LWHS Scholarships

Mr. John J. Signer graduated from Lick-Wilmerding High School in 1924. With an electronics background he became a radio operator in the Merchant Marines. Years later, his classmate Mr. James Mayfield Kaye helped Mr. Signer establish a memorial fund which would benefit annually a graduate from his former school. As of 2022, the trust has provided 48 LWHS graduates with generous funding for all four years of their college study. LWHS is grateful to Mr. Signer for his foresight, generosity, and support

The John J. Signer Memorial Fund Scholar is chosen by the Trustees of the Fund after consultation with the school’s administration. Mr. Signer instructed his trustees to consider the following stipulations before choosing the annual winner: 

• The student must demonstrate an intention to pursue a four-year college degree in Electricity, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering. (Note: The Trustees also consider related fields such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Robotics.) 


• The student must have shown exceptional academic ability and/or commitment while at LWHS. 


• The student should be in need of funds for further education.

The student may attend the college or university of their choice. The award is given in four installments following an annual review of the student’s curriculum and achievement. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory progress in both areas

Any LWHS senior who meets the eligibility criteria and would like to be considered for the John J. Signer Memorial Scholarship should submit a brief essay to Dean of Teaching and Learning Kate Wiley detailing their interest in electricity, electronics, electrical engineering, or computer science no later than Friday, May 12. Eligible candidates will be invited to a 20 minute interview with the Fund Trustee. The scholarship will be awarded based on the interview, essay, and student transcript.