Latrobe Business & Professional Women
Awards and Scholarships
Woman of the Year
Lorie Planinsek
Woman of the Year
The Woman of the Year is awarded to the member whose contribution impacts the advancement of Latrobe BPW – To elevate standards, promote interest, develop cooperation and extend opportunities among all business and professional women.
Click here for nomination form
New Member of the Year
The New member of the year is awarded to a member of less than two years who is active in supporting local goals and projects, participates in club activities and promotes BPW by bringing new members to the group
Click here for eligibility information
Click here for nomination form
Employer of the Year
The Employer of the Year is awarded to a business that strives to elevate standards, promote interest, develop cooperation, and extend opportunities among all business and professional women.
Click here for nomination form
New Member of the Year
Lynnette Fajt-Hamilton
Employer of the Year
Student Scholarships
Latrobe BPW offers 3 $1,000 scholarships to area students continuing their education at an
institution of higher learning. To qualify, students must be a high school senior, must reside in the
Latrobe/Derry area school districts and must have been accepted to a post-secondary school or program. Application open January 17 - March 15, 2024. Applications online at
https://pittsburghfoundation.org/scholarship/4207
BPWPA Foundation awards up to (3) $2,500 scholarships each semester. Scholarships are
available to any student (male or female, members and non-members) with a completed application.
Applications will be scored based on need, grades and recommendations. Application deadline for the Fall semester is May 1, 2024. Download application click here
Virgina S. Griffin
Business Award
This award will be given to a female senior from Greater Latrobe School District planning to attend a post-secondary school in a business field. She must possess characteristics of initiative, positive attitude, dedication, and responsibility. The recipient should be selected by the Business Department Faculty.
Mary Martha Himler
Art Award
This award will be given to a female senior from Greater Latrobe School District planning further study in the field of art. She must demonstrate a high quality in artistic renderings; exemplify creativity; and illustrate knowledge of technique. She must possess the characteristics of initiative, positive attitude, dedication, and responsibility. Selection is made by the Art Department Faculty.
Latrobe BPW Communications and Technology Award
This award will be given to a female senior from Derry Area School District who demonstrate a
proficiency in business communications and technology. Selection is made by the business
education faculty who review the candidates’ leadership qualities and services rendered to the school and the community.
Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center Achievement Awards (2)
These awards will be given to a female senior from Eastern Westmoreland Career and
Technology Center from the Greater Latrobe or Derry Area School Districts planning further
study/work in the designated field of study of her program completed through EWCTC.
The recipient must possess characteristics of initiative, positive attitude and dedication to her field of study. Selection is made by the EWCTC staff, along with guidance and cooperative ed
coordinator.
Jeanne Van Houten Community Service Award
This award will be given to a female senior from Greater Latrobe School District who has demonstrated outstanding community service. The recipient must possess the characteristics of initiative, confidence, positivity, dedication, leadership, and responsibility. Selection is made by the guidance faculty.
Geraldine McCartney Award
This award will be given to a female student who has a genuine interest in education and
teaching/working with others. She will have initiative, a positive attitude, be hard working and enjoy learning in preparing to share this knowledge with others. The awardee will be chosen by representatives of the Greater Latrobe Education Association.
Latrobe BPW Community Service Award
This award will be given to a female senior from Derry Area School District who has
demonstrated outstanding involvement and community service. The recipient must possess
characteristics of initiative, positive attitude, dedication, and responsibility. Criteria is also to
include leadership qualities. Selection is made by the guidance faculty.
Member Continuing Education Fund
Latrobe BPW continuing education funding for current members. Funds can be used toward
furthering education in an accredited program of studies, college or university for professional
development/leadership or training/licensure courses.