Created to Assist Educators & Those Who Yearn to Teach
Life's Teachers
Joseph and Barbara Punchello devoted their lives to teaching, inspiring countless students in Bucks County, PA, and Mercer County, NJ. Joseph, who passed away in 2014, taught English at Bishop Conwell High School in Fairless Hills, PA, and also worked for more than 25 years as a Sports Journalist for the Bucks County Courier Times in Levittown, PA. Barbara, known to her students as “Madame Punchello,” taught French and Spanish for four decades at Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, PA and Steinert High School in Hamilton Township, NJ.
The Fund's Purpose
The Scholarship will support students who are currently pursuing or have completed teacher training and can be used for any degree level. The scholarship was created by their four doting daughters. “It is an honor to create this scholarship in our parents’ names,” said the siblings. “They were our first and most loving teachers. Beyond academics, they showed us that hard work and perseverance make anything possible. We all strongly believe that learning should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. "
Established By
Valerie Punchello Hall holds a Master's degree in Systems Engineering. She and her husband, Allen, are owners of Weather Guard Lightning Tech in Charlotte, NC, pioneering technical solutions for lightning damage. Catharine Punchello, vice provost and university registrar at Thomas Edison State University, earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Juliette Punchello, senior director of Recruitment and Enrollment Management at Thomas Edison State University, recently obtained her Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership at Marshall University; and Elaine Punchello is a Realtor at RE/MAX Properties in Yardley, PA and co-owner of Ace Pro Painters.
"A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!"