Jeff Conrad

MIFFLINTOWN — A Juniata High School graduate who built a national career in agricultural investment is giving back to the district where his journey began. Jeff Conrad, a 1983 JHS alumnus, has donated $12,300 to the Juniata County School District to help launch its new esports program.

The donation was accepted by the Juniata County School District Board of Directors during its meeting on Thursday night at the administration office in Mifflintown. Each junior high and high school in the district — grades 7 through 12 — is expected to establish its own program by the fall, based on interest surveys conducted by school officials.

Conrad, who grew up on a dairy farm in Juniata County, credits local opportunities — including 4-H and FFA — with helping shape his future. After graduating from Penn State, he spent three decades in agricultural finance, eventually founding AgIS Capital, a Boston-based investment firm that manages large-scale farms across the country.

Director Mark Wagner has known Conrad since the two served in youth agricultural and leadership organizations. “It’s quite generous of him to support our esports program,” Wagner said.

Despite his national footprint, Conrad has remained committed to supporting youth in his home county. His latest gift will help the district cover startup costs as Juniata County students join the fast-growing world of competitive gaming.

District officials said the donation will accelerate plans to offer students a new avenue for teamwork, strategy and STEM-aligned skills. Esports, now recognized by colleges nationwide, provides scholarship pathways and competitive opportunities for students who may not participate in traditional athletics.

Quoted in a Penn State publication, Conrad said his goal is simple: to open doors for the next generation.

“I want kids in Juniata County to have every opportunity possible,” he said.

In 2016, Conrad donated $105,000 to create an endowed scholarship at Penn State for students from Juniata County, who plan to major in agricultural sciences or business.

The school board also accepted two other donations:

• $1,000 from Cedar Grove Brethren in Christ Church for the Juniata High School Student Council’s Juniata Essentials program;

• $1,000 from Millerstown Moose Lodge to East Juniata Elementary School’s special education and life skills activity fund.

TJHS entrance, EJ restroom bids

The school board approved contracts with Crider Mitchell Construction LLC, of Lewistown, for three construction projects:

•An accessible entrance at Tuscarora Junior High School in Mifflintown, to include a ramp and secure entrance area. According to a bid sheet, the cost is $106,662.58.

•Renovation to an inside entrance at the junior high for $11,672.

•An accessible restroom and concession area at East Juniata High School. According to the bid sheet, the cost will be $38.134.59.

Facility use request

The school board approved Robert Digon’s request for Juniata County Early Childhood Services to use the Juniata Elementary School cafeteria for parent meetings on April 9, at no fee.

Personnel matters

The school board approved:

•Retirement of Joan E. Foltz, teacher at Juniata Elementary School, and Donald A. Parson Jr., teacher at Tuscarora Junior High School, both effective June 4;

•Resignation of Drew I. Bennett, student intern, Tuscarora Junior High School, effective April 13;

•Hiring Ashley M. Brubaker, vocational-agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at East Juniata High School, at a salary of $48,229 annually, effective date to be determined. She replaced Steven McLaughlin, who retired.

•Hiring summer maintenance staff of Amelia Smith, at an hourly rate of $11.50 per hour; and Blaine Imes and Jadon Nealman, at $15 per hour;

•Molly Noel, attending a masterclass/recital, Messiah University, Grantham, on March 30; Benjamin Wilson, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Conference, Pocono Manor, April 23; and Megan Russell attending the PMEA All-State Conference, Pocono Manor, on April 24;

•Hiring Gavin Kint, assistant tennis coach, Juniata High School; Paris Feltman, assistant junior high school girls soccer coach at East Juniata; and Tayden Miller, volunteer tennis coach, at Juniata High School. Kint and Feltman were erroneously listed as volunteer coaches on the March 19 agenda.

•Hiring Malin E. Kint as a translator and interpreter, at an hourly rate of $30.

•Hiring Marilyn Garner, Robert Hart and Joan Fultz as drivers.

Field trips

The school board approved the following field trips:

•9 to 18 East Juniata Theatre Group students to attend technical theater workshops, Penn State, Saturday, April 11;

•Eight Juniata music students to attend Music Monday Event, Week of the Young Child at Juniata County Head Start, Mifflintown, Monday, April 13;

•*10 Juniata High School students, clothing distribution, Helping Hands of Juniata County, Mifflintown, Wednesday, April 22;

•East Juniata High School FFA, Creed Competition, Millerstown, Thursday, April 23;

•Juniata High School FFA, trout release, Belleville, Friday, May 1;

•7 physics students, Physics Day activities, Hersheypark, Hershey, Thursday, May 21;

•Tuscarora Junior High School FFA Club, field trip, Turkey Hill Experience, Columbia, Thursday, May 28;

•Senior high school football players, leadership and obstacle course, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Tuesday, June 30;

•Senior high school football players, team camp, Schuylkill Haven High School, Schuylkill Haven, Thursday, July 9.

*Indicates trips for which transportation is not district-funded.

Next meeting

The school board will hold a workshop meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, and a regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, at the administration building in Mifflintown.