Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

SCRANTON, Pa (Oct. 27, 2026) – Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, October 27, 2026, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 72 scholarships. Jewel Amoroso, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program and recipient of the John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, served as the student speaker at the event.

“My goal is to use the knowledge and skills I’m gaining at Johnson College to make sure that equipment is safe and reliable. My hope is not only to become a professional, but to make a positive impact through my work,” Jewel said.

She shared that the generosity of scholarship donors and the support of Johnson College allow her to create a better future, not just for herself, but for the people who will benefit from the students work.

The event also featured keynote speaker Betsy Summers, Treasurer of the Northeast Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, who spoke on behalf of the North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship.

Presenting sponsors of the event included Cardinal LG and SIMONA AMERICA Industries.

The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., chief academic officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included:

AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Lance Conklin;

Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Brianna Kocher, Karen Martinez, Niko Saldukas, and Andre Trojan;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Evan Kilgore;

Bartolai Family Scholarship, Ashton Labert;

Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Kaylin Chaney;

John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Jewel Amoroso and Layanna Andujar;

Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Timothy Flanagan and Corey Machmer;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Andrew Kondisko;

Hilda Dakey and Harry Dakey Memorial Scholarship, Eliza Collins, Enmanuel Echavarria, Ruddy Jimenez Peralta, Halie Longobardi, and Jason Rodney;

Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, William Dotzel;

P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Charles Tartaglia;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Mason Thomas;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Devon Anderson;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholarship, Luke Hoats and Abigail Trowbridge;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Carlos Martinez;

Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Madyson Martinelli;

HVAC Refrigerant Recycling Initiative Scholarship, Aidan Graff;

Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, William Chupko;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Aidan Graff and Breanna Perini;

Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Brittany Bella and Kaitlyn Miner;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Krista Dudeck, Anastasia Lehman, Maureen Newcomb, Zachary Wilbur;

Johnson College Richmond Merit Award, Austin Fortney, Evalin Owens;

Johnson College Technology Merit Award, James Eckmeder, John Plumey;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Jessica Bostjancic;

William Lesik Memorial Scholarship, Donald Church, Lydia Gilson;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Kynan Longworth;

F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Ethan Howe;

MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Jackson McHugh, Kahlil Williams;

Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, John Juarez;

North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship, Estelle Shingler;

John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Macian Knott;

Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Alyssa Hart, Laila Valree;

Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, Xavier Arzola;

John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship, Kiley Williams;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Eagon, Julius Kornafel;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Erith Marmolejos-Hernandez, Xavier Noel;

Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Ian DeAngelis, Brendan Galimi;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Andrew Baker, Landyn Termini;

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Gavin Waibel;

Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Jessica Bostjancic;

James E. Sweeney Memorial Scholarship, Felix Peraza;

Dr. Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Ryan Murray;

Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Jayson Lambert;

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Jamal Benedict, John Silvi;

Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Maureen Newcomb, Veronica Roca Ruano;

Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Blake Labar.