The United Way of the Bradford Area (UWBA) announced the establishment of the Richard and Karen Gleason Student Ambassador Scholarship, generously funded by Greg and Susan Gleason for the second year.

Owen Manion

Joey Caruso

This year’s Richard and Karen Gleason Student Ambassador Scholarship recipients are Joey Caruso, who will attend St. Bonaventure University to pursue a degree in accounting, and Owen Manion, who will pursue a degree in biology with a pre-dental focus from Clemson University. Both students have been engaged with the Student Ambassador Program throughout high school. They participated in and led a variety of initiatives, including the United Way’s Annual Soup Lunch fundraiser, Second Harvest food distributions at the Church of the Ascension, high school Penny Wars to raise funds for UWBA’s campaign, and the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade hot cocoa sale.

“Joey and Owen have been outstanding leaders in the Student Ambassador Program,” said Sarah Lonzi, UWBA executive director. “Their commitment to service, whether through helping with food distributions, organizing fundraising events, or supporting community traditions, reflects the very values this scholarship was designed to honor. We are proud to see them carry these experiences forward as they continue their education.”

The scholarship honors the legacy of Richard and Karen Gleason, longtime Bradford community members who instilled in their family a deep sense of civic responsibility and dedication to local youth. As former business owners of Gleason Distributing Co., Richard and Karen also chaired United Way campaigns during their tenure, setting an enduring example of leadership and giving back.

“The scholarship is a tribute to my parents,” said Greg Gleason. “Richard and Karen always believed in giving back to the community and investing in young people. This program reflects the values they held close to their hearts.”

The Student Ambassador Scholarship Program supports high school students who serve as ambassadors for UWBA, gaining leadership skills and a deeper understanding of community service. For Greg and Susan, funding this scholarship continues their family’s tradition of strengthening community ties.

“The Student Ambassador Program empowers students to lead, serve and understand the value of community giving,” said Susan Gleason. “Supporting this initiative allows us to invest in the next generation of leaders who will keep our community strong.”

Greg and Susan Gleason, well known in Bradford as the owners of Pizza Napoli for the past 10 years, have consistently supported local causes, particularly those that foster youth development and education.

“The United Way of the Bradford Area extends heartfelt gratitude to Greg and Susan Gleason,” Lonzi said, “for their generosity and vision in honoring Richard and Karen’s legacy while investing in the leaders of tomorrow.”