Profile of Scholars

The Stover Program attracts exceptional individuals who are able, ambitious, and eager to have a positive and transformative impact on the world around them.

Emily Barker

Mt. Sterling, OH
Criminal Justice

I am studying criminal justice at Waynesburg University with the intention of going to law school. My desire is to pursue a career in prosecution. I am also a member of the Waynesburg University women’s softball team.

I am honored to be a Stover Scholar, and I hope to further my understanding of law and politics through this opportunity. I aspire to expand my knowledge and perspective regarding cultural, legal, and governmental issues, and I know that the Stover program will enable me to achieve this aspiration. Becoming a member of such a well-rounded group of individuals can only serve to help me grow and become better equipped to pursue a career in law. Through the Stover program, I hope to “Transform the Polis!”

Kaylee Boll

Lancaster, PA
Nursing

I was raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Manheim Township High School in June of 2021. During my high school years, I was a board member for my school’s Key Club, a member of National Honor Society, and a Link Crew Leader. I was also very involved in my youth group at Erb Mennonite Church and was able to participate in several service trips through this organization.

As a sophomore at Waynesburg University, I will be pursuing a degree in nursing while also minoring in Biblical ministries and studies. During my freshman year, I was an active member of the Student Senate, and will continue to be a Student Senator during my sophomore year. I am also planning to serve as both a Campus Ministry Assistant and the secretary of Waynesburg’s new Imago Dei Pro-Life Club during the 2022-23 school year. I am also a member of Waynesburg University’s Honors Program.

Alexander Canestraro

Wheeling, WV
Political Science

A native of Wheeling, West Virginia, majoring in pre-law and playing soccer at Waynesburg University. I have ambitions to practice law in the future. At Waynesburg University with the Stover Center, I hope to meet new people, make connections, and progress in my academic career. Along with all of this, I hope to progress in my faith alongside the people that will be brought into my life.

Joshua Defries

Buffalo, NY
Computer Science

I am Josh DeFries and I am from Western New York. In High School I was a three sport athlete competing in Cross Country, and Indoor and Outdoor Track. In school I was really big into math and science, and took a very advanced course schedule in that area. I also was very interested in History and that caused me to enjoy many advanced history courses and two advanced Latin Courses.

As for other extracurricular activities I took part in volunteering at two local churches, and joined Rocket club, Latin club, and Model UN. These were great experiences that I think will have valuable implications on my future. At Waynesburg I will study computer science with the intent to also pick up a second degree in cybersecurity. I hope to use my ability as a part of the stover program to allow myself to become a good leader in my field and a well informed citizen.

Kristie Faber

Pittsburgh, PA
Business

During high school, I was heavily involved in the music department, participating in Marching Band and Pit Orchestra. I was also involved in many different clubs including Ways and Means and Homecoming Committee. In addition, I was given the privilege of being class vice president and being a part of the National Honor Society which held me to high standards in academics, leadership, service, and character. Throughout high school, I also loved volunteering at my church’s Lenten fish fries and summer fairs.

I am looking forward to all of the opportunities at Waynesburg University, especially through the Stover program as well as musical and athletic opportunities. Waynesburg has a lovely Christian community that I am overjoyed to join and expand upon my faith.

Elliott Kimball

Hardwick, VT
History & Political Science

I am a senior history and political science double-major from Hardwick, Vermont. I am a Stover Scholar, a member of the Student Senate, and a member of the History Club. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, reading, and fellowship with friends. I am looking forward to a great senior year and am so incredibly thankful for all the amazing opportunities the Stover Scholar program has provided me with over the last three years.

Ethan Lown

Lebanon, PA
Political Science

The Stover Program has a commitment to constitutional studies and moral leadership. These two values represent my educational pursuits at Waynesburg, and my future endeavors.

As a political science and business management student, I aspire to attend law school following the completion of my undergraduate degree.

The moral leadership component of the Stover Program has challenged me to be a leader athletically on the Men’s Tennis Team and socially as a Student Ambassador. I will serve as President of the Student Senate and Vice President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Other involvement in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Sunday Book Club, and Investment Club illustrate my passions for faith, service, and justice.

Jason Polgar

Follansbee, WV
Political Science

I am a lifelong native of Follansbee, WV and a graduate of Brooke High School. Since the second grade, when my teacher invited me to her church’s afterschool program and shared the Gospel with me, I have been a follower of Jesus Christ. Above everything else, knowing, serving, and loving Him is my priority in life.

During the 2016 election cycle, I also gained a passion for politics and it has since become one of my main interests. I am studying Political Science and Biblical & Ministry Studies at Waynesburg as a dual major because I desire to carry the banner of God’s Kingdom at any and all levels God calls me to, whether interpersonal, local, state, or national.

Caroline Poole

Green Castle, PA
Early Childhood Education

I am a sophomore this year at Waynesburg University and am pursuing a major in Early Childhood Education. Prior to attending Waynesburg, I went to Greencastle-Antrim Highschool along with my three older siblings.

People are my passion; I am an extrovert and have been able to foster relationships while attending Waynesburg. This past year at Waynesburg I participated in the Stover program, Sunday night book club, secured a job at Chick-fil-a on campus, I am currently a Fiat Lux mentor and am a member of the Council of Exceptional Children Club (CEC) on campus. This year I am not only looking forward to expanding my knowledge and broadening my goals, but also becoming more involved on campus and seeking out new opportunities. I am very thankful for the Stover Program and all the benefits and opportunities it has provided me with thus far.

Anna Rape

Cranberry, PA
Psychology

I am a sophomore Psychology major with a Biblical Ministry minor here at Waynesburg University. I am proud to be a Stover Scholar, where I can be a light to those around me through Christ and the study of the Constitution and moral leadership.

I am also a Waynesburg University Student Ambassador, which allows me to show perspective students our campus and encourage them for their futures. This coming semester I have the privilege of being a Resident Assistant. I will make sure the students on campus are not only safe but thriving. I am also involved in Campus ministry. I am thankful to be a part of each of these programs where I am given many learning opportunities.

Corey Richardson

Glenshaw, PA
Criminal Justice

I am a senior Criminal Justice major from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I was formerly a Waynesburg University Student Senator, and I played football for three years on the University’s team. I am currently a member of the History club on campus and am entering my fourth year as a Stover Scholar. As a Stover Scholar I hope to continue to expand my knowledge of politics and faith and work towards mastery of both subjects, as well as inspiring the next generation.

Rebecca Shank

East Berlin, PA
Psychology

I am a senior Psychology major with minors in Child Development and Political Science from East Berlin, PA. Along with being a Stover Scholar, I am also active in the Waynesburg University Honors Program. Additionally, I work as a tutor in the campus Writing Center and am a Peer Tutor for various courses as well. I enjoy actively participating in Student Senate as a senator for the Class of 2023, and I am entering my fourth year in this role. I also serve as a vocalist and as president of the Upper Room student-lead worship team on campus.

Alex Solomon

Morgantown, WV
Political Science

The unique aspects of the Stover Program combine moral leadership with the study of matters pertaining to The Constitution of the United States. I desire to apply the ethical and moral foundation of the Stover Program to the world of business and finance. With an entrepreneurial mindset, I intend to work toward creative solutions to real world issues. With anticipation, I look forward to growing in this one-of-a-kind program and “Transforming the Polis!”

Emily Stutzman

Chambersburg, PA
Criminal Justice & Pre-Law

I am a recent high school graduate from Chambersburg, PA. I live with my mom and two brothers. While attending Chambersburg Area Senior High School, I was the secretary of Latin Club and a member of the Women’s Varsity Volleyball Team. In addition, I attended Shippensburg University as part of the Dual- Enrollment Program and had an internship at the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office.

I am excited about attending Waynesburg University in the fall to major in Criminal Justice Administration and Pre- Law. I will also be a member of the Waynesburg Women’s Volleyball team. I am looking forward to being an active member of the Stover Program and expanding my knowledge of our political system.

Kimberly Trump

Fairchance, PA
Psychology

I am a sophomore Pre-Law major this year at Waynesburg. Before attending Waynesburg University, I was a student at Albert Gallatin High School, along with my older sister who is also a Waynesburg University graduate.

I am someone who is always looking for new ways to help people. Even if it is just sitting down for a simple conversation, I am happy to do so, and am hopeful that my career path will enable me to do this as much as possible. A way I will be fortunate enough to do this at Waynesburg is through our Writing Center, where I will be working as a tutor to encourage students in an effort to make them better writers. I am looking forward to the new opportunities this school year that I will have to become even more involved with my peers. The Stover Program has not only provided an abundance of guidance in professionalism, moral leadership, and the history of our Nation, but also with a group of exceptional individuals that I am excited to form new relationships with and strengthen the existing ones.