Waynesburg University has announced that Katelynn Britenbaugh, Nolan Curran, James Davis and Lana Jordan are recipients of the 2021 Waynesburg University Christian Life Scholarship.
The new $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually beginning this year to four incoming freshmen that demonstrate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and are involved in the life of a local church.
Upon its announcement earlier this year, University Chaplain Josh Sumpter commented, "This scholarship program will provide a variety of opportunities for students to grow in their Christian faith so that they will impact our community and the world."
The recipients will be paired with a Christian mentor from their anticipated field of study and will be provided with activities, conversations and mentorship through the Center for Campus Ministry.
Katelynn Britenbaugh
Katelynn Britenbaugh is the daughter of Kevin and Brandy Britenbaugh of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.
She attended Shaler Area High School, where she participated in the school’s marching band and on the varsity softball team. She was a member of Tri-M Music Honor Society, Japanese National Honor Society, Art Honor Society and National Honor Society.
Britenbaugh was consistently named to the honor roll and earned awards such as the Outstanding Excellence in Arts Award, Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence and the Humanitarian Award from the Glenshaw Century Club. Additionally, she was a Class of 2021 Burger King Scholar.
Outside of high school, Britenbaugh played fast pitch softball for the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners, was a member of the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania and participated in Total Karate.
She held various leadership positions in her activities, including Percussion Ensemble representative and percussion manager at Shaler, catching instructor for the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunner’s 8U Team and instructor at Total Karate.
Within her church community at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, she is an acolyte and coordinator of the church’s micro-food pantry, Blessing Box.
Britenbaugh will study athletic training and play softball for the Yellow Jackets.
“It is an honor to be selected as one of the first Christian Life Scholarship recipients,” said Britenbaugh. “I am very excited to have an opportunity to be [with] students who grow in their relationship with Christ, and I am ecstatic to begin a new chapter in my life with my WU family.”
Nolan Curran
Nolan Curran is the son of Guy and Joann Curran of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.
Throughout high school, he participated in cross country, track and field, and Civil Air Patrol. From his service in the Civil Air Patrol, he was the recipient of the Billy Mitchell Award and the Ameila Earhart Award.
His leadership experience includes serving as co-captain of the cross country team, Cadet Commander for Civil Air Patrol and a member of the youth leadership team for his church, Rose Point Reformed Presbyterian Church.
"I feel blessed and overjoyed at the opportunity to really make strong connections between my intended major and my faith through the help of Christian mentors," shared Curran. "I am really excited for the community [at Waynesburg]."
Curran plans to study nursing and will participate on the Yellow Jackets' cross country and track and field teams.
James Davis
James Davis is the son of Vince and Elizabeth Davis of Kersey, Pennsylvania.
He attended Saint Mary's Area High School where he participated in varsity football and track and field, each for four years. He was also a member of National Honor Society and achieved High Honors all four years.
As a high school athlete, Davis was 2nd All-State in Football (2019), All-American NHSCA Athlete of the Year (2021), All-Conference Team in Football (2019-2020), Team Defensive MVP (2019), Team Overall MVP (2020) and 1st Team Tri-County (2019).
Davis was also the football team captain for two years and an officer for the Fitness Club for four years.
"Receiving this scholarship is beyond humbling and will provide me with the opportunity to grow in ministry," said Davis. "I cannot wait to be a part of a group that is looking to further the Kingdom of God."
He plans to study exercise science and play football for the Yellow Jackets.
Lana Jordan
Lana Jordan is the daughter of Matt and Lydia Jordan of Reading, Pennsylvania.
She attended Exeter Township Senior High School and was a member of water polo, track and field, Mini-THON and Spanish Club. Jordan was captain of the track and field team and a committee leader for Exeter's Mini-THON.
She was the recipient of the Exeter Township Spanish Award and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Award.
At her church, Mountain View Church, Jordan participates in youth group and plays electric guitar in the worship band.
"I know that this scholarship will benefit me academically, emotionally and spiritually," she shared. "I'm so excited to join this group and see [my faith] journey alongside my mentor and my fellow Christian Life members."
Jordan plans to study forensic investigation and participate on the University's track and field team.
Scholarships
For more information about the Christian Life Scholarship and other first-year freshman scholarship opportunities, click below.
