Students receive over $2,000 from Challenge Program

Students received $2,000 in cash prizes through The Challenge Program on Oct. 2.

“Put Yourself in First Place – Your Future Awaits” was the message for the annual Fall Challenge Program assembly held October 2. Craig Staresinich, the district’s sponsor, awarded $2,000 in cash prizes to Meyersdale Area High School (MAHS) students.

Since 2003, the Challenge Program Inc. has been contributing to workforce and economic development by connecting business and education to achieve a common objective: the development of a skilled and motivated future workforce. The Challenge Program, Inc.’s mission is to build sustainable business/education partnerships while motivating students to develop good habits required to succeed in school and in their future careers. The Challenge Program, Inc. carries out its mission through in-school assemblies and ceremonies, workforce development activities, and continuous communication between businesses, educators and students. Through the generosity of Craig Staresinich, the program has been able to award $2,000 annually to MAHS students in five areas of achievement. These five areas include attendance, academic improvement, academic excellence, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and community service.

Staresinich has been a supporter of the MAHS Challenge Program for more than nine years, offering his financial support and enthusiasm to encourage and inspire students in our district. Staresinich enjoyed a long and successful career in the field of space technology and said it has long been his goal to help others achieve their dreams.

“The Challenge Program is about you and your future. I am here to tell you that if you really want something you can achieve it.”

Staresinich enlisted the assistance of Kylee Haer, Gianni Browne and Amber Long to assist in the portion of the program explaining how easy it is to participate in The Challenge Program. The questions were presented in a game-show format to engage the students.

At the conclusion of the program, the following seniors were recognized as the recipients of the awards for their efforts during the 2023-24 school year: Ryan Sechler, academic excellence and attendance; Jordyn Miller, STEM; Bailey Knotts, community service; and Isabella Eberly, academic improvement.

The following juniors were also honored for their achievements: Landon Ludy, attendance; Logan Simpkins, STEM; Katelyn Laws, community service; Ella Brant, academic improvement; and Olivia Baker, academic excellence.

Each student received a certificate in addition to a check for $200 for their outstanding work.