New Scholarships Honor Longtime Cresson Joint/Penn Cambria Teachers

In the 1960s, Ms. Catherine Iapalucci and Mr. Paul Link were busy teaching teenagers to become efficient, effective business people through the Cresson Joint High School’s business education program. The program was strong enough at the time that many students who were unable to attend college were able to launch directly into the workforce after high school.

One of those students was Robert Eyer, former President of Wessel & Co., a regional CPA firm headquartered in Johnstown. Years later, as a Vietnam Veteran working in a national CPA firm, he realized the impact that those two teachers had on his life’s direction and his values.

“They were both dedicated to the teaching profession and to helping students learn, mature, and prepare for life,” he said. “They helped me get through school in spite of myself. They wanted me to learn.”

Now Mr. Eyer has created a scholarship to honor their dedication to helping young people become successful. Both teachers are now retired, Mrs. Iapalucci after teaching for 41 years and Mr. Link after teaching for 35 years. Both taught the business education program, which included classes in shorthand, typing, and office procedures, and they co-advised the Future Business Leaders of America Club at the high school, which has since merged into Penn Cambria School District.

“Looking back, I want to give back to the people who helped me,” Mr. Eyer added. “I want to make the path easier for the future leaders of our region and also honor these two teachers who didn’t give up on me. They were dedicated to their profession, and they touched thousands of student lives.”

Ms. Iapalucci said she and Mr. Link are overwhelmed by the gesture.

“I hope it helps students,” she said. “His class really stayed close and stayed together through the years. We were happy to help these young people through the business program, and we’re so pleased that he remembered it.”

The Iapalucci and Link Business Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior at Penn Cambria. To browse scholarship opportunities by county and school district—or to apply online—visit cfalleghenies.org/scholarships today.

To find out more about creating a fund or legacy at CFA, contact Director of Donor Services Katrina Perkosky at (814) 208-8411 or kperkosky@cfalleghenies.org.

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