In late March and early April, the winners of the two largest scholarships at Norwin High School for the 2025-26 school year–the Murdoch and Rodgers Scholarship

The Richard M.  Murdoch scholarship worth close to $50,000. The scholarship is open to all seniors planning to attend college based on the following criteria: moral integrity, intellectual ability, extracurricular activities, financial need, and personality. The teachers at Norwin vote on the criteria for the school’s largest scholarship, and the winner must receive a majority of the faculty vote. The scholarship comes from the estate of Richard W. Murdoch, who was a 1933 Norwin graduate. During his time at Norwin, he was a very active member in the community, being a part of the football team, orchestra, and band. The prestigious scholarship was made a part of his will before his passing. The first scholarship was awarded in 2017 and has been awarded every year since then.

This year, the Rodgers Scholarship was just over $40,000 and awarded to an upcoming senior on the basis of moral integrity, intellectual ability, extra-curricular activities, financial need and personality. The Rodgers Scholarship was first awarded in 1970 and has been awarded annually ever since then to a Norwin senior, celebrating Mr. Rodgers’ successful career as a businessman and a teacher.

Richard M. Murdoch Scholarship Winner– Joshua Bauer

How does it feel to receive such a prestigious scholarship? 

It felt amazing to receive this scholarship. I never thought in a million years that I would be chosen as the recipient, and when my name was first announced, I was in shock.

Why do you think you were chosen for this scholarship?

I think I was chosen for this scholarship because of my involvement in a lot of extracurricular activities over the past four years, such as being a member of the student council since my freshman year, serving as the vice president of HOSA, volunteering in the Allegheny Health Network, and being a part of our Unified Sports team. While simultaneously balancing a challenging course load.

What are your plans after graduation and how has your award influenced this decision?

After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Pittsburgh as a biochemistry major, and eventually, I want to attend medical school and become a physician. Winning the Murdoch Scholarship influenced me in this decision by showing me that people believe in me and think that I will be successful, which has helped to give me the confidence to work toward such a challenging goal.

What is the most important thing high school has taught you?

I think the most important thing that high school has taught me is how to persevere when things become difficult and challenging. I know that throughout the course of the next eight years that I plan to spend in school, I will undoubtedly face challenges that seem impossible to overcome. Yet, because of how Norwin has taught me to overcome challenges and tough situations, I know that I will be able to succeed.

Who has been the most influential person in your academic life? Why?

I’m not sure if I’m able to pick just one person who has been the most influential in my academic life. From my time in elementary school all the way through high school, I have had so many teachers who have all helped me get to where I am today, and I am grateful to every single one of them. Additionally, I am very thankful for all the help my parents have provided me with in school, from staying up late to help me study to waking me up on time in the morning. I couldn’t have achieved anything without them.

What piece of advice would you like to give to upcoming seniors?

I would tell upcoming seniors not to underestimate themselves. You truly don’t know what you are capable of until you try, and in my experience, oftentimes it will surprise you.

John B. Rodgers Scholarship Winner– Riley Miller

How does it feel to receive such a prestigious scholarship?

It feels amazing to receive the recognition in this award. After four years of hard work, the scholarship means a lot to show myself what all of it was for and how far I have come.

Why do you think you were chosen for this scholarship?

I think that I have tried to really connect to the school, and the way that I have worked with classmates as well as teachers is valued alongside my academics and involvement.

What kinds of clubs and activities do you participate in outside of the classroom?

I am the president of the National Honor Society as well as a member of SADD and the Interact club.

What are your plans after graduation, and how has your award influenced this decision?

I plan on going to Saint Francis University for their accelerated Physical Assistant program. The scholarship gives me a lot more comfort with the payment, especially as I go into PA school.

What is the most important thing high school has taught you?

I have learned to look at people differently and remember to see them outside of what I see in class. So many people have different things going on that they value outside of the classroom. I have earned a greater respect for trying to understand others and collaborating with them.

What piece of advice would you like to give to upcoming seniors?

Make sure to enjoy your last year. Try not to stress too much about the final result of the year and enjoy all the moments throughout.