HONORING A LEGACY
INVESTING IN STUDENTS
STRENGTHENING
DELAWARE
COUNTY
The Coach Josie Harper Scholarship Fund supports Penncrest High School graduates as they pursue higher education, career training, and lives of purpose.
HONORING A LEGACY
INVESTING IN STUDENTS
STRENGTHENING
DELAWARE
COUNTY
The Coach Josie Harper Scholarship Fund supports Penncrest High School graduates as they pursue higher education, career training, and lives of purpose.
She believed in students before they believed in themselves.
– A Legacy That Lives On
At the Class of ’74 Reunion in November 2024, we gathered to honor the memory of Coach Jo Ann (Josie) Harper (Class of ’61), Penncrest High School’s former Women’s Athletic Director and Coach. Mrs. Harper, who passed away on June 16, 2024, left an extraordinary legacy that shaped the lives of many athletes, students, and colleagues.
To honor her contributions, a group of us has initiated the Coach Josie Harper Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded annually to an outstanding female athlete at Penncrest High School.
A Legacy of Leadership and Excellence
Jo Ann Harper was more than a coach—she was an educator, a mentor, and a leader who set uncompromising standards that shaped generations of students. For many of us, participating in Penncrest’s women’s athletic program was transformative, instilling resilience, teamwork, and discipline that extended far beyond the field.
Josie’s impact stretched well beyond Penncrest:
Collegiate Coaching & National Leadership: She coached lacrosse at Hollins College before joining Dartmouth in 1981, where she led the team to multiple NCAA tournaments, Ivy League Championships, and an ECAC title. She also coached the U.S. Women’s National Team, including the 1986 World Cup Team.
Trailblazing Administrator: In 2002, she became the first woman Director of Athletics and Recreation at Dartmouth, a groundbreaking achievement in Ivy League history. She was named National Administrator of the Year and received the Katherine Ley Award for advancing women in athletics.
Hall of Fame Recognition: Her achievements earned her induction into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, West Chester University Hall of Fame, Penncrest Hall of Fame, and others. Dartmouth has since endowed the women’s lacrosse head coaching position in her name.
Caitlin Crumlish, Penncrest High School, Class of 2026
OUR IMPACT ON STUDENTS
ACCESS
Opening doors to higher education and training.
CONFIDENCE
Students who feel seen, supported and believed in.
PERSISTENCE
Reducing financial pressure so students stay on track.
LEADERSHIP
Recognizing character, teamwork and service.
CAREER READINESS
Preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong success.
THE DELAWARE COUNTY IMPACT PIPELINE
YOUR SUPPORT CREATES GENERATIONAL CHANGE
A student's today. A leader's tomorrow. A stronger Delaware County forever.
OUTCOMES FOR DELAWARE COUNTY
TODAY'S STUDENT. TOMORROW'S LEADER
A STRONG PARTNERSHIP. A STRONGER DELAWARE COUNTY.
EDUCATION ACCESS
You help remove barriers and open doors.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
You invest in the future workforce in our county.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
You support local students and local impact.
BRAND GOODWILL
You earn recognition for meaningful change.
“
Sports have been an irreplaceable part of my life and I am so grateful for the experiences and traits they have brought me, including being a part of this scholarship fund and Coach Harper’s legacy.
— CAITLIN C.
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026
