In the News
PASR President Jake Wagner presented the prestigious J.J. Dillon Service Award to Deb Filson at the November 2025 meeting of the Mifflin County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. Begun in 2004, the Dillon Award offers "a way to recognize the outstanding service provided to the Association by individual volunteers at the local, regional and/or state level,” according to the PASR website. Candidates are nominated by the Executive Committee of each chapter.
Mifflin County High School Choral Director Vicki Fensterbush explained the history behind several Christmas songs performed by the student group Cantare at the December 2025 meeting of the Mifflin County Chapter of the PA Association of School Retirees.
PASR President Jake Wagner presented the Board Commendation Award to Dave McCachren at the November 2025 meeting of the Mifflin County Chapter of the PA Association of School Retirees. The Award recipient is chosen by the President; the nomination is then reviewed and approved by the State Board of Directors. “This award in my opinion, is the top award. The person chosen has had a long standing within the chapter as a go-to person for advice and clarification on any and all subjects,” Wagner commented.
Olyvia Fennell (left) and Cameron Witters (right)
Two Mifflin County High School seniors have been granted scholarships by the Mifflin County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Cameron Witters and Olyvia Fennell were honored at the May 1 luncheon meeting during which they each presented their award-winning essays.
Cameron Witters, daughter of Adrienne and Josh Bulick of Lewistown, is bound for Juniata College with a major in either elementary education or secondary English.
Olyvia Fennell, recipient of the Non-Education Scholarship, is the daughter of Lynsey Phillips of Lewistown and Andre Fennell. She will enter Drexel University in Philadelphia with a major in electrical engineering.
When asked separately the $64,000 question: “If you were Queen of the World, what would be your first executive order?” both Cameron and Olyvia would make college / higher education accessible, if not free, for everyone.
Applicants for the scholarship must submit a letter of acceptance from the college they plan to attend; a resume outlining academic history, extra-curricular activities and community involvement; and a 500-word essay explaining their educational goals and how the scholarship money would help attain those goals. Winners are chosen by a committee of MCHS personnel.
Ways and Means Co-Chairs Gloria Richard (left) and Beverly Berich teamed up to produce the 2025 Holiday Scholarship Bazaar which generated $541 for the Scholarship fund.
Staff and faculty of Mifflin County Junior High School were honored with the Loretta Woodson Award at the May 1, 2025 luncheon meeting of Mifflin County Association of School Retirees. Pictured are Principal Angela Stewart (left), presenter Val DeVecchis (center), and Eighth Grade English teacher Rachel Corson (right).
Loren Kauffman, owner of the Reedsville Creamery, was our speaker for the January, 2026 meeting. Here, he is chatting with PASR member Marilyn Goss about life on a dairy farm. Marilyn, who milked cows for almost 40 years with her husband Ron, is a retired "lunch lady."