educational and leadership classes, community service ventures and extracurricular activities as I begin my college career."
Elizabeth Weiland will begin her studies in Supply Chain Management at the Penn State University, Schreyer Honors College this month. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. She has worked for Sheetz as a sales associate and as an intern.
The Claysburg-Kimmel High School graduate was active in Future Business Leaders of Amercia, serving as a chapter/region officer. She also played basketball, volleyball and served as drum major in the marching band. She was inducted into the National Honor Society, served on the executive committee for student council and participated in Scholastic Scrimmage. She also received many awards, such as class Valedictorian, Rotary Student of the Month, 2017 Outstanding Senior Athlete and the Ron Rickens Sportsmanship Award.
Rayne Young, Altoona, PA
"I am absolutely elated to receive the Big Joe scholarship. Thank you to the selection committee for making my last year of college more affordable."
Rayne Young is a senior at Juniata College where she is working toward degrees in Math and Secondary Education and French. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her father, Todd Young, works for Sheetz in Altoona, Pa.
In college, she is active as president of the French Club and participates in It's On Us, an organization working to prevent sexual assault on campus. In addition, she volunteers for Caring for Kids with Cancer.
"I am absolutely elated to receive the Big Joe scholarship. Thank you to the selection committee for making my last year of college more affordable."
Rayne Young is a senior at Juniata College where she is working toward degrees in Math and Secondary Education and French. She receives a $5,000 Big Joe Scholarship. Her father, Todd Young, works for Sheetz in Altoona, Pa.
In college, she is active as president of the French Club and participates in It's On Us, an organization working to prevent sexual assault on campus. In addition, she volunteers for Caring for Kids with Cancer.
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