Students honored with Roger A. Bierly Awards

REBERSBURG — Students at the Miles Township Elementary School in Rebersburg gathered for an awards assembly in the school’s all-purpose room on the morning of June 2 for the presentation of the fifth annual Roger A. Bierly Memorial Scholarship Awards.

Bierly served six terms as Centre County’s Register of Wills. He grew up in Rebersburg and attended the Miles Township Elementary School, and he was a graduate of Penns Valley High School. A battle with cancer took his life several years ago, and his family then established the award for outstanding students at the school.

One student from each grade was nominated by their teachers for this award. The nominations were based on the students’ reading and writing abilities, classroom attitudes and following the three “Rs” of good behavior — being ready, respectful, and responsible. The awards were presented by Roger Bierly’s daughter Jennifer Bierly, a State College attorney, who also grew up in Rebersburg and attended the Miles Township Elementary School. Also present at the assembly were Roger Bierly’s widow, Joyce, who was a teacher at Miles Township Elementary School for 30 years, and Roger’s brother Keith Bierly, a Rebersburg native who has served as a district magistrate and as a Centre County commissioner.

The top winner of the Bierly award was second-grader Tazer Ronk. Ronk’s teacher, Jennifer Dawson, praised him for his work ethic, positive attitude and academic success this year. “He listens quietly, participates daily, is attentive in class and asks thoughtful questions,” said Dawson. “He is excited about learning, friendly to his peers and is ready to work, learn and help in any way when asked.”

First runner-up was kindergarten student Landon Fetterolf. Second runner-up was first-grader Peyton Confer, and the third runner-up was Annelea Barger, a third-grade student. Fourth-grade student Jessica Bressler received an honorable mention award for her friendly and positive attitude.

The winning students all received gift cards ranging from $50 to $100 for Brothers Pizza in Centre Hall and Weaver’s Store in Millheim.