The McKean County Community Foundation is proud to recognize the growing impact of the Duane Anthony Vicini Scholarship Fund, established in October 2024 to support students pursuing higher education and workforce training opportunities while honoring a lifetime dedicated to education and community service.

Mr. Duane Anthony Vicini has spent decades creating opportunities for students and advancing education throughout the region. He served as Superintendent of the Forest Area School District before retiring and continuing his work in educational leadership and workforce development. Following his tenure in public education, Mr. Vicini became President of the Education Council for the Upper Allegheny (ECUA), serving as its only president until the creation of the Rural Regional College (RRC). He later served as Project Executive during the formative years of the RRC before becoming Chief of Staff for the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC), where he served until retirement. Today, he continues to support educational advancement as a member of the NPRC Board of Trustees.

The scholarship reflects Mr. Vicini’s lifelong commitment to education and his desire to give back to the communities he has served throughout his career. Since establishing the fund, he has focused on expanding scholarship opportunities and strengthening partnerships with local schools, helping students pursue their educational and career goals.

The scholarship’s inaugural recipients include Ethan Claycomb of Duke Center, pursuing CDL training; Corey Smith of Bradford, pursuing CDL training; Amber Stark of Franklin, pursuing General Studies with a focus on Nursing; Colby Barr of Clarendon, pursuing training as a Heavy Equipment Operator; Bryin Roberts of Eldred, pursuing CDL training; and Nikki Hall of Franklin, pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

The scholarship serves students across the region, reflecting Mr. Vicini’s belief that education takes many forms and that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue a meaningful future.

Mr. Vicini remains actively involved with the scholarship, working alongside the Foundation to expand opportunities for students throughout the region. His vision extends beyond financial assistance—he hopes to inspire students to pursue their ambitions, further their education, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the McKean County Community Foundation, said:

“Duane’s dedication to education has had a lasting impact on our region. From his work in public education to his role in helping establish opportunities through the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, he has always focused on creating pathways for student success. This scholarship is a continuation of that commitment. I am excited to see the fund grow and continue benefiting students in our communities, helping them pursue their dreams and build brighter futures.”

Through the Duane Anthony Vicini Scholarship Fund, Mr. Vicini’s commitment to service continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact for years to come.

Contributions to the Duane Anthony Vicini Scholarship Fund may be made at any time. Individuals, businesses, and organizations who wish to support local students and help grow the scholarship’s impact are encouraged to contribute.

For more information about the Duane Anthony Vicini Scholarship Fund or the McKean County Community Foundation, please contact Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director, at 814-887-5563 or tboschert@mckeancountyfoundation.org

The McKean County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening our region through development, stewardship, and grantmaking. Working collaboratively with donors, the Foundation helps individuals, families, businesses, and organizations achieve their philanthropic goals while creating lasting impact throughout McKean County and the surrounding region.