Southern York County School District honors two retiring directors; foundation reports $175,000 in scholarships

The Southern York County School District Board of Education on Nov. 20 honored two retiring board members and heard the district foundation's annual report.

Elizabeth Doberman was recognized for five years of board service and James Holly for 20 years; a Pennsylvania School Boards Association representative presented plaques and certificates. Superintendent Dr. Bryson and several board members described both directors' contributions to transportation, building projects, athletics, and long-term institutional knowledge.

The Southern York County School District Foundation reported it awarded 157 scholarships to 92 students totaling more than $175,000 this year, with individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $12,000. The foundation also awarded five innovation grants valued at $4,168 and highlighted several new endowed and named scholarships, including a renewable $2,000 Danaya family endowment and recent gifts such as a $30,000 contribution from Sid Earhart and a Samuel Schuhl family scholarship established in 2022. Foundation leaders encouraged donor engagement and explained that some scholarships are matched to students based on donor criteria through an anonymous selection process.

Board members and foundation directors emphasized the role of local donors in expanding student opportunities and thanked volunteers who help run programs and contests, including an annual student thank-you card campaign that reaches more than 1,000 donors each year.

The board did not take formal action tied to the foundation report; members invited community members to contact the foundation for more information on giving.