Man earns degree
John V. Rapano, Windridge Drive, Uniontown, has completed the requirements for a Ph.D. in administration and leadership studies, nonprofit and public sectors, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Rapano is married to Sandra L. Rapano. He is the Human Development and Family Studies Program coordinator at Penn State Fayette, the Eberly Campus. Rapano is a 1968 graduate of St. John’s High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and master’s degree in elementary guidance from California University of Pennsylvania. Rapano’s doctoral dissertation was titled “Case Study of a Participatory Action Research Process to Examine Burnout and Generate Change-Oriented Strategies Among Workers in a Human Service Environment.” While at IUP, Rapano was awarded a graduate student research grant to attend the World Congress of Action Research in Groningen, Netherlands.
Rapano also participated in Field Experience: The East End Initiative in 2004. He is a member of the Fayette County Human Service Council, the Fayette County Community Health Partnership, Community Engagement Group for Early Childhood Care and Education, Fayette County Family Collaborative, Pennsylvania Sociology Society and the Action Learning and Action Research Association.
Student hnored
Zachery Matesich, a senior chemistry major at the College of Wooster, has been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest liberal arts honor society.
A resident of Brownsville, Matesich is a graduate of Bethlehem-Center High School.
Students graduate
Thiel College recently graduated 2,175 students during a spring commencement ceremony. Local students who earned degrees are listed by their hometowns.
Rices Landing: Derek James Hermann, media communication
Uniontown: Gregory James Hogan, biology
Applications accepted
Mt. Carmel Christian School in Mt. Pleasant is accepting applications for the 2010-2011 school year, and has scholarships available based on income. MCCS offers grades kindergarten through Grade 12, and busing is provided from 10 surrounding public districts at no additional cost to the family. The school is registered with the state of Pennsylvania and is a member of the Keystone Christian Education Association and the Fundamental Christian Athletic Association. Kindergarten is a half-day program and students must be 5 years old by Nov. 1. Information is available on the school website regarding several new programs that MCCS is planning to offer in the coming school year. For more information, or to arrange for a personal tour, call 724-887-7169 or visit www.myMCCS.org
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Lent graduates
Jonathan Lent, son of Thomas M. Lent, Jr. and Geraldine Lent of Fairchance, and a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, recently completed his Ph.D in counselor education and supervision at The University of Akron in Ohio. While a student at UA, Lent maintained a 4.0 grade point average, was awarded the awards of “Outstanding Doctoral Student” and “Outstanding Student Research.” Additionally, Lent served on the university hearing board and as president of Chi Sigma Iota, Alpha Upsilon, the honors fraternity for counselors. Lent will be a visiting professor at John Carroll University for the 2010-11 school year. He is also employed at PsyCare in Austintown, Ohio.
Sandor honored
Rebecca Sandor of Smithfield was named recipient of the Geibel Alumni Award at the senior awards program held recently at the school. The Geibel Alumni award has been presented annually since 1981. Criteria for the award include “total dedication to the development of personality, of talents, of aptitudes, of social skills, of service to the school, of example to the student body, and of a distinct and genuine Catholic attitude and spirit.”
Tressler earns degree
Dustin Kristofer Tressler graduated with a doctor of optometry degree this spring from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. His parents are Almon and Donna Tressler of Hopwood. Tressler received his bachelor’s degree in cellular/molecular biology from Washington and Jefferson College.
While at Missouri, Tressler was a member of the American Optometric Student Association and the Society for the Advancement of Independent Optometrists.
He plans to join a practice near Pittsburgh.
Student earns grant
Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $2,500 Lowe’s scholarship to Brownsville Area High School graduate Kelly Tunney of Redstone.
Tunney will use the scholarship to attend Penn State University Park Campus.