GREENVILLE, Pa.—Paxton Short, of Georgetown, Pa., has been awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Thiel College, becoming the second recipient of five such scholarships the College will award for the 2026–27 academic year. The scholarship is valued at $158,080.
The scholarship was presented during a ceremony held Jan. 16, 2026.
“I was shocked. It wasn’t real for a moment. I was one of the lucky people…to receive this amazing award,” Short said. “My first thought is financial freedom. I am going to college for free! I get a great education for no cost, and it is setting me up for life. My whole life…I feel like I have been in preparation for it.”
An accomplished student at South Side High School, Short plans to major in business administration with a concentration in management at Thiel College. He is actively involved in football, SkillsUSA and community service, and also serves as a volunteer firefighter. Outside of school, his interests include hunting and fishing.
“Paxton exemplifies the type of student we seek to support through this scholarship—someone who combines academic strength with leadership, service and a strong work ethic,” said Sonya Lapikas, director of admission at Thiel College. “His commitment to his community and his future goals align well with Thiel’s mission, and we are excited to welcome him to campus.”
The full-tuition scholarship program is designed to recognize exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to service. Short is the second of five students who will receive the award for the 2026–27 academic year.
“At Thiel, we believe a great education should be affordable,” Lapikas said. “That’s why we go out of our way to support students through generous merit aid and scholarships—so cost never stands in the way of opportunity.”
Short is the son of Randi and Blaine Short.
Conneaut (Pa.) High School senior Abigail Beightol was awarded the first scholarship on Jan. 15.Conneaut (Linesville, Pa.) Shaler (Glenshaw, Pa.) High School senior Matthew Britenbaugh was the third scholarship recipient on Jan. 16.
Students and families interested in learning more about other scholarship opportunities at Thiel College should contact the Thiel College Office of Admission at 724-589-2345 or admissions@thiel.edu.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.