Celebrating Educational Growth Through the Ralph L. Weik Scholarship Fund

Cornwall Manor awarded five $5,000 scholarships on August 21, 2025 through the Ralph L. Weik Memorial Scholarship Fund, celebrating the achievements of five outstanding individuals who are pursuing higher education. These recipients—employees and family members—represent the spirit of growth and learning that Ralph Weik embodied during his 27 years of dedicated service in maintenance at Cornwall Manor. Established in 1991 in his honor, the scholarship fund continues to reflect Cornwall Manor’s commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.

Each year, a selection committee of retired educators living at Cornwall Manor carefully reviews applications to select the recipients. With this year’s awards, the Weik Scholarship Fund has now supported over 138 scholarships, helping employees, spouses and dependents reach their academic goals.

Thanks to the generosity of residents and employees, the fund has grown to over $195,000. Annual fundraising appeals and interest earned from the fund ensure continued support for future scholarship recipients—like the five individuals honored recently—who are building brighter futures through education.

Meet our 2025 scholarship recipients! 

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Weik Scholarship Recipients:

Rhiannon Beil

Rhiannon Beil, a compassionate and dedicated nursing assistant, has been part of the Cornwall Manor Health Center team since 2023. Residing in Lebanon, she brings both heart and insight to her role, continuing a path of personal and professional growth shaped by experience, education and a deep desire to serve.

She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Science and Theology/Religious Studies from the University of Scranton, with a minor in Psychology. Her interdisciplinary studies were inspired by Cura Personalis—care for the whole person—which guided her toward a deeper understanding of the human experience and the attributes essential to caregiving.

Currently attending Central Penn College to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Rhiannon sees this pursuit not as a career move, but as a way to gain new perspectives and return as an even more effective caregiver. She believes there is significant overlap between the roles of CNA and COTA and that the residents she serves deserve the very best—something they continue to teach her every day. “I must remain open to learning,” she says.

Her journey into healthcare began in 2014 with Certified Nursing Assistant training at Harrisburg Area Community College, including clinical work at Londonderry Village. A defining moment came when she cared for her grandmother in Florida, an experience that deepened her appreciation for the impact caregivers have. Later, while working with Home Instead Senior Care, she found herself looking at a photo of one of her first clients and knew the CNA certification would be worth the investment. “I’ve always been so loved and taken care of,” she reflects. “I wanted to figure out how to give back to people.”

Rhiannon finds the most rewarding part of her job to be the time spent with residents—listening to their stories and learning from their rich life experiences. Her caregiving is guided by the words of Jesus in John 13:34–35: “Love one another.” This philosophy shapes her approach with empathy, respect and a genuine desire to serve.

Receiving a scholarship from Cornwall Manor has been a meaningful milestone, easing financial pressures and allowing her to focus on learning and growing. She looks forward to continuing her work at Cornwall Manor and strengthening the relationships she’s built here.

Outside of work and school, Rhiannon enjoys snowboarding, kayaking, camping and hiking—especially in the Poconos, where she visits her parents. She’s also an avid reader of science fiction and adventure stories, always seeking new worlds to explore.

Jesse Cruise

Jesse Cruise, a Lebanon resident and former Cornwall Manor employee, is currently in his fourth year of medical school at Penn State College of Medicine, pursuing his dream of becoming a physician. With a deep-rooted interest in biology and a natural inclination toward leadership—shaped by years of participating in sports—Jesse chose the path of medicine with a clear purpose: to serve others through science and compassion.

Jesse’s journey into healthcare was inspired early on by his mother, Carolyn, who attended nursing school while he was in elementary school. That example of dedication and care left a lasting impression. His connection to Cornwall Manor runs deep—not only did Jesse work in the Maintenance Department in 2019 and 2020, but his wife, Greta, is currently an LPN Unit Manager in the Health Center. In fact, Cornwall Manor has been a family affair for the Cruise family: his mother worked as an RN, and all four of his siblings have held roles in food service or maintenance.

Now preparing for the next phase of his medical career, Jesse will soon begin applying to more than 30 residency programs in general surgery across the country. The five-year residency will open doors to a wide range of opportunities, from practicing as a general surgeon to pursuing further specialization.

Medical school has been both intellectually demanding and financially challenging. With Greta as the family’s sole supporter while Jesse focuses on his studies full-time, receiving a scholarship from Cornwall Manor is a tremendous blessing. It helps ease the burden of student loans and allows Jesse to continue moving forward with confidence and gratitude.

Outside of academics, Jesse enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, running and reading fiction and fantasy novels. He and Greta have been married for five years and are actively involved in their church community, which provides a strong foundation of support and faith.

Emma Davies

Emma Davies, a dedicated Dining Services Associate at Cornwall Manor for the past two years, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her academic journey. Recently accepted into the prestigious Honors Program at Elizabethtown College, Emma will pursue a six-year course of study in Occupational Therapy, culminating in a doctorate degree. Her passion for helping others and her drive to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field are the cornerstones of her future aspirations.

Inspired by her mother, Kate Davies—Director of Nursing at Cornwall Manor’s Health Center—Emma explored various healthcare professions before discovering her calling in Occupational Therapy. She is especially drawn to the field’s versatility, with opportunities to work in geriatrics, pediatrics, trauma care and more. Ultimately, Emma dreams of opening her own practice, where she can help individuals adapt and thrive in their daily lives.

Emma’s motivation stems from her vision of the future and the support of her peers. She is deeply grateful for the encouragement she’s received from Cornwall Manor’s residents and staff, describing the community’s kindness as “everything” to her. In addition to receiving a scholarship from Cornwall Manor, Emma was honored with a Professional Development Scholarship from LeadingAge PA. Remarkably, her mother also received the Weik Scholarship, making this a proud moment for their family.

As she prepares to begin her studies at Elizabethtown College, she carries with her a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to giving back to the place that helped shape her path. Emma enjoys building intricate Lego creations, baking pies from scratch and diving into romance, murder mystery and thriller novels. She also loves spending time with friends and exploring her interests in beauty, hair, makeup and fashion.

Katrina Miller

Katrina Miller’s journey at Cornwall Manor shows her growth, dedication and a deep connection to community—one that spans generations. Since beginning her career in Dining Services in 2017, Katrina has embraced every opportunity to learn, connect and contribute. Over five years, she built meaningful relationships with residents, which she still treasures today. From 2022 to 2024, she served as the mail clerk before stepping into her current role as Human Resources Representative in 2024, where she now leads recruitment and hiring efforts.

Katrina’s transition into Human Resources was driven by her desire to explore the employee side of the organization and further her education to grow professionally. Her well-rounded experience across departments has given her a unique perspective and strong foundation in HR. She’s also an active member of the Safety Committee and plays a key role in planning Employee Appreciation events—bringing warmth and recognition to her colleagues.

Her passion for people and her commitment to Cornwall Manor shine through in everything she does, especially in recruiting. Katrina thrives on attending job fairs and sharing the story of Cornwall Manor, highlighting the opportunities and supportive environment that make it special.

Katrina’s connection to Cornwall Manor runs deep, rooted in a remarkable legacy of service spanning generations. Her mother, Heather, has been part of the Cornwall Manor team since 1999, continuing a tradition of dedication that began long before Katrina’s own journey. Her grandmother, Michelle, devoted 30 years to the organization, while her grand aunt, Betsy and great-grandmother, Phyllis each contributing more than 50 years. This rich family history reflects a profound commitment to the Cornwall Manor community and a shared passion for caregiving and service. This multi-generational commitment reflects a profound bond with the community and a shared passion for caregiving and service.

Katrina’s biggest supporter is her grandfather, who has always encouraged her to pursue her goals. But her greatest motivation is her daughter, Aries, who is soon starting kindergarten. Katrina is determined to provide the best life possible for her and sees education as a key part of that journey.

Receiving a scholarship from Cornwall Manor is deeply meaningful to Katrina. It eases the financial burden and brings her one step closer to her future goals—working in various areas of HR and eventually stepping into a management position within the department.

Outside of work, Katrina enjoys art, painting and visiting museums. She loves attending country concerts, traveling with her best friend and going to car shows—activities that reflect her vibrant personality and love for creativity.

Changelis Padin

Changelis Padin, a Nursing Assistant in Corson Hall Personal Care, is a shining example of determination, growth and heart. A Lebanon resident and the oldest of four siblings, Changelis is the first in her family to attend college—a milestone she carries with pride and purpose.

After beginning her studies in Childhood Education at Millersville University, Changelis discovered her true passion in healthcare. With encouragement from a friend, she enrolled in Cornwall Manor’s CNA program in 2024. Upon successfully completing the program, she accepted a position in the Health Center and later transitioned to Corson Hall in March 2025. Although she once found nursing intimidating, her experience in the CNA class helped her envision a future in the field—and she hasn’t looked back since.

She is currently attending Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) for Pre-Health/Registered Nursing. Changelis completed her first year of general education in May and will begin clinicals in the spring. She anticipates graduating in 2027 and has her sights set on earning a master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner, with hopes of one day holding an administrative role in a hospital setting.

Balancing school part-time and two part-time jobs, Changelis remains focused and motivated—especially by her vision of a better future for herself and her future children. She credits her position at Cornwall Manor with helping her overcome shyness and build meaningful connections with residents. One resident even offered her advice that stuck with her: nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system.

Receiving a scholarship from Cornwall Manor is extremely meaningful to Changelis. It represents more than financial support—it’s a sign that someone believes in her potential and is helping open doors to greater opportunities.

When not at work or school, Changelis enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling locally, watching TV and reading trilogy series. Her favorite book, Tuesdays with Morrie, reflects her appreciation for life’s deeper lessons and the value of human connection.

At Cornwall Manor, lifelong learning is a cornerstone of vibrant living—reflecting our deep commitment to the value of education and empowering residents to stay curious, engaged and connected through enriching experiences that foster personal growth and community spirit; we are especially proud to offer the Weik Scholarship Program, which supports and celebrates this enduring dedication to learning.

Gary Bitner, Cornwall Manor resident and retired educator is honored to be a member of the Weik Scholarship Selection Committee. He shares, “Cornwall Manor staff, their spouses and dependents have the opportunity to continue their education process. Residents are proud to contribute generously to the Scholarship Fund to show their appreciation of the employees and all that they do. Investing in education, is just one of the many opportunities and values supported at Cornwall Manor.”

Cornwall Manor is incredibly proud of this year’s five scholarship recipients and remains deeply committed to supporting continuing education—an enduring value shared by many of our residents, who are lifelong learners themselves. Congratulations to Rhiannon, Jesse, Emma, Katrina and Changelis! All of us at Cornwall Manor look forward to watching you grow!