Waynesburg U. names 2023 Christian Life Scholarship recipients

Waynesburg University has announced eight incoming students will receive the Christian Life Scholarship. The 2023 recipients include Barry (Kent) Peterson, John (Wyatt) Clatterbaugh, Dane Jones, Mackenzie Wilson, Lindsey Sylvania, Julia Luzar, Kaitlyn Prickett and Samantha Withers.

The scholarship is awarded annually to incoming freshmen who demonstrate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and are involved in the life of a local church.

As part of the scholarship, each recipient is paired with a Christian mentor from their field of study and are presented with opportunities to be engaged in activities, conversations and mentorship through the Center for Campus Ministry.

Barry (Kent) Peterson

Barry (Kent) Peterson is the son of Kent and Denise Peterson of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

Peterson recently graduated from Canon-McMillan High School, where he participated in several activities and clubs, including National Honor Society, Best Buddies, German Club and German National Honor Society. He also was a member of the band and golf team.

Outside of Canon-McMillan, Peterson has been involved with Veritas Youth Group, Adaptive Sports and served as lead CM mentor.

He currently works part time at the Washington City Mission in North Strabane Township.

“I am honored to be selected and hope that I can pass along my faith and beliefs to others,” said Peterson of his selection.

In the fall, he will attend Waynesburg University as a communication major with a focus in sports management. He will also play golf on the University’s Men’s Golf team.

John (Wyatt) Clatterbaugh

John (Wyatt) Clatterbaugh is the son of John and Barbara Clatterbaugh of Culpeper, Virginia.

Clatterbaugh attended Eastern View High School where he participated in the choir, theatre, EVTV, Improv Club and National Thespian Society. He also served as vice president of both the choir and Improv Club.

Outside of Eastern View, he was a member of the Virginia All State Choir, All District Choir and the local 4-H, and received the National High School Choral Award.

For Clatterbaugh, being selected as a recipient of this scholarship has meant a great deal to him.

"It means everything,” he said. “Being recognized for my strong belief in Christ and being able to share those beliefs with others is an honor and a blessing."

When he joins Waynesburg University in the fall, Clatterbaugh plans to pursue a degree in sports broadcasting and media studies. He said he is most excited to “learn how to be a broadcaster.”

Dane Jones

Dane Jones is the son of Don and Sarah Jones of State College, Pennsylvania.

During his time at Grace Prep High School, Jones participated in soccer and graduated with honors. He also enjoyed skiing.

“Being selected for this scholarship means a lot to me because having God in my life and serving Him is the most important thing in my life,” said Jones.

Jones will join Waynesburg University in the fall and plans to major in business. He will also play soccer on the University’s Men’s Soccer team.

As he looks ahead to this next chapter, he is most excited to gain new experiences.

“I am most excited to start life in college and have a ton of fun new experiences,” he added.

Mackenzie Wilson

Mackenzie Wilson is the daughter of Aaron and Carla Wilson of Daybrook, West Virginia.

A recent graduate of Clay-Battelle High School, Wilson was involved in a number of activities and clubs, both in and out of school, which included Young Life, Raze, Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H, yearbook, theater and Chess Club. She served as the treasurer for her 4-H club and class leader for Vacation Bible School.

Academically, Wilson was a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society at Monongalia Technical Education Center. In addition, she was a recipient of the Chad Ross Scholarship and Clay Battelle Alumni Scholarship, and received recognition from Governor’s Workforce and the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute.

As an athlete, she participated in volleyball and track & field, and was involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

She is also a Certified Registered Medical Assistant and Certified Phlebotomy Technician.

“It’s an honor to be selected for this scholarship and program that highlights the importance of being a Christian,” said Wilson. “I’m excited to continue to strengthen my faith and meet my mentors and classmates who also received the scholarship.”

Wilson will attend Waynesburg University in the fall, where she will major in nursing and join the Women’s Volleyball team.

In the fall, she is looking forward to incorporating Christianity into all aspects of campus life.

“I’m most excited to learn more about this program and how to put Christianity in perspective with nursing, volleyball and other activities that I’ll take part in while I’m at Waynesburg,” said Wilson.

Lindsey Sylvania

Lindsey Sylvania is the daughter of Eric and Jaclyn Sylvania of Oakland, Maryland.

A recent graduate of Southern Garrett High School, Sylvania was named a student of the month during her junior and senior years and an Honors Maryland Graduate. She also received a Work Ethic Diploma.

Outside of the classroom, Sylvania has dedicated much of her time to activities within Crossroads Church, including youth group and serving as worship leader of Crossroads Church youth band.

In addition, she has participated in Young Life and is currently working as an employee at her local Lowe’s store.

“Being selected for this scholarship is a gift that doesn't come from one's own ability or strength, but the gift of Christ,” said Sylvania. “I wouldn't be anywhere without Christ and knowing that he has and continues to provide opportunities like this is just another example of His mercy and faithfulness.”

Sylvania will attend Waynesburg University in the fall, where she plans to major in both psychology and biblical and ministry studies.

“Regarding starting at WU in the fall, I am truly blessed and excited to see how God will move in relationships as I meet new people who want to learn more about Him and spread the love of Christ to those around them as a community of believers,” she said.

Julia Luzar

Julia Luzar is the daughter of Kevin and Heather Luzar of Washington, Pennsylvania.

Luzar attended Trinity High School. During her time there, she was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Distributive Education Clubs of America, National Honor Society, National Business Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. She also served as historian of the National Honor Society.

In addition to her participation in numerous clubs and activities, Luzar was a four-year varsity letterman and active in a number of Trinity High School sports, including Girls Varsity Tennis, Rifle Team and softball.

“Being selected for this scholarship gives me the opportunity to further my journey of faith and to strengthen my connections with fellow believers, and I am so blessed for this incredible opportunity,” Luzar said.

This upcoming fall semester, Luzar will begin her undergraduate studies at Waynesburg University as a criminal justice major. She also plans to join the University’s Women’s Tennis team.

She is looking forward to everything this new journey ahead will bring.

“I am excited to meet new people and form new friendships while gaining knowledge and preparing myself to be a public servant to glorify the Lord through my work,” she said.

Kaitlyn Prickett

Kaitlyn Prickett is the daughter of C.J. and April Prickett of Pendleton, Indiana.

She graduated from Pendleton Heights High School. There, she was involved in the Hoosier F.C. Soccer Team, National Honor Society, the Student-Athletic Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and BETA Club.

Prickett was the soccer captain and Soccer Athlete of the Year. She also was the Athlete of Character, and a winner of the 6-Athletic Letter Award. Additionally, Prickett served as the worship leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

She plans to major in chemistry (pre-pharmacy) at Waynesburg University and will participate in women’s soccer.

“I am most excited to continue growing my relationship with Christ, with other students, and professors at Waynesburg,” Prickett said.

She also looks forward to growing spiritually at Waynesburg University.

“It means the world to me to be selected for this scholarship because it will help me to not only be able to grow my faith,” Prickett said, “but also be able to travel a few states from my hometown and spread the gospel with people I wouldn't have been able to reach if I hadn't been accepted into Waynesburg.”

Samantha Withers

Samantha Withers is the daughter of Dale and Crystal Withers of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania.

As a student at Thomas Jefferson High School, Withers was active in many activities and organizations, including string orchestra, pit orchestra, show choir, Outdoors Club, Big Jag Little Cub Club and tennis. She also served as the treasurer of the Outdoors Club and treasurer of the string orchestra. 

Academically, she was a member of National Honor Society and French Honor Society, and was named to the high honor roll.

Outside of her time at Thomas Jefferson, Withers served as a leader of youth group and Vacation Bible School at her church.

“Being selected for the scholarship is such an honor, as I am so incredibly grateful to receive a mentor to further my faith,” said Withers of her selection.

Withers will be joining Waynesburg University in the fall, where she will pursue a career in nursing.