Submitted by Stephanie Sullivan,  DFS Treasurer

York Suburban Dollars for Scholars Chapter is pleased to announce that we have established the Battle of the Buildings (BOB) Scholarship Fund.  This fully-endowed scholarship is held with our other funds at the York County Community Foundation. We created this fund as a way of giving back to the York Suburban community that has supported BOB over the years. The first BOB scholarship will be awarded in May 2019 and then annually thereafter.  This fund will stand in perpetuity as a constant acknowledgment of the support and generosity of the YS community. Thank You!

About our scholarships:  Dollars for Scholars applications are done entirely online through Scholarship America’s premiere, secure website – furthering the transparency of scholarship review. Applications are scored along very objective criteria.  While 50% of the total applicant score reflects financial need (the FAFSA), the other 50% comes from scholastic merit (SATs, school performance) and Merit (which includes activities, work experience, educational and career objectives, and any unusual circumstances).

Reading Specialists Amy Bartlett and Kelly Gulley planned a Reading Make & Take at Yorkshire Elementary.  During the interactive sessions, students and parents made reading games to help practice essential reading skills.  

Submitted by Mrs. Kathy Pavoncello

Second graders at Yorkshire Elementary are learning about notable celebrity and historical figures. Some classes hosted “wax museums,” to teach fellow students and family members about famous individuals of their choice. School librarian Ms. Michelle Dean and classroom teacher Ms. Kelly Duke guided students through the research process using both print and online sources to enhance the understanding of the notable person chosen. Using research and typing skills, students were required to create a brief autobiography. An oral dictation, physical attire, and a Google Slides presentation were all part of each presentation, as well. Collectively, these students did a wonderful job creating a virtual wax museum and learned about life through the famous eyes of someone they admire.

Submitted by Jamie Vranich, YSEF

The Richard Guyer Fund, started by the York Suburban Education Foundation (YSEF) in March of 2009, celebrates the incredible contribution Coach Guyer made to the York Suburban School District as Head Swim Coach for 41 years as well as in honor of the assistant coaches who have stood by his side and supported the team.  

Coach Guyer continues to be involved in the high school swim program as an Assistant Coach along with Head Coach Craig Brennan and Assistant Coaches Hope Kowalewski and Ever Gonzalez.  In addition to the years at YSSD, Guyer started the Trojan Aquatic Club (TAC) program in 1988/89 as a way to develop future high school swimmers. He continues to share is swim knowledge at TAC swim meets.  Patty Neidigh, head coach for TAC since 1997, swam for Coach Guyer during her high school years and continues the tradition started by Guyer.

As highlighted in the YSEF 2011 Annual Report, Coach Guyer and the assistant coaches “have established a swimming legacy while more importantly, consistently supporting academic excellence.  The “I Think I Can” motto of the swim team, based on the book, The Little Engine That Could, is part of the legacy established by Richard Guyer.”

The Richard Guyer Fund is currently over $15,000 with a goal of $25,000; at which time it will be moved to the York County Community Foundation.  Monies from this fund, once at the YCCF, will be directed toward fulfilling the above motto; promoting team building and enhancing the psychological mindset of York Suburban students to achieve excellence in all that they do.

To contribute to the Richard Guyer Fund, in honor of a York Suburban High School swimmer or a TAC swimmer, please visit the YSEF website at www.ysef.org.  An acknowledgment will be sent to Coach Guyer.

YSEF was formed in 2008 and focuses on improving the district through effective partnerships in the business, civic and education sectors to ensure the success of its students. The mission of the YSEF is to benefit its students and thereby strengthen YSSD through a permanent endowment to enhance the educational experiences and foster continued academic excellence.