Ross McGinnis Memorial Service Scholarship Fund

On December 4, 2006, while on duty in Baghdad, Iraq, SPC Ross McGinnis used his body to smother a grenade, saving the lives of four fellow soldiers. McGinnis died from the blast. Ross’s patriotism and sacrifice has earned him a Purple Heart, Silver Star for Valor and has been recommended for the nation’s highest honor, The Congressional Medal of Honor.

Another tribute to Ross occurred when Keystone SMILES’ AmeriCorps alumnus donated $5,000 to establish an endowment fund from which income will be used for future scholarships. For more information about the fund, click here, or contact us at by email now.

The legacy of SPC Ross A. McGinnis is one part of our story. The second part concerns the countless number of nameless hands and unseen supporters contributing to the SPC Ross A. McGinnis Service Scholarships. 

Keystone SMILES Board of Directors would like to thank everyone who has and will continue to support the efforts to reach our goal of the largest service scholarship initiative in the area. 

One may ask, “What can I do?”  It is amazing what the “Power of One” can do when compelled by an individual, cause, passion, or patriotism to accomplish an outcome.

Area Youth Assist with Fundraising

A senior from Keystone High School coordinated a concert  with the assistance of AmeriCorps members to raise money for the scholarship. Students from Clarion Career Center and Keystone High School also orchestrated fundraising campaigns in their schools for contributions.

Service Organizations and Businesses Lend a Helping Hand

One service organization generated funds within their organization through a benefit breakfast and mailing campaign. A raffle was held by a local business.  Other businesses have donated fees for service.  While others  have committed to pledging an annual cash contribution for up to five years.  The initiative is continuing to gain momentum as we begin our second year of fundraising. Every dollar raised is 100% contributed to the fund. All efforts are volunteer, all advertisement and recognition efforts are supported with money outside of the scholarship funds. We would like to thank all the volunteers and individuals who have helped to keep the momentum going.  It doesn’t matter if it is the “Power of One” or the “Power of We,” it is “People Power.” that truly are making a difference. Thank you for your support.

Please contact Keystone SMILES if you know of others who may be willing to contribute or help generate resources. Volunteers are available to present information about the scholarship program including a PowerPoint presentation.

 For more information about the fund, click here, or contact us at by email now.

Volunteer

One of the primary objectives of Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps is to recruit, train and utilize volunteers. Join us for an hour, a day, or in an ongoing capacity. Visit our service calendar for upcoming events, or contact a staff member in the area of your interest for ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Educational Tax Credit

In 2002, Keystone SMILES was approved as an Educational Improvement Agency by the state of Pennsylvania. This status allows to contribute to Keystone SMILES and, in turn receive Pennsylvania Education Income Tax Credits. Act 4 of 2001 amend the Public School Code to authorize tax credits for businesses that make contributions to scholarship or educational improvement organizations. A business who pays PA corporate taxes and /or PA capitol stock will benefit from these credits. Normally a C corporation, however, in some instances, a Sub S corporation may be paying PA capitol stock tax. For more about the Educational tax program, contact us at by email now.

Wish List

Coming Soon!

Transportation Fund

Coming Soon!