The Herald, Sharon, Pa

Published June 7, 1997

GRADUATION '97: Awards

The Gibson Award Greenville High School, Greenville, Pa.

By Hal Johnson
Herald Staff Writer

Besides their school memories, Greenville Area High School graduates Jocelyn Beh and and Philip George Buiser share two other things _ the T.C. Gibson Award and no specific plans for using the prize money.

During commencement exercises Saturday in William A. Passavant Memorial Center at Thiel College, the cash award was presented to Miss Beh and Buiser, who tied as the top graduates of their class. They will split $4,346.80.

It is not restricted to be a scholarship. They can spend the award however they want.

In 1955, Greenville businessman Frank Gibson died without heirs. Gibson willed that his $51,250 be placed in a trust fund with what now is First National Bank of Pennsylvania. The annual income from that trust fund will be awarded to the Greenville Area High School graduate with the highest grade point average over four years. The award was named for Gibson's father.

In the past 42 years, the trust fund has awarded annual a total of $185,579. Most recipients have used the cash prize for their continued education.

Miss Beh, daughter of Dr. Walter and Joann Beh, Hempfield Township, and Buiser, son of Rodolfo Buiser, Hermitage, and Proserfina Buiser, Greenville, each said they did not know how they would use the money.

Buiser said it probably would go toward his education at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Although undecided, he may study either English or journalism.

Miss Beh will be an exchange student in Switzerland and then attend Harvard-Radcliffe Universary in Cambridge, Mass. She said she is undecided on her major.

A record 80 percent of the 174 Greenville graduates will continue their education, said Stephen K. Ross, high school principal.

School Superintendent Patricia M. Homer told the graduates their education is important, but so is their character and enthusiasm. She urged the graduates to ``go into our wonderful community and give back what you have received.''

Back to TOP // Herald 1997 graduation main page // Herald Schools // Herald Home page

Updated July 9, 1997
Questions/comments: herald@pgh.net
For info about advertising on our site or Web-page creation: advertising@sharon-herald.com