Scholarship and Grant Recipient Announcement

Four Galeton High School students and three graduate students have been awarded scholarships from the William and L.R. Gale Community Foundation.  The 2026 scholarships totaled $192,000.00, with each student being awarded $4,000.00 per semester. This year’s recipients are:          

High School Students:

Luke Kinsely, son of Joel and Alaina Knisely, plans to attend Mansfield University, majoring in Early Childhood Education;

Peyton Leuters, daughter of Karl and Melody Leuters, plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology, majoring in Accounting;

Isaac Miller, son of Jason Miller and Tyeshia Clark, plans to attend Mansfield University, majoring in Psychology;

Makenna Schott, daughter of Stephanie Schott, plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill, majoring in Applied Psychology;

Graduate Students:

Tyeshia Clark plans to attend Mansfield University, majoring in School Counseling;

Zachary Gingrich, son of Michele Underkoffler, plans to attend Wilkes University, majoring in Pharmacy;

Ashley Zengerle plans to attend Wilson College, 01majoring in Elementary Education;

The scholarship program was started in 2013 for current high school seniors attending Galeton Area High School who have been accepted to an accredited college, university, or trade school.  The scholarship awards may be used to help pay for tuition, books, and room and board charges, and are paid directly to the college, university, or trade school.  Since 2013, the Gale Foundation has awarded $1,829,000 in scholarships to 129 students.

The annual scholarship for vocational studies was created under the auspices of the Gale Foundation by Francis Crew in memory of Herman and Berta Robbins. The recipients of the Herman & Berta Robbins Vocational Scholarship for 2026 are:

Peyton Leuters, daughter of Karl and Melody Leuters, plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology, majoring in Accounting;

In addition to the scholarship awards, the William and L.R. Gale Community Foundation provides grants to community organizations located in the Galeton borough and surrounding area. The Gale Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of their 2026 grants. The Administrative Board and Advisory Committee reviewed all submitted applications and decided to support eight Galeton area not-for-profit organizations with $96,000 in funding. These one-time grants will help the community in many areas, including education, community protection, and the historical preservation of Galeton. Listed below are the chosen organizations and projects these monies will support.

Galeton Area School District – Galeton All Sports Boosters – $6,000 – To assist with the relocation of the scoreboard at the soccer and baseball fields, as well as upgrading the scorekeeper booth and adding covered benches at the soccer field.

Galeton Area School District – Playground Project – $10,000 – Funds to help resurface the playground.

Potter County Education Council – $6,000 – To help keep the Potter County Youth Leadership Program free for the students and their families.

Potter County Animal Assistance Project – $2,000 – Assisting in emergency medical treatments, spay and neutering cats and dogs, as well as providing flea and tick treatments, deworming, and vaccinations.

Teacher’s Pet Rescue – $4,000 – Continued veterinary care of animals.

Gale Hose C. No. 1 – $56,000 – To assist in the purchase of a quality used ambulance to serve the residents of the community and surrounding areas.

Galeton Fireworks Committee – $6,000 – To purchase fireworks for the 4^th of July Celebration.

Galeton Ministerium – $6,000 – Continued Assistance to Galeton area persons for financial assistance. Continued financial support of youth ministries for summer camps and newly formed scout organizations. Continued support of Potter County Jail and Re-entry program.

Since 2001, the Gale Foundation has distributed approximately $2,902,000.00 in grants and scholarships to the community. Any 501(c)(3) organization located in the Galeton Borough can submit applications to the Gale Foundation throughout the year.  Applications may be found on the C&N Bank website at cnbankpa.com/personal/invest/scholarships and grants, or you can email Ed Penner at edwardp@cnbankpa.com to request an application.

The Administrative Committee includes Henry Lush, Chairman, Dr. Michael Callahan, and Deborah Long. C&N Wealth Management is Trustee for the foundation. Scholarship and Grant applications may be accessed on the C&N website at cnbankpa.com/Personal/Invest/Scholarship and Grants.