The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), a statewide trade association advocating for the retail food industry, is pleased to announce the 2018 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship recipients. An independent judging panel selected the 24 scholars based on their academic record, school and community involvement, an essay and recommendations from school and work.
The 2018 Ridge Scholars are:
- Samantha Capriotti, Exton, PA, Member: Acme
- Kylie Goodling, Wrightsville, PA, Member: Rutter’s
- Matthew Hartley, New Kensington, PA, Member: Penn Hills Shop ‘n Save
- John Hansberry, Vancouver, WA, Member: FMS Solutions
- Stephanie Kennedy, Thurmont, MD, Member: Weis Markets
- Madyson Rush, Erie, PA, Member: Meadowbrook Dairy
- Catherine Torres, Hazelton, PA, Member: Boyer’s Food Markets
- Rachel Weaver, Windber, PA, Member: Sheetz
Five companies donated scholarship funds, so that Ridge Scholarships are awarded to their
employees or children of employees.
Sponsored by Giant Food Stores
- Aiden Doyle, Coopersburg, PA
- Mackenzie Owens, Lansdale, PA
- Lauren Runkle, Royersford, PA
- Vivian Smith, Nazareth, PA
- Eric Tran, Norwood, PA
Sponsored by Karns Foods, Ltd.
- Nathan Sheriff, Landisburg, PA
Sponsored by the Northwestern Pennsylvania Food Council
- Emma Evans, Erie, PA
- Andrew Gibson, Fairview, PA
- Elana McGraw, Waterford, PA
- Sponsored by Sheetz, Inc.
- Kiersten Young, Altoona, PA
- Audrey Simpson, Duncansville, PA
Sponsored by Wawa, Inc.
- Kiersten Barr, Havertown, PA
- Courtney Cassar, Mantua, PA
- Maria Daly, Malvern, PA
- Rosario LaSpina, Gilbertsville, PA
- Lauren Reichart, Gainesville, FL
“Congratulations to all the Ridge scholarship winners,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president & CEO.
“We are pleased to award these scholarships to these talented students, who have excelled in
academics, extracurricular activities and overall character. We wish them the best as they
continue their education in the fall.”
“Thank you to all the member companies who have donated to the Ridge Fund Endowment,”
he said. “Their support allows PFMA to continue the scholarship program.”
The Ridge Scholarship honors former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge’s father, who was a
member of the food industry for 25 years, and his mother Laura, who was a great advocate of
education for Tom Ridge, his brother David and sister Vikki. PFMA, the Northwestern
Pennsylvania Food Council and the Pittsburgh Association of Manufacturers Representatives
hosted dinners through the years to raise money for the fund, which is now an endowment.
Since 1996, 511 students have received the Ridge Scholarships, totaling more than $1.1 million,
to continue their education.
