Hempfield Foundation Scholarships

These awards recognize outstanding scholarship and are made possible by an endowment from Barbara Holmberg in memory of her husband, Richard Holmberg. There are three one-time awards of $3,000 each.

This award was established to recognize a graduating Hempfield senior who has distinguished him or herself through exemplary scholarship, leadership, and service. It is a one-time award of $1,000.

This award recognizes a male Hempfield High School student-athlete from the boys varsity soccer team who displayed good sportsmanship, character, leadership, and integrity, has a strong work ethic, has achieved at least a 3.25 grade point average, and has demonstrated academic strength in the fields of math, science, or technology. It is awarded by the Nolt Family in memory of their son Tim (HHS Class of 1987) who passed away in 2011. It is a one-time award of $1,000.

Altruism is the selfless concern for the welfare of others, and it means giving without concern for reward or recognition. This onetime award of $500 is named after former HHS teacher Dan Jones, and it is given to a student selected by faculty and administers who most exemplifies these core ideals. There is no application for this award because it is selected by HHS teachers and staff. It is a one-time award of $500.

The Margaret J. “Meg” Zapata English Literature and Language Award is given to a senior student who is an exemplary student and outstanding writer. This award will be presented annually each May by the Foundation based on recommendations made by the English Language Arts faculty at Hempfield High School. It is a one-time award of $500.

This scholarship will be awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding character, and strong leadership in the Hempfield Community. The scholarship will be a one-time award to the recipient of $1,000. There can be multiple awards made each year.

The scholarship will support graduating Hempfield High School seniors pursuing postsecondary education in fields reflecting Marilyn’s commitment to scholarship, the humanities, education, leadership, and service. It is a one-time award of $2,500.

This scholarship will support a graduating Hempfield student pursuing careers in the skilled trades and technical workforce fields. It is a one-time award of $5,000.

These awards recognize outstanding scholarship and are made possible by an endowment from Dr. Richard Bryson. There are three one-time awards of $3,000 each.

The purpose of this scholarship is to honor the memory of George Rakoczy by providing financial support to a graduating Hempfield student with an entrepreneurial spirit who is pursuing postsecondary education or training other than a four-year college degree. It is a one-time award of $5,000.

Elizabeth (Fritz) Erb was a player on the very first Hempfield girls lacrosse team, and she led her squad to consecutive league titles in 2001 and 2002––the 2001 championship being the first one ever awarded for the sport in Lancaster County. She later became Hempfield’s coach and retired as the all-time winningest lacrosse coach in Lancaster-Lebanon League history. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating member of the Hempfield girls lacrosse team who is passionate and driven as an athlete, who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship and exemplary character, and who excels as a student. It is a one-time award of $1,500.

Lancaster Asian Americans Pacific Islanders (AAPI) began with a group of Asian Americans searching for a larger community and an opportunity to amplify individual voices, allow people to connect, and to celebrate AAPI contributions to the rich history of Lancaster County. This is scholarship is made possible by a contribution from the Lancaster AAPI and is awarded to an outstanding student who identifies with a member state of the Asia-Pacific regional group of member states defined by the United Nations. It is a one-time award of $1,000.

The purpose of this scholarship is to honor the memory of Barbara Gerke by providing financial support to a graduating Hempfield High School senior who plans to pursue postsecondary education in fields that advance literacy, research, information access, and student learning. This scholarship reflects Barbara Gerke’s lifelong dedication to helping students become thoughtful readers, capable researchers, and lifelong learners. It seeks to support students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a love of learning, and a commitment to serving others through education, literacy, or information-centered professions. It is a one-time award of $5,000.

The purpose of this scholarship is to support graduating Hempfield High School seniors who plan to pursue postsecondary education or training in skilled trades, technical workforce fields, or applied career pathways that lead directly to high-demand careers. This scholarship reflects the Gerke family’s belief in the dignity of work, the importance of technical skill development, and the value of career paths that contribute directly to industry, transportation, construction, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, public safety, and essential services. It is a one-time award of $5,000.