The Lancer Foundation Announces LTHS 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (MAY 29, 2026) — The Lancer Foundation has named Dr. Erica Rauff, a 2003 graduate of Loyalsock Township High School (LTHS), as this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Rauff was formally recognized during Thursday evening’s senior awards ceremony, where she returned to campus to reflect on her educational journey and spend time with students, sharing stories from her years at Loyalsock and the experiences that led her from years as a Lancer to a career in higher education, research and public health.

A researcher, educator and mentor, Rauff currently serves as associate professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State University, where her work focuses on understanding how social, behavioral and environmental factors influence health and well-being across individuals, families and communities.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from Loyalsock and the Lancer Foundation,” Rauff said. “Loyalsock was a place that encouraged my own curiosity, learning and growth. The support of my teachers, family and mentors helped shape both my personal and professional journey. As an educator and mentor, I currently help students discover their own passions and potential, which makes returning to speak with current students at Loyalsock especially meaningful. I hope sharing my journey with Loyalsock students reminds them that success is rarely a straight path, and that growth often comes from embracing opportunities, challenges and unexpected experiences along the way.”

After graduating from LTHS, Rauff attended Susquehanna University, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in health care studies. She later continued her education at Penn State, earning both her master’s degree and doctorate in kinesiology before ultimately joining the university’s biobehavioral health faculty.

Prior to returning to Penn State, Rauff served at Seattle University, where she held several leadership roles, including tenured associate professor, acting department chair and graduate program director.

Throughout her career, Rauff has explored how physical activity, mental health, motivation and social experiences influence overall health and well-being. Her work has focused on helping better understand the factors that support healthy lifestyles and positive well-being across different stages of life.

Her work has contributed to broader conversations surrounding health equity and access to care, helping advance approaches designed to support individuals and families before challenges become crises.

Rauff’s research has appeared in national and international scholarly journals and has contributed to studies involving youth development, physical activity and wellness, family and community health, mental health, maternal well-being and health behavior. Her published work has explored topics ranging from physical activity interventions and psychosocial health to resilience, family systems and factors influencing lifelong health outcomes.

Beyond academia, Rauff has remained involved in service and outreach initiatives that connect research with community impact. While living in the Seattle area, she served as both a coach and board member for Girls on the Run Puget Sound, supporting programs focused on confidence, leadership and healthy lifestyles for young girls. She has also contributed professionally through initiatives including the American College of Sports Medicine’s Exercise is Medicine on Campus program.

At Penn State, Rauff continues to invest in future generations through teaching, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities, guiding undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in public health, healthcare and research. She also developed a community-engaged learning course that enables Penn State students to become Girls on the Run coaches, connecting classroom learning with meaningful involvement in local communities. In addition, she continues her own work with Girls on the Run as both a coach and board member for the Girls on the Run Mid State Pennsylvania council, combining her passion for health, mentorship and community engagement.

Her work has earned recognition throughout her academic career, including participation in the National Research Mentoring Network Health Equity Collaboratory, selection as an Academic Service-Learning Faculty Fellow and recognition through the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity for student research achievement.

“Dr. Rauff has dedicated her career to understanding the factors that affect health and well-being and using that knowledge to help strengthen families and communities,” Superintendent Dr. Brooke Beiter said. “Her work extends from the classroom to research and outreach efforts that improve lives. We are incredibly proud to call her a Loyalsock graduate.”

Lancer Foundation President Carolyn Ritter said Rauff exemplifies the purpose of the Distinguished Alumni recognition.

“Erica represents exactly what this recognition is intended to celebrate,” Ritter said. “She has combined scholarship, service and mentorship in ways that create lasting impact — not only through her own work, but through the students and communities she continues to influence.”

Rauff will be publicly honored by the Lancer Foundation during a celebration event on Oct. 3 at The Williamsport Country Club. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

The Lancer Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates whose professional accomplishments, leadership and service reflect the values of the LTSD community while inspiring future generations of Lancers.

The Lancer Foundation is the recognized nonprofit affiliate of Loyalsock Township School District. Through charitable giving and community support, the foundation helps provide educational enhancements, student opportunities and scholarships that benefit LTSD students in kindergarten through grade 12.

###

Pictured above: The Lancer Foundation President Carolyn Ritter, left, stands with Dr. Erica Rauff.

 

Schick Elementary Earns Career Ready PA Banner

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (MAY 27, 2026) — Donald E. Schick Elementary School has earned a Career Ready PA banner through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Remake Learning Days after surpassing the benchmark established through the Career Ready PA Backpack Challenge.

The Career Ready PA Backpack Challenge connects students with hands-on learning experiences that build career awareness and employability skills while supporting Pennsylvania’s Career Education and Work standards. Students who participate in qualifying events complete a digital artifact survey that serves as evidence for their career readiness portfolios. Schools whose students earn more than 100 artifacts receive a Career Ready PA banner.

Schick earned the recognition through its annual Career Expo, held this spring and recognized as a qualifying Career Ready PA event during Remake Learning Days, and is just one of 24 schools across the state to receive it.

The expo welcomed more than 50 businesses, organizations and military representatives to the school, giving students opportunities to explore careers through hands-on activities and real-world experiences.

“This recognition reflects our commitment to helping students begin exploring their interests and connecting them to future opportunities at an early age,” said Superintendent Dr. Brooke Beiter. “Experiences like the Career Expo help students apply learning to the world around them while building excitement about what lies ahead.”

Vickey Campman, school counselor and K-12 career services director, said the recognition reflects the school community’s commitment to helping students connect classroom learning with future opportunities.

“I’m so thankful to work alongside teachers, administrators, staff, families and community partners who recognize the value of career exploration and are always willing to help create meaningful experiences for our students,” Campman said. “Watching students connect their interests and talents to future possibilities has been one of the most rewarding parts of this work, and I’m excited to continue building these opportunities.”

###

LTHS Senior Awarded $2,500 Chick-fil-A Scholarship

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (MAY 1, 2026) — Loyalsock Township High School (LTHS) senior Cashlin Rogers was recently awarded a $2,500 Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ Scholarship.

Rogers, a part-time employee at the food chain’s Williamsport location, is among the more than 16,000 company team members to receive a portion of the $29 million granted in scholarships this year “to help them pursue their dreams of a remarkable future,” according to the business’s website.

This fall, the 2026 LTHS grad plans to pursue a nursing degree at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the $2,500 Chick-fil-A scholarship,” Rogers said. “I’m grateful for this support as I continue my education, and I’m inspired to keep working hard and serving others in my community.”

At LTHS, Rogers is a member of the cross country and track team, on which he’s served as team captain for the last two years. Involved in theatre, he is a 2026 inductee of the National Thespian Society. Additionally, he’s the co-founder and president of the Fitness and Nutrition Club; vice president of Key Club; treasurer of Cultures of the World; and is an active member of Student Council, SADD Club, Biomed Club, Interact Club, Spanish Club and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). He was also crowned as this year’s “Mr. Sock.”

Outside of school, in addition to working at Chick-fil-A, he volunteers with his family’s animal rescue, Heidi’s Furry Friends Rescue.

“When Cash comes to work at Chick-fil-A Williamsport, he brings an enthusiastic attitude and always looks to serve guests and his team with kindness,” said Abbey Gross, marketing coordinator.

According to its website, $244 million has been granted since 1973 through the company’s Remarkable Futures™ scholarship program, which annually awards $1,000, $2,500 and $25,000 scholarships.

Aside from employment, applicants must be a postsecondary undergraduate, graduate student or plan to enroll in undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational school for the following academic year.

Award recommendation is made by a member of management based on the team member’s professional achievement, which could include demonstrated leadership, work ethic or teamwork. Recipients must also have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

###