Fallen Warrior Memorial Scholarship
The thought of losing a child is most unbearable; yet, three of our
colleagues, our family members are dealing with that very loss. Being a part
of the Wyoming Area family is a very special gift. It is during times like
this that we collectively come together to support our fellow co-workers.
John Borzell, son of Jack and Mary Claire Borzell, Matthew Chipolis son of
Steven and Gina Chipolis and Mark Dushok, son or Richard and Debbie Dushok
deserve our love and generosity for which our staff is noted. Therefore we
have established a scholarship in the name of these three Warriors.
John Anthony “Beno” Borzell was a 2007 WA honors graduate as well as a 2011
Wilkes University honors graduate. John was a true “Warrior” in every sense
of the term: a devoted son and brother, an extraordinary student and athlete
and a loyal friend. “Beno” as he was affectionately known to all, loved and
lived life to the fullest. Throughout high school he excelled in the
classroom as well as on the football and baseball fields and in the weight
room. Upon receipt of his B.S. in Environmental Science, he began work with
Enviro-Science in Delaware as an Environmental Scientist. He was very proud
of this achievement. “Beno’s” life on earth ended far too soon with his
tragic passing on September 03, 2011. The community deeply grieves the loss
of our friend and fellow Warrior, but we are immensely grateful for having
been so profoundly and positively impacted by his life. We are confident
that Beno’s spirit lives in and through the many lives he touched. His
passion for excellence, care and concern for family and friends, and his
respect for beauty and the wonder of nature, shall live in our hears forever.
His family is most proud that he was a Gift of Life donor. Three people are
enjoying the gift of life because of his generosity: a 21 year old boy from
NYC received his liver, a 42 year old man from Arizona received a kidney and
a 69 year old man with a family of four and grandchildren also received a
kidney. “Beno” spirit lives on through these people.
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In the beginning, I think every parent has a plan, a vision of their child as
an adult – a blueprint – so to speak – of the final product. Not all
children fulfill their parent’s expectations. A very few, however, exceed
their parents vision and rewrite the plan to become a new model for what a
young adult should be. Matthew Chipolis was that new model. In a world gone
wrong, racked by war, poverty, disaster and injustice, Matthew was someone
who made us feel right. Matthew was a lifelong resident of Harding who was
studying electrical engineering at LCCC when his life was cut short by a
tragic motorcycle accident. He was a 2010 graduate of Wyoming Area High
School and was an excellent athlete and an avid sportsman, and took great
pride in all the sports he played, but his greatest passion was football. His
love of football began at age six when he became a member of the Rams
organization. This love grew and he became a dedicated and proud member of
the Warrior family for his four years of high school. Matt also belonged to
the SADD and TATU club. But more than sports, Matt loved people, especially
family and friends. He was a “people person”, outgoing and friendly;
courteous and caring, helpful and giving and always tried to help people make
good decisions. His ever present smile was infectious and brought cheer to
everyone he came in contact with. The list of Matthew’s qualities seems
almost endless; he was honest, with a good understanding of right and wrong;
he had strong convictions that were not easily swayed by peer pressure and he
was outspoken when he saw an injustice.
As a final gesture of his giving and loving nature, Matthew provided life to
five other people by being an organ donor. His spirit lives on in those
lives. Matt's parents advocate organ donor ship because of their experience.
When Matt was in high school he wrote an essay on "The Road Not Taken" by
Robert Frost. He said it was about thinking long and hard about making final
decisions and not always following the crowd. Having an exemplary character
toward fellow classmates, being a dedicated athlete and having empathy for
all people as well as good community involvement are the qualities which the
applicants to this scholarship should possess. That will help Matt continue
his journey on his road.
**********
Mark Dushok was a 2004 Wyoming Area graduate who made his impact on this
world through his involvement in Key Club. Mark served as an officer in Key
Club and was district editor. Mark’s job as editor allowed him to communicate
to the world the on goings of our active club. As Key Club editor he
communicated with the various clubs across the state of Pennsylvania
educating them of the possibilities Key Club could provide the community. He
also served as Pennsylvania District Editor his senior year, producing and
editing a publication read by more than 7500 high school students across the
state. Mark was a senior at Indiana University of Pennsylvania(IUP) and had
become very involved in the school's newspaper, The Penn. Tragically he died
on October 29, 2007 from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident. His
ambition was contagious and his spirit truly inspires all students who strive
to make a difference in their community.
Through the generosity of Wyoming Area staff members(including active and
retired teachers, administrators, secretaries, janitors, support staff, etc.)
and the support of the Wyoming Area community this scholarship has been
funded. This is the inaugural year of this scholarship which we plan to
continue for as long as possible.
This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Wyoming Area senior who
represents the entire Wyoming Area student body. An applicant should be a
well-rounded student with school and community involvement with at least an
average academic record and who will be attending a trade, technical, 2 or 4
year college or university. The number of scholarships awarded will depend
on the applicant pool. More than one scholarship may be awarded. The
amount may vary from year to year.
Final selection will be made by the scholarship committee.
ESSAY: The families of the Fallen Warriors have been forced to overcome
unbearable hardships due to their loss. In a solid essay of at least 500
words, write about an obstacle you have faced and overcome in your own life.
