The Foundation strives to help students achieve success during and after their years at General McLane by providing funds to help assist students financially.
This page details the scholarships available to students through the General McLane Foundation.
- The amounts of scholarships are determined annually based on foundation funding.
- There are different requirements and selection processes for all scholarships.
- Scholarships may require applications and may be awarded by either a committee or high school administration.
There are three types of scholarships available through the Foundation:
- Foundation Scholarships: issued and funded completely through the Foundation.
- Partner Scholarships: funded through a Partner Committee, but issued through the Foundation.
- Outside Organizations Scholarships: neither funded nor issued through the Foundation.
Review all of the General McLane Foundation’s scholarships below to see which best fits you or your child.
Unless otherwise noted in the description, the scholarships listed here are available to one (1) recipient per academic year and is award at the Senior Award Banquet.
Be All That You Can Be Fund
Application Required: No | Selected by Building Principal, Athletic Director, one HS science teacher
The Be All That You Can Be Fund was established in memory of Donald James and Janel Beverly Renn.
The scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior planning to major in education/teaching OR nursing. They must have a GPA of at least 2.7 and have participated in at least 2 sports each year of high school. This student should have demonstrated effort in all aspects of their high school career and exhibited a friendly attitude.
The Be Happy Scholarship in Memory of Elise McEldowney
Application Required: No | Nominated and selected by high school guidance staff and principals
The Be Happy Scholarship in Memory of Elise McEldowney will be granted to a student that exhibits a positive attitude, is kind and caring towards others, and excels in academics.
Dr. Ray F. Birchard Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated and selected by Jr. and Sr. Class Advisors, Student Council Advisor, Principal & Counselor
The Dr. Ray F. Birchard Scholarship is given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated throughout his or her school years a willingness to work for the benefit of his or her fellow students and upon whom the faculty, staff, and student body can rely on to get the job done – not for personal gain but for the common good.
Dr. Birchard served the Edinboro community for 54 years as a veterinarian, school board member, Republican committeeman and leader in many church and fraternal organizations.
Bre Humble and Kind Fund
Application Required: Yes | Selected by a special committee
The Bre Humble and Kind Fund was established in memory of Breanna Elder.
The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior with at least a 3.0 GPA, who participated in high school athletics and will be participating in PennWest University – Edinboro intercollegiate athletics. The recipient must be majoring in education with preference given to those pursuing a degree in special education/elementary education.
The student is required to submit an essay on community service/involvement and the reason for pursuing the special education/elementary education field of study.
Lincoln Daniel Bufalino Memorial Scholarship
Application Required: Yes | Application and Deadline Information in Guidance Office
The Lincoln Daniel Bufalino Memorial Scholarship is for any General McLane High School senior (male or female) who has a love of sports (not necessarily pursuing college athletics) and a desire to continue their college studies in the field of education.
Applicants must submit a 1-2 page typed essay that briefly explains plans for the future which should include, but not be limited to: College or University attending and projected area of education studies (special ed., secondary or primary, physical education, mathematics etc.). Essay should include details regarding the role sports have played in their life thus far.
The Lincoln Daniel Bufalino Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship that was established July 2010 in Lincoln Bufalino’s memory. Lincoln was a person who was loved by all who encountered him. Lincoln was not only an outstanding athlete, but he also possessed exceptional leadership qualities and an unmatched work ethic when it came to teaching children with special needs. This scholarship memorializes Lincoln as the creative, patient, kind hard worker he was.
Patricia Chaffee Memorial Art Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by Art Faculty
Mrs. Patricia Chaffee was an art teacher at General McLane High School from 1971 until 1982. During her relatively short tenure at the school, she touched the lives of many students and was widely respected by her peers. She exhibited a deep sense of caring and commitment for her work and her students.
The Patricia Chaffee Memorial Art Scholarship will be given annually to a senior who has shown significant achievement in the Art and plans to pursuing a future in Art. The selection is made by the art faculty.
Janet Clapper Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by Athletic Director, Principal and Counselor
The recipient of this award is a senior who is a dependable participant in a sport as an athlete, a trainer, or a manager while maintaining a good academic standing to the best of his/her ability. This student provides support to the team and assistance wherever it is needed and whose contributions have gone beyond the playing field.
Janet Clapper was a life long supporter of the athletic program in the General McLane School District. She attended sporting events faithfully as a student and continued this involvement through her young adult years. As a parent she expanded her support by joining the General McLane Athletic Boosters. For eight (8) years she was the driving force behind the successful operation of the concession stand, making purchases from vendors, assisting with necessary cleaning, and working at nearly every sporting event. The income from this labor of a few dedicated parents was donated to all teams in the athletic program. Jan was consistent and dependable in any organization with which she became involved and her happiest hours were spent in activities that brought her in contact with young people. It is the wish of Jan’s family and friends and the General McLane High School Athletic Booster Organization to continue her life of giving for the enrichment of young people by awarding a scholarship each year to a student or students who displays similar qualities.
Dick Dundon Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by head coaches of each variety of sport.
The Dick Dundon Scholarship is presented each year to an outstanding senior athlete in memory of Dick Dundon. Recipients are nominated by head coaches from each variety of sport then selected through ranked voting. Each coach selects a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice. The votes are tabulated giving 3 pts for a 1st place, 2 points for 2nd place, and 1 pt for 3rd place. Ties are awarded.
Mr. Dundon graduated from General McLane in 1954 and attended Edinboro College. While in college he succumbed to cancer. Coaches said Dick Dundon was the first athlete on the court or field and the last one off and was always willing to help other players or coaches whenever and wherever there was a need. He participated in athletics year round while maintaining a strong academic record.
Gae M. Fuller Nursing Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by High School Guidance Counselors & Science Faculty
The Gae M. Fuller Nursing Education Scholarship will annually award a scholarship to a senior committed to becoming a nurse and who will be majoring in nursing at a four-year college or university.
This scholarship was created by retired United States Navy Captain Gae M. Fuller, who served twenty-four years as a nurse in the United States Navy. Fuller graduated from Edinboro High School in 1957, Hamot Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 and the University of Buffalo in 1971 before joining the Navy. She served most of her time in the operating room in a variety of naval hospitals, including ones in the Philippines, Virginia, Pensacola, San Diego, Bethesda and Charleston. Her final role was the Interim Director for Nursing Services at Naval Medical Center in San Diego.
R. A. Fuller Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by Business Faculty
The R.A. Fuller Scholarship is offered to a senior attending college majoring in the field of accounting, banking, business or finance. The selection is made by the business faculty.
R. A. Fuller was an important and influential member of the Edinboro community. Despite losing his father when he was only 15 years old, R.A. helped his mother raise his siblings and became a successful businessman, eventually becoming a vice-president of PNC Bank. He was an outstanding citizen, serving his community in many different capacities.
Elizabeth R. “Betty” Gilbert Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by the General McLane High School cheerleading coaches
This award will be granted to one graduating senior who has at least two (2) years participation as a General McLane varsity cheerleader and has demonstrated exceptional school spirit. The recipient could receive $500 and is selected by the General McLane High School cheerleading coaches.
The Elizabeth R. “Betty” Gilbert Scholarship was created in loving memory of one of the GM’s biggest and best cheerleaders, Elizabeth Gilbert.
H.G. Gillespie Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by Vocational Faculty and Counselor
Number of Recipients: 2
The recipient of this award will be a senior student demonstrating good citizenship and character, who intends to continue his/her education in a vocational or technical field. Race, gender, religious convictions, and quality of academic achievement are not considered as criteria for awards.
Kevin Hayes Electric Fund for the Trade
Application Required: No | Nominated by Guidance Office staff
Number of Recipients: 1
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who intends to pursue a career in a field commonly referred to as a skilled tradesperson, defined as a worker who intends to specialize in an occupation that requires work experience, on-the-job-training (apprenticeship), and/or a formal vocational education, but not a bachelor’s degree. This individual should be of good character and have displayed characteristics of a good work ethic. Grades or GPA status should have no bearing on the selection process. In the event there is more than one candidate the committee is considering, the final decision should regard any community service or acts of selflessness an individual has performed. Recipient is selected by the Guidance Office staff.
Kevin Hayes is a graduate of General McLane High School. Kevin attended EUP for one semester and quickly discovered, a 4-year college program was not for him. He attended a trade school and apprenticed under Dean Woods for 6 years. After his apprenticeship, Kevin went out on his own and started Kevin Hayes Electric, LLC.
James R. Hill Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by Social Studies faculty
Number of Recipients: 1
This scholarship recognizes outstanding achievement in social studies and geography for a four year period of time. This award will go to a senior of sound character who has achieved a 4.0 or higher in the social studies curriculum.
Jim Hill was a social studies teacher at General McLane High School until his retirement.
Jean & Alton Huntley Family Endowment Fund
Application Required: No | Nominated by General McLane High School Principal and Guidance Counselor
Created in memory of Jean & Alton Huntley, the Jean & Alton Huntley Family Endowment Fund provides a scholarship to a graduating senior who will be attending Edinboro University or a local technical school. The recipient is selected by the General McLane High School principal and guidance counselor.
Jean & Alton were Edinboro residents who both graduated from Wattsburg High School. Jean worked for General Telephone for two years and was employed at the Campus School and University Libraries at Edinboro University until her retirement. Alton was a teacher at Greensburg High School and Technical Memorial Junior High in Erie, as well as a Career Counseling and Placement counselor and as a Supervisor of secondary education student teachers at Edinboro State College. He served on various boards, including the Borough of Edinboro Council, Church Men’s Council, Edinboro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and was Mayor of the Borough of Edinboro.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Edinboro Lodge #510 Scholarship
Application Required: Yes | Applications and information available in Guidance Office
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Edinboro Lodge #510 created this scholarship for one General McLane High School student to continue their education through college or trade school. The recipient should have a minimum of a C average and demonstrate the principles of the order: friendship, love, and truth.
Rob Kennerknecht Memorial Scholarship
Application Required: Yes | Finalists chosen by special committee and winner chosen in conjunction with the Kennerknect family
This scholarship is for a General McLane high school senior who plans to attend a four-year college or university. Applicants should write an essay responding to the prompt: Describe a challenge you’ve had in your life and how you overcame that challenge.
High school counselors or other high school staff approved by the GMHS Principal will select 3 finalists based on the submitted essays. The recipient will then be chosen by a committee consisting of the GMHS Principal, GMSD Athletic Director, and a member of the Kennerknecht family.
David Knickerbocker Scholarship
Application Required: Yes | Nominated by National Association of Tax Professionals
Application and Deadline Information in Guidance Office
Number of Recipients: 1
This Scholarship is given annually to a student who has made significant achievements within the area of business or math and is planning a career in the field of accounting or business.
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Tax Professionals (PA-NATP) and the family of David Knickerbocker have established this scholarship in his memory. Dave was a local tax professional and was an active member of the PA-NATP. Dave also tutored numerous students within General McLane School District.
Jon & Nancy Kron Memorial Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by High School Faculty
Number of Recipients: 1
All seniors are eligible. This scholarship is given to a senior who has evidence of good citizenship, dependability, a sense of humor, and involvement in community and school activities. The student must be deserving on the basis of character and the promise of leadership. Additionally this recognition should go to someone who could use a special boost via this award because their displays of humanness, academic and personal accomplishments, kindness and purity of character go unrecognized.
General McLane Lady Lancer Soccer Scholarship
Application Required: Yes | Applications reviewed be one General McLane Foundation Member, Lady Lancer Girls Soccer Coach and Athletic Director. Application and Deadline information in Guidance Office
The General McLane Lady Lancer Soccer Scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior Lady Lancer Soccer player. The recipient must have placed General McLane soccer for three (3) years. Applicants with intentions to play college soccer will be considered first. Interested candidates must exhibit a 3.0 or higher GPA and have participated in at least one extra-curricular activity. Interested applicants must write an essay of 500 words or less on the importance of teamwork on the soccer field.
Francis Lamson Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by High School Front Office and Staff
Number of Recipients: Varies
Awarded at graduation
The Lamson Scholarship is presented each year to an outstanding senior that has shown industry, perseverance, and enthusiastic attendance in his/her student life.
Mr. Francis Lamson bequeathed in his will dated September 21, 1871, funds to be applied for the advancement of education at the Middleboro School.
Lancer Wrestling Parents Senior Scholarship
Application Required: Yes | Applications reviewed by 2 wrestling coaches, 2 Lancer Wrestling Parents board members, 1 administrator
This scholarship is intended to support post secondary education of a graduating contributor to the GM Wrestling teams for college, trade school, or military. The recipient must have been a contributor to the GM Wrestling program for a minimum of 2 seasons and demonstrated character that has had a positive impact on the program and school. Applicants must submit an essay on the subject of “How has wrestling prepared me for the future?”
Edwin J. Linden Memorial Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by High School Faculty
Awarded at graduation
The Edwin J. Linden Memorial Scholarship is the highest award which can be given by the faculty of General McLane High School. It is presented to a graduating senior who has displayed strong moral character, integrity, self-control, and discipline throughout his or her school career.
The Edwin J. Linden Memorial Scholarship Award is given in memory of the man who served as principal of General McLane High School from 1960 until his death in 1973. Edwin J. Linden was the first principal of the school following the consolidation and creation of the General McLane School District. He was a man of character who believed in people and in the importance of public education.
Lorraine McLaughlin Lancer Pride Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated and selected by high school guidance staff and principals
In memory of Lorraine McLaughlin, the scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who is planning to major in a health or physical education field and excels in the encouragement and acceptance of others with a demonstration of leadership qualities.
R. James Mischler Memorial Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated and selected by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics faculty
The R. James Mischler Memorial Scholarship is awarded in memory of its namesake to a graduating senior majoring in a STEM field. It is awarded based on a combination of aptitude and need, and the recipient will be chosen by the science, technology, and math faculty.
Corey Murdzak Memorial Scholarship
Application Required: Yes | Application and deadline information in Guidance Office. Application reviewed by High School Guidance Counselor and the Murdzak family
The Corey Murdzak Memorial Scholarship was created in Corey’s memory. Corey had a wonderful sense of humor. He was kind, funny, and compassionate. He was a gentle soul and a friend to all. There is nothing Corey loved more than spending time with his friends playing and watching sports.
It is the wish of Corey’s family to award a scholarship in his memory to a senior who displays similar personal qualities and plans to pursue future study in a sports related field. Corey had a love of all sports. The recipient may be planning to study sports management, as Corey did, or any other sports related field such as sports recreation, sports communication/journalism, golf management, health/physical education, exercise science, etc.
Brendan O’Connor Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by cross country staff
Each year we present a graduating senior of the General McLane Cross Country team with the Brendan O’Connor Scholarship. This award is given to the senior who has contributed the greatest enthusiasm, leadership, and love of the sport that Brendan is remembered for.
Gail Orbanek Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by High School Faculty
Number of Recipients: Varies
The Gail Orbanek scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who intends to major in elementary education and who possesses honesty, dedication and respect for others.
Gail Orbanek taught at both McKean and Edinboro Elementary Schools for over 30 years until she lost her struggle with cancer in 2005. She was a 1969 alumnus and class salutatorian of General McLane School District. Gail was associated with our district for most of her life.
Mary Pfeffer Nursing Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by High School Faculty
Mrs. Mary Pfeffer served as a school nurse with the McKean School system since 1941 and was the school nurse for the General McLane School District until the mid 1960’s. During this time, Mrs. Pfeffer rendered valuable service to both the school children and citizens of the community.
The Mary Pfeffer Nursing Scholarship is presented each year to the outstanding senior who intends to pursue a career in nursing.
PNC Capital Markets Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by Mathematics Faculty
The PNC Capital Markets Scholarship is given annually to a senior that has excelled in mathematics and intends to pursue a career in a math-related field.
Scarlett Science Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by Science Faculty
The Scarlett Science Scholarship will be given annually to a senior that has made significant achievements in the area of science and is planning a science-related career. This student must exhibit a natural curiosity for science and must have a record that indicates that curiosity has been explored.
Cindy Walker Memorial Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by High School Faculty
The Cindy Walker Memorial Scholarship will be given to the senior that demonstrates scholarship, community/school service and a positive outlook, the same qualities as the young woman for whom this scholarship is named.
Dr. Therese T. Walter Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by School District Administration
Awarded at graduation
The Administrators’ Scholarship is founded on the deepest of gratitude and the belief that those who have been blessed have an obligation to give back. The scholarship is made possible by a fund created in the name of Therese T. Walter who served General McLane as superintendent from 1982 through 2005 and who through her vision, dedication and sacrifice to the students of the community, has created a legacy of quality and hope for generations to come. This scholarship is dedicated to “those who helped it happen.”
As established by Dr. Walter, the choice of recipient is at the sole discretion of the high school administration.
Jennifer Woodland Scholarship
Application Required: No | Nominated by Track & Field Staff
The Jennifer Woodland Scholarship is presented annually by her family and friends to the female track and field athlete who best exemplifies the indomitable pursuit of personal improvement and achievement.
Danny Woods Baseball and Softball Scholarship
Application Required: Yes | Application reviewed by Woods Family
Application and Deadline Information in Guidance Office
The Danny Woods Scholarship is presented to a graduating senior baseball and softball player or manager who in his/her career exhibited a love of the game, a positive attitude, enthusiasm and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Danny Woods was a 1978 General McLane graduate. He played multiple sports, but baseball was his favorite. Danny lived his entire life on the family farm in Edinboro. As his family grew he continued to support the school district and their athletic programs.
Gillespie Foundation for Alumni
This scholarship is funded and administered through a Partner Committee.
Application Required: Yes
Scholarship Amount: Varies year-to-year
Number of Recipients: Varies year-to-year
The H.G. Gillespie Foundation provides financial assistance to General McLane School District graduates who have attained at least third year standing in post secondary educational institutions.
To be eligible, a GM graduate must have obtained third year standing at a post-secondary institution by June 1, 2022. Second year students that anticipate third year standing by June 1st should apply. GM graduates that have been awarded the H.G. Gillespie scholarship in previous years are not eligible. Awards will reflect primarily the applicants’ character, citizenship, and probable contributions to the futures of their communities. Race, gender, religious convictions, and quality of academic achievement will not serve as criteria for awards.
Gillette Memorial Fund
Application Required: Yes | Application and Deadline Information in Guidance Office
Number of Recipients: 2
The John Gillette Memorial Fund will be awarded each year to at least two (2) members (male and female) of the General McLane High School senior class. These scholarships are open to all graduating seniors. Applicants must have been accepted to a college/university. Applicants must submit essays to the General McLane High School Guidance Office stating the applicant’s personal information, goals following high school and need for financial aid for higher education.
This scholarship is funded and issued through an outside organization.