The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation awarded the 2024 Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship to Peters Township High School graduate Joseph Wateska. The scholarship, valued at $5,000, is co-sponsored by the Pittsburgh Penguins Booster Club.
The Johnson scholarship was created in 1992 and is presented annually to a western Pennsylvania high school senior for academic excellence, community service and for providing leadership, sportsmanship and a positive attitude as a member of their school’s hockey program. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.2 to qualify.
Wateska, a defenseman for the Peters Township varsity hockey team, finished the 2023.24 season with eight points in 18 games. He scored two game-winning goals, including one in OT and played on all specialty teams. He also helped his team become 2023 Penguins Cup Champions.
Through a 13-year hockey career, he also played for AAA SHAHA, AAA Pittsburgh Vengeance, AAA Esmark Stars, while rounding out his 2023.24 season with the AA Steel City Ice Renegades.
As a senior, he helped the younger players on his team with development. He is a recipient of the 2024 PIHL John Mucha Memorial Scholarship and the PAHL Scholarship.
He excelled academically with a 5.5 weighted GPA and was on the Highest Honor Roll throughout his high school career. He was a member of the PTHS Executive Council, National Honor Society, PTHS Ambassador, SAFE Club (Students Active for Environment), and the National Society of High School Scholars.
In addition, Wateska served in leadership positions as Executive Council Chairperson & Treasurer, Student Council Officer, Spanish Club Treasurer and Keystone Chairperson. He was honored as an AP Scholar with Distinction, 1st Place for Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest, VFW Memorial Day Speaker, Academic All-Star, Award of Sports Excellence, and the Academic Achievement Award.
He also volunteered his time as the Washington County Teen Coordinator for An Evening for Autism, Wreaths Across America, at the National Student Leadership Conference, Student Ambassador, Food Drive Initiator, and Club Hockey Alternate Captain.
He is the son of Drs. Joseph and Amy Wateska of Canonsburg. He will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue a degree in biochemistry in preparation for dental school.