We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024-25 PenSPRA scholarship contest! Allison Gravitt, Lucas Bernstein, and Matteo Ventresca all achieved the incredible feat of perfect scores during the contest judging process. As a result, each will receive $1,000 toward their pursuit of higher education in the field of communications for the 2025-26 school year. Congratulations to Allison, Lucas, and Matteo!

Allison Gravitt of Conrad Weiser High School

Allison Gravitt discovered her passion for public relations through an internship with the Conrad Weiser Area School District, where she developed creative social media content that highlighted student accomplishments and community pride. From crafting captions to designing graphics, Allison found fulfillment in using school communications to celebrate others and tell meaningful stories.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship has been the opportunity to represent others in a strong and positive light,” she said.

This experience solidified her belief in the power of communication to build connections and foster unity. With a strong interest in storytelling, authenticity, and visual media, Allison plans to continue her studies at West Chester University, where she will major in media and culture. She hopes to use her creativity and enthusiasm to build relationships between organizations and the communities they serve.

Lucas Bernstein of Highlands High School

Communication has always been at the heart of creativity and connection for Lucas Bernstein. Whether through photography or digital branding, Lucas discovered how words and visuals could shape perceptions and bring people together. His communications journey was sparked through reviving his church’s youth group Instagram page, where he developed branding strategies and created engaging content.

After losing central vision in one eye, Lucas adapted his photography techniques and gained new insight into the importance of perspective in storytelling—a lesson that now guides his approach to communication.

“I’ve learned that successful communication is about understanding different viewpoints and making meaningful connections from there,” he said.

Lucas plans to pursue a degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Central Florida so that he can use his talents to help both businesses and small organizations amplify their voices through strategic communication and media relations.

Matteo Ventresca of Strath Haven High School

What began as a childhood interest in sports broadcasting has grown into a clear professional path for Matteo Ventresca. Through hands-on experience covering live games and writing published stories, Matteo fell in love with the fast-paced world of sports journalism. His internship with Philadelphia Soccer Now allowed him to report on professional soccer and develop his skills in fast, ethical, and accurate reporting.

“I realized how much I loved it. It wasn’t just about writing anymore. It was about telling real stories, learning new things, and sharing them with others,” he said.

Matteo is passionate about connecting with people, capturing their voices, and telling stories that resonate. He plans to pursue a career in sports journalism by attending Temple University, where he can combine his creativity, curiosity, and love for media to inform and inspire.

We are proud to support future communications professionals like Allison, Lucas, and Matteo, and we look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in their academic and professional careers!