“We had a student literally come [to school] every day because of this incentive. That is certainly a positive thing.”
Jim Rummel, Principal - Kittanning High School

“L. Robert Kimball and Associates is proud to participate in The Challenge Program for area students because the payoff will come when these successful students come to our door seeking employment opportunities in the future.”
Jeff Kimball, President - L. Robert Kimball & Associates

“The Challenge Program not only helps to encourage school performance but also serves as an introduction to the work world that offers a similar reward system for excellent performance.”
Gerald L. Zahorchak, D.Ed. - Pennsylvania Secretary of Education

“The Challenge Program has been an invaluable resource for the young people in our area. The tools and experiences it gives to the kids in our area will ultimately create a much stronger community overall.”
Bill Polacek, Founder and CEO - JWF Industries Inc.

“The Challenge Program, Inc. is a win-win endeavor that provides a chance of rewards to all students, regardless of their economic status or academic abilities. Every student can be a winner!”
Donald Bailey, Superintendent & Edwin Bowser, Principal - Forest Hills School District

“The Challenge Program, Inc. captures the essence of the American Spirit--reaping rewards for personal sacrifice, hard work, servanthood, and community service.”
Dave Lehman, Superintendent - Conemaugh Valley School District

“I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you are doing for the community. You are rewarding teens around the area for their hard work, and it lets them know that it really does matter by giving them a prize. You are pushing them to be the best, and that makes a big improvement for themselves and everyone around them.”
Morgan H., Community Service Award Winner - Conemaugh Valley High School

“I will continue to study hard and purue my education to the fullest. You will know your faith in me was not in vain.”
Mitchell G., Academic Excellence Award Winner - Magnolia High School

“It is astounding to hear that The Challenge Program has awarded over $1M. What you do for schools within our area is outstanding!”
Seth B., Academic Excellence Award Winner - Cambria Heights High School

“Your dream of giving back to the community, and more importantly, taking action on this dream, is really inspiring.”
Kevin K., Academic Excellence Award Winner - Freeport High School

“I know in the years ahead this award will be a steppingstone for my future endeavors and I hope one day I can make an impact on someone's life like you did for me.”
Breanna L., Community Service Award Winner - California Area High School

“The greatest academic value we have seen is in our average students. They work hard to earn the most improved in the grade award. Our average students have become more aware of their grades and grade point averages and strive to improve their class standings.”
William Marshall, Principal - Penn Cambria High School

“Each award brings with it a personal success story and a realization of individual value and worth of an independent young adult who can succeed and contribute responsibly in our community.”
Linda McCall, Principal - Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School

“This is one of the greatest programs my school, the nation, and I have seen.”
Olivia M., Community Service Award Winner - Pittsburgh CAPA High School

“I was very proud of my accomplishment and also proud of the other winners because I realize the amount of effort and perseverance one must show in striving to win one of your awards. It is the goal that you instilled in all the students that vied to win the decoration that made them try harder and do better. Like most, at the beginning of the year, when I heard of The Challenge Program, Inc., I put the idea of cashing a check for $250 in my head and pushed myself harder to win it.”
Christopher I., Academic Excellence Award Winner - Ford City Jr./Sr. High School

“I want you to know how grateful I am that you value the fact that attendance at school is important.”
Stephen H., Attendance Award Winner - Conemaugh Valley High School

“The Challenge Program challenges students to make a difference, whether in their lives or in their communities! That is what it's about – making a difference.”
Bill Wilkinson, President & CEO - Wilkinson Bus Lines

“It was a wonderful experience to be recognized for my work, and an even better one to see my peers recognized for work they usually do without recognition.”
Jordana R., Community Service Award Winner - Pittsburgh CAPA High School

“It is wonderful to see that dreams can come true and that students can benefit from the cooperation of business and educational institutions.”
Sister Donna Marie Leiden, Principal - Bishop McCort High School

“It has been my goal since freshmen year to win a Challenge Program award. I was so excited to hear my name called because I knew there were a couple of us competing for the top.”
Dayne D., Academic Excellence Award Winner - Geibel Catholic High School

“I believe this program is a wonderful opportunity for the education and business communities to engage in dialogue and create a partnership that has been long overdue.”
Richard Bernazzoli, Principal - Forest Hills School District

“I was recently awarded $250 for being the most improved senior. I can honestly say that The Challenge Program, Inc. gave me the motivation to earn the award.”
Brendon I., Academic Improvement Award Winner - Ford City High School

“We [Catanese Group] believe the Challenge Program provides all students with an opportunity to benefit both personally and financially from simply doing the 'right thing'. The characteristics of bravery, care, consideration, and diligence to their studies as demonstrated by the winners in each category, ring loudly that these young adults are taking themselves seriously. Building a strong and healthy character as a young adult in high school is a priceless experience that we are proud to be a part of.”
Catanese Group -

“It is a reflection on the strength of the program that businesses, in these weak economic times, believe in the program's values and financially support your efforts.”
Cassandra P., Academic Excellence Winner - Shanksville-Stonycreek High School

“As a technical school, building a bridge between our students and the business community is a natual alignment that has mutual benefits. The Challenge Program, Inc. opens doors to our students that could lead to lifelong career opportunities.”
Jim Thimons, Principal - Indiana County Technology Center

“The Challenge Program is every educator’s dream—the very thing that gives students the motivation to succeed.”
Dr. Edward Jeffreys, Executive Director - Fayette County Vocational Technical School

“I have struggled with getting good grades for the past few years. This year I had a better attitude and worked hard to bring up my grades. I never thought I would receive an award for my hard work. When my name was called at the awards assembly I was very surprised to say the least. I really wanted to let you know how much I appreciate receiving this award.”
Kylie B., Academic Improvement Winner - Tyrone Area High School

“In today's world, making education ever more relevant to students is a major focus in schools today as we look for new ways to prepare students to be the knowledge workers in today's global economy. The Challenge Program, Inc. helps students see this relevance.”
William Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools - Armstrong School District

“At the start of the year, I set a goal to maintain high honors each quarter. To achieve this goal I studied everyday, and made sure I understood the material set forth in my classes. I finished the year with high honors and also a sense of direction for the rest of my life. I worked very hard this year, and I'm happy my hard work did not go without being noticed.”
Tyler N., Academic Improvement Award Winner - Ringgold High School

“I have never won anything before and the money given with this award was even a bigger surprise. I really want to make something of myself and you have given me an even greater opportunity and encouragement to do this.”
Daren P., Academic Improvement Award Winner - Avella Area High School

“By awarding students and displaying to them the success they may achieve with education, you induce within them a spark of passion for and a proactive attitude towards learning.”
Michael S., Academic Excellence Award Winner - Uniontown Area High School

“Even if I wouldn't have been chosen for the scholarship, TCP makes me strive to do better in my classes, try to get in the elite top percent, and reach many service hours. This really made me happy knowing that I am able to get rewarded for my good deeds.”
Kristen M., Community Service Award Winner - Marion Center High School