BC3 Students Earn Full-Tuition Scholarships to Pennsylvania State Schools
Achievements recognized by Phi Theta Kappa open doors for future studies.
Two outstanding students from Butler County Community College (BC3) are set to graduate debt-free in may with associate degrees and have earned full-tuition scholarships to continue their education at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities. This prestigious recognition comes from their selection to Phi Theta Kappa’s All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, acknowledging their academic excellence and contributions outside the classroom.
Molly Milich, of West Sunbury, and Sennett Purcell, of Cabot, both 20 years old, have distinguished themselves through their dedication and achievements.Their hard work has paved the way for them to pursue their bachelor’s degrees without the burden of tuition costs.
Both Milich and Purcell are enrolled in associate degree transfer programs at BC3. Milich is pursuing studies in English and history, while Purcell is focused on psychology. Their selection to the all-Pennsylvania Academic Team requires enrollment in a transfer program at a Pennsylvania commission for community Colleges institution like BC3, and maintaining a grade-point average of at least 3.5 with at least 36 credits completed.
Since 2001, members of the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team have been awarded full-tuition scholarships towards a bachelor’s degree at a Pennsylvania state System of Higher Education university.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Milich intends to major in history at Slippery Rock University with the ultimate goal of becoming an attorney. Purcell is also considering Slippery Rock university,where she plans to study psychology and pursue a career as a child psychologist.The demand for child psychologists is projected to grow in the coming years, notably in underserved communities, making Purcell’s career choice a valuable contribution to society.
Both students hold leadership positions within Rho Phi, BC3’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.Milich serves as vice president for special events, while Purcell is the vice president for fellowship.
Extraordinary Achievements and Recognition
The BC3 Education Foundation has recognized Milich’s potential by awarding her four scholarships in the past two years,based on the criteria set by benefactors. Purcell has received two scholarships from the foundation. These scholarships, combined with the full-tuition waiver, underscore the strong support system in place at BC3 for high-achieving students.
Milich chose BC3 to begin her higher education while living at home and qualified as a presidential scholar by graduating in the top 10% of her high school class with a GPA of at least 3.5. As a presidential scholar, the 2023 Moniteau Junior-Senior High graduate received a full-tuition waiver for four semesters.
I am beyond grateful that I chose BC3. I have had so many great experiences here, and it is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Molly Milich
milich has also been an active student ambassador, assisting with college events like open houses and commencement, and conducting campus tours. She was selected as the student speaker at the Oak Hills Luncheon, where scholarship recipients meet their benefactors.
Community Involvement and Volunteer Work
Beyond her academic achievements, Milich is deeply involved in her community. Working 20 hours a week as a barista, she also volunteered with the Butler County historical Society, cataloging artifacts.Demonstrating leadership and compassion, she organized biannual blood drives as a junior and senior at moniteau, collecting 129 units in honor of a classmate who passed away at 17.
Planning and running blood drives is one of the most significant accomplishments I have had. Not only was it a great way to honor my friend and classmate, but it also saves so many lives. … I am so happy to have been able to work with my community and donors to help save countless lives.
Molly Milich
Purcell, a 2023 graduate of Knoch High, chose BC3 to explore various subjects and determine her future path.
BC3 has provided me with … amazing professors who enhanced my understanding of psychology and prepared me for my future professional roles.
Sennett Purcell
Purcell balances her studies with working over 20 hours a week as a server and at a gym front desk. She also volunteers as a cheerleading coach for special-needs children and has participated in Toys for Tots events.
Volunteering fosters a sense of connection and belonging, allowing individuals to build stronger relationships within their community.
Sennett Purcell
Recognition in Harrisburg
Milich and Purcell will be honored at the Pennsylvania commission for Community College’s banquet Tuesday, April 8, in Harrisburg for their selection to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2025 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team. Phi Theta Kappa is an international academic honor society for two-year colleges and programs.
BC3’s presidential scholars program includes a full-tuition waiver for up to 18 credits each semester and is funded through various named scholarships through the BC3 Education Foundation. The program is available to students in the top 10% of their graduating class from Butler County public high schools with at least a 3.5 GPA. Students must be residents of Butler County and enroll at BC3 in the first semester following high school graduation. They are required to take scholars-only courses and maintain at least a 3.5 GPA at BC3.
The Role of Community Colleges
Community colleges like BC3 play a vital role in the American higher education landscape. They provide accessible and affordable pathways to higher education, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. By offering transfer programs and partnerships with four-year universities, community colleges empower students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Impact and Future Implications
The success of Milich and Purcell highlights the potential of community college students and the importance of scholarship programs in supporting their educational journeys.Their achievements can inspire other students to pursue higher education and contribute to their communities.
As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow in the U.S. job market,investing in higher education and supporting students like Milich and Purcell is crucial for economic growth and social mobility. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid programs play a vital role in making higher education accessible to all americans.
Additional Resources
For students interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities and higher education resources, the following organizations offer valuable information:
What aspects of their experience at BC3 prepared them for success at a four-year university?
Interview: Celebrating Academic Excellence and Community Contributions with Molly Milich & Sennett Purcell
Welcome, readers! Today, we’re thrilled to have Molly Milich and Sennett Purcell with us. These remarkable Butler County Community College (BC3) students have earned full-tuition scholarships to Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities. Molly, Sennett, welcome to Archyde!
Molly milich: Thank you for having us! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Sennett Purcell: We’re excited to share our experiences and hopefully inspire others.
From BC3 to Big Dreams: Unpacking the Scholarship Success
Archyde: Let’s dive right in. Congratulations on earning these prestigious scholarships! Could you both tell us a bit about what this scholarship means to you and how it feels to graduate debt-free?
Molly Milich: It’s an incredible weight lifted off my shoulders. Knowing I can pursue a history degree at Slippery Rock University and eventually become an attorney without the financial burden is truly liberating. It allows me to focus fully on my studies and extracurricular activities.
Sennett Purcell: For me, the scholarship towards a psychology degree, also at Slippery rock, is a dream come true. I always wanted to work with children. This scholarship makes that goal attainable and allows me to focus on making a difference without worrying about debt.it’s incredible.
Beyond the Classroom: Leadership and Service
Archyde: The All-Pennsylvania Academic Team selection emphasizes more than just academic performance. You both hold leadership positions within Rho Phi, BC3’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.Can you elaborate on the importance of this role within your college experience and the value it provides your community?
Sennett Purcell: Serving as Vice President for Fellowship has been a transformative experience. It has taught me invaluable leadership skills, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for community engagement. Being able to organize activities that bring students together has not only enhanced my leadership skills which are beneficial in my aspiration to pursue a career as a child psychologist but has also enriched the college experience for all of us.
Molly Milich: additionally, as Vice President for Special Events, I have learned to coordinate events, a skill that is necessary for any attorney. It’s gratifying to provide value to society through leadership and service.
Giving Back: Volunteering and Community Impact
Archyde: The article highlighted your extensive community involvement.Molly, you organized blood drives, and Sennett, you volunteer as a cheerleading coach. How do you feel these experiences have shaped your perspective and goals?
Molly Milich: Planning and running those blood drives was incredibly fulfilling.It enabled me to honor my late classmate. Knowing that the effort saves lives makes the volunteering rewarding. It connects me to the community on a profound level.
Sennett Purcell: Volunteering as a cheerleading coach teaches me notable skills I can apply to my career, such as leadership and problem-solving. Teaching special-needs children enables me to do what I love, while giving back to society by cultivating a deeper appreciation for the communities I hope to serve in the future, and fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
A Word on Community Colleges: Fostering Academic Growth
Archyde: Community colleges play a crucial role in accessible and affordable higher education.Could you share your initial thoughts about choosing BC3 and what advice you’d provide to students considering a similar path?
Molly Milich: I chose BC3 to start my higher education while living at home and qualified as a presidential scholar. BC3 provided exceptional professors and a supportive habitat. My advice is to research all academic options and remember that a community college is a great foundation. The academic experience is no different than the experience at Slippery Rock. The smaller class sizes are a real advantage as you have easier access to professors for assistance and support.
sennett Purcell: BC3 helped us explore our interests while preparing us for a four-year university.The professors, who enhanced my understanding of psychology, are top-notch. do not underestimate the value of the faculty, staff, and the opportunities for personal growth, so if you’re uncertain about your career path, BC3 is an ideal place to feel out different subjects.
Looking Ahead: Dreams for the Future
Archyde: looking years ahead, what type of lawyer or child psychologist do you aspire to be, and what impact do you hope to make in your chosen fields?
Molly Milich: I hope to make a good impression on the community. Then, I intend to study history and, with a law degree, become an attorney, with the vision of helping communities and individuals in need of representation.I hope to bring compassion and intelligence, and make a meaningful impact in my field.
Sennett Purcell: I aspire to become a child psychologist. with the field growing in the upcoming years, I hope to do the most good, especially in underserved communities. I plan to advocate for children’s mental health and empower them to overcome obstacles.
Archyde: Those are wonderful aspirations. Thank you both for sharing your stories and insights with Archyde. We wish you success in your future endeavors.
Molly Milich & Sennett Purcell: Thank you for having us.
Reader Interaction
Archyde: What are your thoughts on the importance of community colleges and their role in making higher education accessible? Share your experiences in the comments below!
