Cornwall Manor awarded five $5,000 scholarships this August 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 L. 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 this August—who are building brighter futures through education.
We are pleased to announce the 2025 Weik Scholarship Recipients.
Rhiannon Beil
Rhiannon Beil has been a compassionate member of the Cornwall Manor Health Center team since 2023. A Lebanon resident, she brings warmth and insight to her role as a nursing assistant, shaped by her dual degrees in Exercise Science and Theology from the University of Scranton and a deep commitment to caring for the whole person.
Currently studying to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Central Penn College, Rhiannon sees this path as a way to grow and better serve residents. Her journey began in 2014 with CNA training and was deeply influenced by caring for her grandmother—an experience that sparked her passion for caregiving.
Guided by the words “Love one another” (John 13:34–35), Rhiannon finds joy in listening to residents’ stories and learning from their lives. A Cornwall Manor scholarship has helped her focus on her education and continue building meaningful relationships within the community.
Outside of work, she enjoys snowboarding, kayaking, hiking in the Poconos, and reading science fiction adventures.
Jesse Cruise
Jesse Cruise, a Lebanon resident and former Cornwall Manor employee, is in his fourth year at Penn State College of Medicine, pursuing a career in general surgery. Inspired by his mother’s nursing journey and shaped by his own time in Cornwall Manor’s Maintenance Department, Jesse’s path reflects a deep commitment to service through science and compassion.
Cornwall Manor is a family tradition for the Cruises—his wife Greta is an LPN Unit Manager, and his mother and siblings have all worked in various roles. A scholarship from Cornwall Manor has helped ease financial pressures as Jesse prepares to apply to residency programs across the country.
Outside of medicine, Jesse enjoys tennis, pickleball, running, and reading fiction. He and Greta, married five years, are active in their church community, which continues to support their journey.
Emma Davies
Emma Davies, a Dining Services Associate at Cornwall Manor, is beginning a six-year Occupational Therapy program at Elizabethtown College, where she was recently accepted into the Honors Program. Inspired by her mother, Kate Davies—Director of Nursing at Cornwall Manor—Emma found her calling in OT, drawn to its versatility and impact across all ages.
Emma is grateful for the support she’s received from Cornwall Manor’s residents and staff, as well as scholarships from Cornwall Manor and LeadingAge PA. She hopes to one day open her own practice to help people adapt and thrive.
Outside of work and school, Emma enjoys building Lego creations, baking pies, reading thrillers and romance novels, and exploring her interests in beauty and fashion.
Katrina Miller
Katrina Miller began her career at Cornwall Manor in Dining Services in 2017, later serving as a mail clerk before stepping into her current role as Human Resources Representative in 2024. Her experience across departments gives her a unique perspective in HR, where she now leads recruitment and helps plan employee appreciation events.
Katrina’s connection to Cornwall Manor runs deep—her mother, grandmother, grand aunt, and great-grandmother all served the community, creating a legacy of care and dedication. Her biggest inspiration is her daughter, Aries, who motivates her to pursue education and growth.
A scholarship from Cornwall Manor has helped Katrina work toward her goal of advancing in HR. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, attending country concerts, traveling, and visiting museums and car shows.
Changelis Padin
Changelis Padin, a Nursing Assistant in Corson Hall Personal Care, is the first in her family to attend college—a milestone she embraces with pride. After starting in Childhood Education at Millersville University, she found her true calling in healthcare and joined Cornwall Manor’s CNA program in 2024. She now works in Personal Care and is pursuing her RN degree at HACC, with plans to become a Nurse Practitioner and eventually hold an administrative role.
Balancing school and two part-time jobs, Changelis is driven by her vision for a better future and the support of Cornwall Manor’s residents and staff. A scholarship from Cornwall Manor has helped her move closer to her goals.
Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling locally, watching TV, and reading trilogy series—especially Tuesdays with Morrie, which reflects her appreciation for life’s deeper lessons.
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 and their spouses and dependents to continue in that 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, whether the recipients become employees of Cornwall Manor or as a current employee can move to a different position, 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!
