Waynesburg U. 2024 Christian Life Scholarship recipients named

Waynesburg University recently announced seven incoming students will receive the annual Christian Life Scholarship. The 2024 recipients include Kaylee Ayers, Emily Doleno, William (Ryan) Moss, Alisha Sloane, Joshua Smith, Kylie Watt and Ethan Wilson.

Every year, the scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen who demonstrate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and are involved in the life of a local church.

As part of the scholarship, each recipient is paired with a Christian mentor from their field of study and are presented with opportunities to be engaged in activities, conversations and mentorship through the Center for Campus Ministry.

Kaylee Ayers

Kaylee Ayers is the daughter of Shane and Amy Ayers of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.

Ayers attended Waynesburg Central High School, where she was a member of the track, cross country and cheerleading teams. She also participated in several clubs, including Alpha Beta, Art Club, Hope Squad, Leo Club, National Honor Society, Prom Committee, Spanish Club, Student Council, and served as Class Secretary and president of Youth Alive.

Academically, Ayers was top ten in her "Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry" course during her junior year, received honors in chemistry and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Outside of activities at Waynesburg Central, Ayers was involved in dance. She was also the recipient of Miss Merry Christmas 2023 and received the Lions Club Student of the Month for November 2023.

As she prepares for the upcoming fall semester, Ayers said she is excited to begin her journey at a Christian university and looks forward to making new friends.

"This scholarship is going to allow me the opportunity to share my faith with others on campus," added Ayers.

Ayers will join Waynesburg University as an early childhood education major and plans to minor in entrepreneurship.

Emily Doleno

Emily Doleno is the daughter of Harry and Stacey Doleno of Monongahela, Pennsylvania.

A recent graduate of Ringgold High School, Doleno was involved in several clubs as a student, including National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), The Future is Mine, and served as Class Treasurer, vice president of Interact Club and was the founding leader of Christian Ministries Club. She also received both highest and high honors academically.

An active athlete, Doleno was a four-year letterman of Ringgold High School's swim team and four-year starter and captain for the school's soccer team.

Outside of the classroom, Doleno has dedicated her time to serve as community youth soccer coach, community youth clinic director/coach, Gospel Alliance Church Camp soccer coach, Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (Awana) class assistant teacher and a member of the Crossroads Church praise and worship team. She also worked as book keeper for A. Doleno Sewers.

"I am so excited to attend Waynesburg University this fall for many different reasons," Doleno said. "Most of all, I am excited to grow my faith with God through new friends, and to learn how to make my dream job come to life."

When Doleno joins Waynesburg University in the fall, she will major in health and exercise science (pre-MBA).

"Being selected for this scholarship means so much to me through my faith with the Lord," she added. "I never knew that making Jesus the center of my life could have so many amazing outcomes and new experiences. God has truly changed my life in many ways, and I never need to worry about my next steps because God has it all planned out."

William (Ryan) Moss

William (Ryan) Moss is the son of Creighton and Valerie Moss of Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Moss recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Orange High School, where he was a member and team captain of the basketball team. He was also a NC Academic Scholar, and received the Orange High School 1969 State Champions Scholarship and the Michael McCauley Sportsmanship Award (conference).

In addition to his active participation in athletics, Moss spent his time outside of Orange High School serving as a camp counselor, community volunteer and worked as a therapy dog handler.

He is looking forward to this next chapter of his academic career.

"I am most excited about meeting new people from across the country, continuing my education, playing Varsity basketball for the University and experiencing snow," shared Moss.

Moss will begin his studies at Waynesburg University in the fall as a health and exercise science major.

"I am honored to receive this scholarship and look forward to the mentorship so that I can develop leadership skills while growing my faith," he added.

Alisha Sloane

Alisha Sloane is the daughter of Peggy Sloane of Jolo, West Virginia.

During her time as a student at River View High School, Sloane was involved in clubs and activities including Young Life, Yearbook Staff, National Honor Society, Natural Helpers Club, More Life and was also a part of the Bradshaw Church of God Youth Group. She served as president of the River View High School Jobs for WV Graduates program and secretary of National Honor Society.

Academically, Sloane has received several awards and honors. She graduated third in her class with highest honors, was selected as the River View High School representative for both HOBY and Girls State, and was awarded the American Legion Auxiliary Award, the Principal Award and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Award.

In addition, Sloane won the Russell W Johnson Short Story Contest and the More Life Dream Chaser Award. She also placed at the County Young Writer's Contest, County Science Fair and State Social Studies Fair.

As a senior, Sloane was a Natural Helper, where she helped conduct meetings and plan events for her school. For two years, she also worked with local middle school students by leading Wyldlife.

"To be selected for this scholarship is such a blessing - it was honestly an answered prayer," said Sloane. "When I found out that WU offered a scholarship program that not only helped me financially, but also spiritually, I knew that this would be exactly what I needed as I transitioned into a brand-new environment. This program offers mentorship and community, which is so important to any follower of Jesus (especially in such a season of change). I just know that God is going to move mountains and slay giants through the staff and the students, and I am so excited to be part of it! I just pray that as God shines through others in this program, that He would accept me as an open and willing vessel ready to be used by Him too."

A licensed Exhorter in the Church of God, Sloane plans to major in biblical and ministry studies (Christian mission) when she joins Waynesburg University in the fall and also hopes to double-major in psychology.

She is excited for this new chapter ahead.

"I am most excited about gaining a sense of community at WU," she shared. "The staff has been so personable already - and I haven't even met them yet. I can't wait to get on campus and be surrounded by like-minded students who are pursuing Jesus just like me. I'm looking forward to growing in my walk with Christ with other students and being able to serve in such a loving environment!"

Joshua Smith

Joshua Smith is the son of Tim and Colleen Smith of Dover, Ohio.

Smith attended Dover High School, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. As a student, he was a member of National Honor Society, president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a three-year letterman and team captain for the school's soccer team and four-year letterman for the track team.

In addition, Smith also was a recipient of the 2^nd Team All-Ohio Soccer, All-Time High School goal leader for Dover High School and 2023 Eastern District Soccer Coaches (EDSC) Player of the Year.

Outside of the classroom, Smith has served as a bible study leader at his church.

Smith will major in biblical ministry studies at Waynesburg University in the fall and plans to join the men's soccer team.

"I'm excited to get involved with the campus, create relationships with new people, and grow in my relationship with Jesus," he shared.

Kylie Watt

Kylie Watt is the daughter of Ken and Janelle Watt of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

Watt graduated from Albert Gallatin Area Sr High School. There, she was a member of Interact Club, National Honor Society, 4.0 Club and served as vice president of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

"It means the world being selected for this scholarship," Watt said. "I've always been involved with my local church and followed the Lord but I've never stepped out of my comfort zone. My goal is to learn how to become a leader in faith and share the gift of Christianity with others."

In the fall, Watt will join Waynesburg University as a nursing major.

Ethan Wilson

Ethan Wilson is the son of Richard and Kimberly Wilson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

During his time at Redeemer Lutheran High School, Wilson was active in numerous sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country and track and field. He was also involved in the school's choir and musicals, and played the piano.

As an athlete, Wilson received several awards and honors. He was a recipient of the Greenfield Youth Recognition Award, NCSAA Servant-Leadership Award, Sportsmanship Award and was the Cross Country MVP. Wilson also set school records in the cross country 5K, indoor mile 1600m, 3000m and 800m, and outdoor 1600m, 3200m and 800m.

In addition to his active involvement in athletics, Wilson was a boy scout.

"I am thankful to have been selected for this scholarship," said Wilson. "Of course, having less to pay is huge, but this scholarship particularly excites me because it is more than just a financial opportunity. It is going to help me to grow as a man spiritually. I think the mentorship that comes along with the scholarship is going to be beneficial for me and I really look forward to the gifts that come with this scholarship. It is a package from the learning opportunities to the financial aid and I am truly grateful for this opportunity."

Wilson will join Waynesburg University in the fall as a health and exercise science (pre-physical therapy) major and plans to join the men's cross country and track and field teams.

About the Scholarship