“Opportunity can change the course of a life.” That message guided remarks from Jassinya Alvarado, Director of Educational Access and Student Services for the School District of Lancaster, during the Lancaster County Community Foundation’s 2026-2027 Scholarship Reception.
Alvarado congratulated scholarship recipients and recognized the donors whose generosity continues to create opportunities for students across Lancaster County.
Speaking to scholarship recipients, donors and community leaders, Alvarado reflected on her own path from McCaskey High School student to district leader. She encouraged students to embrace the opportunities before them, even if they do not yet know exactly where their journey will lead.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Lancaster, she shared how teachers, mentors, family members and community members helped her see possibilities she had not yet imagined for herself. Their support helped shape a path that led her to become the first person in her family to earn a college degree and later a master’s degree. Today, she is pursuing a doctorate while serving students across the School District of Lancaster.
Alvarado also reflected on helping her family navigate unfamiliar systems while growing up. That experience taught her an important lesson early in life that talent and potential exist everywhere, but access and opportunity are not always equally available. That understanding continues to guide her work with students and families throughout the district.
Throughout her remarks, Alvarado reminded students that scholarships represent far more than financial assistance. They are a vote of confidence from a community that sees their potential and is willing to invest in their future. She encouraged recipients to stay curious, continue learning and have the courage to walk through new doors as they open.
The School District of Lancaster is proud to celebrate several McCaskey High School students and graduates who received Lancaster County Community Foundation scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year:
- Tiyya Geiger, recipient of the George W. McKibbin Scholarship, will attend the University of Pennsylvania to study political science and sociology with a concentration in educational policy.
- Elijah Samuel, recipient of the George W. McKibbin Scholarship, is studying economics at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
- Raka Jenik, recipient of the Rick Frankhouser Scholarship Fund, is majoring in music technology at New York University.
- Nicol Torres, recipient of the Tina Bresnahan College Scholarship, is studying nursing at Harrisburg Area Community College.
Congratulations to these students and to every scholarship recipient recognized this year. We also thank the Lancaster County Community Foundation and its donors for investing in Lancaster County students and helping them pursue the opportunities ahead.