Scott Thomas Garlick

Scott Thomas Garlick, born March 22, 1990, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, touched the lives of many with his steady kindness, creativity, and energy. A senior at Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, Scott balanced school, work, and community with a quietly determined warmth. He studied electronics at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center, where he earned Senior of the Year honors in electronic technology and served as vice president of SkillsUSA — recognition of both his skill and his willingness to lead and help others.

Scott could often be found with a guitar or saxophone in hand, writing music and playing alongside friends and family. He enjoyed playing soccer for his high school team, running around with friends, and the friendly competition of paintball. Scott was proud of his first car, a Pontiac Sunfire that carried his GARLICK license plate; small tokens like that reflected a young man excited about ordinary freedoms and the future he was building.

To support his plans for continued study, Scott had accepted a scholarship to attend Pennsylvania Highlands Community College to pursue further training in technology. He also worked after school at the Subway restaurant on 58th Street in Altoona — a job he held with responsibility and a commitment to contribute to his own path.

Scott is remembered by his parents, James L. and Amy K. (Niemeier) Garlick; his brothers Ryan and James “Chris”; and his grandparents John T. and Thelma Garlick, among other family and friends. He attended Dry Run Independent Baptist Church and Puzzletown Road Bible Church, communities where he and his family were known and loved.

In memory of Scott’s life and promise, his family established the Scott Garlick Memorial Scholarship through the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation to support students pursuing electronics technology and to honor the qualities he showed in life: hard work, creativity, and care for others. Those who remember Scott recall a young man who enjoyed life, valued his family and friends, and approached his future with enthusiasm. His memory endures through the scholarship and the many small, everyday ways he brightened the lives around him.