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Joseph Velesig

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: The Young Scholar experience allowed Joseph “Joe” Velesig to “meet some wonderful, interesting, talented people.”  He’s most grateful for the educational guidance and support that he received from his JKCF advisers.  “My advisers helped me make some tough decisions about my high school career and college,” Joe said.  The Foundation also provided Joe the means to take guitar lessons and to enroll in a high-level mathematics course online. 

Profile: West Lebanon is a tiny, unincorporated hamlet East of Pittsburgh.  It lays claim to a post office, two churches, a fire station, an historic cemetery, a community supported baseball team . . . and a Young Scholar named Joe Velesig.  The young man bound for Penn State’s School of Engineering was voted most likely to succeed by his classmates at Apollo-Ridge High School.  And that is only fitting because Joe has succeeded in everything he’s accomplished so far – in class, around campus, in the community – so why wouldn’t he succeed in college and beyond. 

Inspiration: Joe’s parents have provided guidance to him throughout his academic career. At school, Joe said Mrs. Laura Martin had the greatest influence on him. “Through the various programs and competitions that she is in charge of or a part of, I have had the opportunity to experience many challenging activities.” 

Aspiration: The young Pennsylvanian has an uncanny knack for figuring out mechanical problems that mere mortals shy away from.  With that special aptitude, Joe is bound for engineering school. 

Making a Difference: Joe’s official Foundation biography lists a page of organizations he has lent his time and efforts to over the years.  This is just a partial list: Boy Scouts, Computer Work for Young Township, Altar Server, Community Benefit Dinner, and if that’s not enough, Joe helps to maintain the West Lebanon baseball field. 

Accolades:  Joe has received countless academic and community service awards over the years, but perhaps his greatest accolade comes from a faculty member at his high school who will remain anonymous:  “ . . .more remarkable than his academic gift is Joe’s ability to balance a multitude of passions, rigorous academics and maintain a sense of calm, clear thinking. Joe is never overwhelmed by a most stressful and complex schedule, in fact he appears to enjoy it. He is always upbeat and encouraging, sensitive to the feelings of others, facilitating peace in confrontational situations.” 

Interesting Fact: Joe earned the nickname “Mr. Fix-it” at Apollo-Ridge High School.  On occasion he was called out of class to fix the sound system in the school auditorium. 

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