The Hempfield Foundation has announced the creation of two new annual scholarships that will expand opportunities for Hempfield High School seniors pursuing both academic and technical career pathways.

The new scholarships - The Barbara Gerke Memorial Scholarship for Literacy and Lifelong Learning and The Gerke Skilled Trades and Technical Career Scholarship - reflect a commitment to supporting students across diverse fields of study.

The Barbara Gerke Memorial Scholarship honors Barbara Gerke, a longtime Hempfield School District librarian who served students at Centerville Middle School, Landisville Middle School, and Hempfield High School. The $5,000 annual scholarship will support a graduating senior pursuing postsecondary education in fields such as library science; literacy education; information sciences; communications; or related disciplines that advance reading, research, and lifelong learning.

The Gerke Skilled Trades and Technical Career Scholarship will award $5,000 annually to a graduating senior pursuing education, certification, apprenticeship, or training in skilled trades or technical workforce fields. Eligible pathways include construction, manufacturing, transportation, energy, mechanical and industrial careers, public safety, and other applied technical programs.

Both scholarships are funded through a five-year commitment from Darrell Gerke, former part-owner of Conestoga Tours, who has long supported education initiatives in the Hempfield community.

"These scholarships reflect a belief that excellence takes many forms," said Kevin Fillgrove, executive director of the Hempfield Foundation. "Whether a student is pursuing literacy and research or preparing to enter a high-demand technical field, we want them to know their path is valued and supported."

Each scholarship will be awarded annually beginning in 2026 and will be administered through the Hempfield Foundation's established scholarship review process. Recipients will be recognized at the annual Senior Awards program.

With the addition of these two scholarships, the Hempfield Foundation continues its mission of empowering teachers, inspiring futures, and investing in the next generation of learners and leaders.

The Hempfield Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students, educators, and programs within the Hempfield School District. Through scholarships, innovative classroom grants, and community partnerships, the foundation works to expand educational opportunities and enhance student achievement across all grade levels. By engaging alumni, families, businesses, and community members, the Hempfield Foundation invests in initiatives that promote academic excellence, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning.

For more information about the Hempfield Foundation, visit http://www.hempfieldfoundation.org or contact Kevin Fillgrove at 717-519-0001 or hempfieldfoundation@gmail.com.