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Annual Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea Raises Thousands for Student Parents
America’s founding mothers as well as mothers of today were in the spotlight Friday, May 1, at Bucks County Community College’s 19th annual Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea. More than 200 people attended the fundraiser to support scholarships for students who are parents, such as Kassandra Castillo, who shared her story of returning to college after losing her father to COVID-19 just before learning she was pregnant. Her father’s last words to her were, “Please graduate college and be someone important in this life.” The scholarship has helped her do just that, as she graduates May 21 with an associate degree in journalism while already working as a freelance reporter. Guests were greeted by students in colonial-era costumes, and student research posters about the women who helped forge the new nation 250 years ago were on display at the event.
Guests arriving at Bucks County Community College’s Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea on May 1 were greeted by students in colonial costumes – courtesy of Bristol Riverfront Theater - in homage to America’s founding mothers. The 19th annual fundraiser was held in the gardens behind historic Tyler Hall on the Newtown Campus. (CREDIT: Eric Parker, BCCC)
More than 200 guests gathered in the outdoor event space in Bucks County Community College’s Tyler Formal Gardens for the 19th annual Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea on May 1. Established in 2007 by Professor Emerita Betty Tsai, the scholarship has helped more than 265 students, providing over $366,000 in financial assistance to those pursuing their academic goals while raising a family. (CREDIT: Eric Parker, BCCC)
Salute to Mothers scholarship recipient Kassandra Castillo says she returned to college in her late 20s to fulfill her father’s dying wish after he passed from COVID-19 in 2021. The journalism major credited her mother, who immigrated to the U.S. from Nicaragua at age 22, with inspiration and support to fulfill her dreams. (CREDIT: Eric Parker, BCCC)
Kassandra Castillo (right) hugs her mom after the Bucks County Community College journalism student delivered the keynote speech at the 19th annual Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea. Castillo, who won multiple awards as editor of the student newspaper and is already working as a freelance journalist, credited her mother for helping her succeed. “Without her watching my daughter day in and day out every day while I work and go to school, I wouldn’t be here. She is the reason for my accomplishments. She is the reason I am where I am.” (CREDIT: Eric Parker, BCCC)
The 2026 Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea Committee celebrated nearly a year’s worth of planning that included creating more than three dozen raffle baskets and gathering several more high-end silent auction items. The committee included (left-right) Nereida McCulley-Breustedt, Pam Ottenheimer, Susanne Derby, Reeti Behera, Karen O’Donnell, Mary Ellen Bornak, Elizabeth Luckenbill, Mary Jane Leonard, Susan Pfizenmayer, Amy Masgay, Samantha Gross, Andrew States, Danielle Brody, and Carole Williams (Not pictured: Betty Tsai, Marilyn Puchalski). (CREDIT: Eric Parker, BCCC)
C.B. East Senior Named Bucks County High School Poet of the Year
Jack DeBoyace, a senior at Central Bucks High School East, has been named the 2026 Bucks County High School Poet of the Year after placing as a runner-up the past two years.
DeBoyace rose to the top of 70 entries from across the county, according to Bucks County Community College Professor Ethel Rackin, director of the Bucks County Poet Laureate Program, which includes the annual High School Poet of the Year contest. After finishing as second runner-up in 2025 and first runner-up in 2024, DeBoyace receives a $300 prize for being named the top young poet in the 39th annual contest. He also entered the contest in his freshman year.
Rackin noted that the judges – current Bucks County Poet Laureate Madeline Marriott and 2024 laureate Lake Angela – were quite impressed with the level of creativity in the three poems DeBoyace submitted.
Marriott noted that the winning poems “work deftly and efficiently, guiding the reader toward a place of unabashed, dizzying feeling.”
“This poet undertakes something fascinating, asking readers to consider what a poem can be in a concrete world,” Marriott said. “The control of sound, space, and rhythm, coupled with surprising and careful images, stamped these works into my memory from the first read — works of poetic sensibility far beyond what could be expected of a high school student.”
Writing is a large part of DeBoyace’s daily life. He’s an active member of The Patriot Newspaper at C.B. East, where her serves as the editor-in-chief and archivist. He’s also the founding editor of Bridgework literary magazine, is co-president of his school’s chapter of Key Club, and is president of the environmental club.
DeBoyace says he first became serious about writing when he joined Holicong Middle School’s literary magazine, sevenatenine, under the guidance of teacher Brett Vogelsinger. “As a novice poet, it was so encouraging to be surrounded by a group of people willing to experiment with form, the notion of ‘poetics,’ and to challenge one another relentlessly,” said DeBVoyace. “I continue to be inspired by the work produced in that brief span of time.”
As he looks forward to starting at Bennington College in Bennington, Vt., this fall to study literature, DeBoyace looks back fondly on his time at C.B. East.
“Launching the school literary magazine, Bridgework, has been my proudest accomplishment by far,” he said. “I've had the honor to collaborate with prior colleagues from sevenatenine as well as with exciting new voices. My mentor Mrs. [Christine] Dollarton has continued to support and advocate for me and this project, and I am thankful for her every day.”
The judges also named three runners-up in the contest. They are Taryn Ludwig, a senior at Council Rock High School South, first runner-up; Evelyn Kerr, a sophomore at Central Bucks High School West, second runner-up; and Sophie Korneve, a senior at Council Rock High School South, third runner-up. A dozen finalists were also recognized by the judges.
A reading and celebration will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in the Orangery building on the College's Newtown campus. The event will feature the winner, runners-up, finalists, and judges.
Bucks County Community College is located at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., 18940, where there is ample free parking.
39th Annual Bucks County High School Poet of the Year: Final Standings 2026
Winner: Jack DeBoyace, Central Bucks High School East, 12th gradePoems: “Ceramics 2,” “History of Fabric,” “Ceramics 1”
1st Runner-up: Taryn Ludwig, Council Rock High School South, 12th gradePoems: “White Carnations,” “forgive us,” “The Last Thing Ever Lost”
2nd Runner-up: Evelyn Kerr, Central Bucks High School West, 10th gradePoems: “Vehicular Sanctification,” “Until the earth swallows them whole,” “June/Jaune”
3rd Runner-up: Sophie Kornev, Council Rock High School South, 12th gradePoems: “Birthday Girl,” “Given,” “What Breaks First”
Finalists:
Addison Carr, Central Bucks High School West, 12th grade
Danielle Cherkassky, Council Rock High School South, 12th grade
Dale Dai, Council Rock High School South, 12th grade
Jaden Dailey, William Tennent High School, 11th grade
Sofia Felker, Villa Joseph Marie High School, 11th grade
Sofia Jakimoski, William Tennent High School, 12th grade
Sara Liu, Council Rock High School South, 12th grade
Kaitlyn Mathew, Council Rock High School South, 12th grade
Isabel Ohler, Harry S. Truman High School, 11th grade
Anisa Parekh, Pennsbury High School, 12th grade
Kalena Viera, William Tennent High School, 12th grade
Aden Wexler, Council Rock High School South, 12th grade
AWS and BCCC Celebrate Conclusion of Unique Four-Week Training Program
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Bucks County Community College (BCCC) honored 19 students who completed four weeks of paid pre-apprenticeship training on Friday, April 24. The training – the first of its kind in Pennsylvania – was designed to prepare the workforce needed for the construction and operation of data centers and other information technology infrastructure. After the graduation ceremony at the College’s Center for Advanced Technologies, located at the Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks, the students networked with potential employers at a job fair. Learn more about related training opportunities at BCCC.
A cohort of 19 students graduated April 24 from Amazon Web Services Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship training at Bucks County Community College. The graduates earned several industry-required certificates, including AWS I2PA and OSHA 10. (PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Parker, BCCC)
Nick Lee-Romagnolo, director of economic and workforce development for Amazon Web Services, addressed students graduating from AWS’s pre-apprenticeship training program at Bucks County Community College’s Center for Advanced Technologies. He stressed the value of BCCC and the connections it brings. “Tell everyone you know these opportunities exist,” he said. “Call your community college. They are the best resource for connecting teaching and learning and then finding employers to get people into these industries.” (PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Parker, BCCC)
Shan Bercaw (at podium), director of workforce programs at Bucks County Community College, addresses graduates and their families at the conclusion of a four-week training program in partnership with Amazon Web Services. The 19 students then attended a job fair to showcase their newly acquired skills in information infrastructure technology. (PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Parker, BCCC)
Recent graduates of Amazon Web Services Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship program (AWS I2PA) had the opportunity to network with potential employers at a job fair at Bucks County Community College’s Center for Advanced Technologies. The four-week program, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, introduced students to the skills needed for the growing industry. (PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Parker, BCCC)
Windgate Foundation Challenge Grant for Mobile Glassblowing Unit
Bucks County Community College has received a major grant award from the Windgate Foundation to support the launch of the Bucks Fire Wagon, a portable glassblowing unit that will bring hot glass education and public arts experiences to students and communities throughout the region.
The award includes a $70,000 challenge grant for the Fire Wagon. To receive those funds, Bucks must raise an equal $70,000 in qualified gifts and pledges by December 31.
The Bucks Fire Wagon is designed to continue the College’s glassblowing tradition in a more flexible and accessible format. Bucks has offered glassblowing courses for several decades, and this mobile model will allow the College to revive that legacy while reaching beyond a traditional studio setting. The Fire Wagon will support college coursework, expand opportunities for middle and high school students through community and dual-enrollment partnerships, and bring glass arts to festivals, events, and broader public audiences.
The project also reflects a more sustainable approach to glass education. The shift to a mobile furnace and annealer, along with the use of recycled glass, will reduce environmental impact while broadening educational reach.
“Support from the Windgate Foundation gives Bucks an extraordinary opportunity to preserve and reimagine our glassblowing program for a new generation,” said Dr. Carolina Blatt, Dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Bucks. “Now we are asking our community to help us meet this challenge and bring the Bucks Fire Wagon fully to life.”
Bucks is inviting alumni, arts supporters, families, community members, and friends of the College to help meet the match. Every eligible gift will move the College closer to unlocking the full Windgate challenge and making this portable glassblowing studio a reality.
The Fire Wagon is a tool for education, outreach, and long-term community engagement. In addition to serving Bucks students, it is intended to introduce more young people and community members to the art of glassblowing and strengthen the College’s role as an accessible hub for arts education in the region.
Donors should note that, under Windgate’s grant terms, in-kind contributions, income from sales of items or services, and event or raffle ticket sales do not count toward the required match.
To support the Bucks Fire Wagon challenge, please visit our donation web page.
Those interested in supporting the Bucks Fire Wagon challenge, may also contact the Bucks County Community College Foundation at foundation@bucks.edu.
Celebrate Arts at Bucks with 61st Annual Student Art Exhibition
Bucks County Community College invites the public to Arts at Bucks, the annual multi-week celebration that showcases all that the School of Arts and Communication has to offer.
Arts at Bucks features the 61st Annual Student Art Exhibition, with dozens of works students created over the last year. Media includes ceramics, dance, digital media, drawing, film, fine woodworking, graphic design, jewelry, music, painting, printmaking, photography, 2D design, 3D design, video, and web design.
The exhibition will be on view from Friday, April 24 through Tuesday, May 12 in the Hicks Art Center. The public is invited to the exhibition reception, open studios, alumni and student art and craft sale, and the art scholarship and award ceremony on Sunday, April 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.
“This year's exhibition runs the gamut in all arts media that students at Bucks learn,” noted Clifford Eberly, the College’s senior manager of galleries and exhibitions. “What is most striking is witnessing the tremendous results of students devoted to the process, both collaboratively and individually, to fulfill their creative visions in their works.”
New this year is the Bucks Alumni and Student Art, Book and Maker Fair Saturday, April 25, from 10 to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Maker Fair takes place in the courtyard outside the Hicks Art Center and 3-D Arts Building. In case of inclement weather, the Maker Fair will be moved indoors to 3-D Arts Building room 001.
The Arts at Bucks schedule for April 26 is as follows:
61st Annual Student Exhibition Reception Noon – 4 p.m., Hicks Art Center; 2 p.m., Arts Scholarship and Award Ceremony
Open Studios 1 – 4 p.m., Hicks Art Center and 3-D Arts Building Fine Woodworking, Jewelry, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Foundry
Wood Turning Demonstration 1 – 2 p.m., Hicks Art Center, Room 130 Matt Overton shows his expertise in the art of Wood Turning.
Bronze Pour Demonstration
3 p.m., 3-D Arts Building, Metal Foundry Faculty member Jon Burns guides a team of artists through the process of casting bronze sculpture.
What’s more, Arts at Bucks also features music, film, and dance presentations by students for their end-of-semester or end-of-year projects. More events include:
Wednesday, April 22 – Madrigal Singers, 7 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center
Thursday, April 30, Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2 – Bucks Drama Club presents “The Great Gatsby,” 7 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center ($10 adults/$5 students)
Monday, May 4 – Percussion Ensemble, 7 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, May 5 – Music Ensembles, 7 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, May 6 – Bucks Filmfest, 12:30 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center
Thursday, May 7 – Student Comedy Improv, 7 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center
Friday, May 8 – Bucks Dance Showcase, 7 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center
Arts at Bucks is hosted by the College’s School of Arts and Communication, which offers eight associate degree majors and two certificate programs. Bucks County Community College is an accredited institutional member of both the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the National Association of Schools of Music.
Most Arts at Bucks events are free and open to the public. The Drama Club event is ticketed. The Newtown campus is located at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa., 18940, where there is ample free parking. Follow @bcccartscomm on Instagram.
Pennsbury Sophomore Named Top High School Fiction Writer
The Bucks County Short Fiction Contest for High-School students is pleased to announce the winners for the Spring 2026 contest.
Sara Templeton of Yardley, a tenth-grader at Pennsbury High School, placed first for “The Boy Who Painted the Sunset.” Jason Marks of Sellersville, a tenth-grader at Pennridge High School, placed second for “The Grave.” Sarah Lueck of Doylestown, a senior at Central Bucks West High School, placed third for “Echoes and Revelations.” There were 50 entries in this year’s contest. Dr. Ellen Pratofiorito, a faculty member at Bucks County Community College, made the final selections.
Of Templeton’s story, Pratofiorito said, “With sensitivity and nuance, the writer addresses the value, and the limitations, of art in the difficult life of one boy as he is growing up. Starting with a rich description of a sunset, the writer bravely sets art alongside the life problems which art cannot solve, though we see at the same time, through the main character, that art may help us survive, and maybe even hope to thrive."
The final judge commented on Marks’ story by saying, “This story captures the dialogue, tone of voice, and thought patterns of its main characters, primarily a group of teenage boys, in a way that is engaging and believable. The writer manages what begins as light and even humorous dialogue to turn to some of the darker and more existential questions and threats troubling us all—about isolation, loneliness, and self-doubt.”
Lueck’s story “explores the grief and trauma of an accident which causes the loss of sight for the main character,” wrote the judge. “The story works through the slow progress towards acceptance and even perhaps moments of unexpected appreciation in the new life thrust onto the narrator, who, in an unusual choice, turns out not to be a human first-person narrator, but a dragon.”
The winners will be honored at a celebration at 7 p.m., Wednesday. April 22, in Tyler Hall on the Newtown Campus.
Bucks County Community College’s Newtown Campus is located at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., 18940.
