Blue Ridge
Harper Gallagher, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
Eighth grader Harper Gallagher performed as part of the Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band at the Scranton Hilton on May 3. She has been playing alto saxophone for four years.
Harper was also recognized as the Blue Ridge Middle School Artist of the Month in November. In December, she performed in the Junior Wind Band Celebration at Marywood University and received the Conductor’s Award. She is a member of the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble at Marywood University. Harper has also participated in County Band Fest and Jazz Fest the last two years, where she has performed feature solos.
On what got her into music, she said, “At first I wasn’t interested, but once I started playing I found it was fun and got into it.” When asked about playing at festivals and with ensembles, Harper said, “I like meeting new people and playing new and challenging songs.”
She is also active in athletics as a member of the Blue Ridge soccer, basketball and softball teams. Following high school, Harper would like to study music and seek a career as a performer.
Carbondale Area
Sylvia Condida, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)
Eighth grader Sylvia Condida’s essay was among the top five in the National Civics Bee Competition, where she addressed the issue of inflation in her community.
“I had a great experience at the competition. The essay I wrote taught me about the effect inflation has on the local community,” she said.
Sylvia’s activities include band, writing and art.
She plans on furthering her education in college after high school.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Nathan Phillips, CTC (Submitted)
School officials say Nathan Phillips’ infectious smile and positive attitude brighten everyone’s day at CTC. The Lakeland High School junior in the building mechanics program’s proactive, go-getter mindset has been instrumental in his success within the building mechanics program, they said.
While in the program, Nathan has obtained his OSHA10 certification and is enrolled in Lackawanna College petroleum and natural gas classes through the CTC. At CTC, Nathan actively serves as a student ambassador, enthusiastically leading tours, engaging with students at career fairs, and championing the value of career and technical education.
“Thank you for the recognition,” he said.
Nathan enjoys being outside, hanging with friends and family, working and staying busy with mini projects. He also loves quad riding.
Although only a junior, Nathan plans to get his CDL, enroll in Lackawanna College’s petroleum and natural gas program full time, or continue in the construction trades.
Delaware Valley
Ava Kraszewski, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)
Senior Ava Kraszewski is a two-time student athlete of the month, two-time girls lacrosse MVP, Blue Ridge Cable athlete of the week, Max Preps PA player of the week, point and goal career record holder and goals in a season record holder.
“Being involved has fostered lifelong friendships for me,” she said.
Ava’s activities include Student Athletic Advisory Committee (president), class of 2025 secretary, National Honor Society, varsity lacrosse and field hockey, unified bocce ball, Morgan’s Message Ambassador, student council, Del.Aware staff writer/community news co-editor and Rho Kappa.
She will be attending Mount St. Mary’s University Honors College and playing Division 1 lacrosse.
Dunmore
The following students were nominated and selected as students of the month for January. They were selected by their teachers. They are: Ezekiel Echevarria, grade 7; Oliver Soriano, grade 8; Russell Toole, grade 9; Jackson Harding, grade 10; Julia Noto, grade 11; and Jack DiCindio, grade 12.
These students are considered under the following criteria: displays excellent character, follows rules and expectations, maintains good attendance, displays a positive attitude toward learning, participates in class, demonstrates full effort and works to their potential, acts as a positive role model for fellow students and promotes the school as a proud member of the school community.
Elk Lake
Madison Ryan, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Eighth grader Madison Ryan is a recipient of the Bishop’s Youth Award hosted by the Diocese of Scranton. Celebrated with Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton, Bishop Bambera honored students who were nominated for the faith they exemplify in their parish communities. She is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Wyalusing.
“To earn this award I’ve been doing Girl Scouts for eight years and I’m a senior cadette in Girl Scouts. Every year I have received a faith badge from my church. I help out the community and I also help my grandma announce hymns for my church,” Madison said.
In addition to Girl Scouts, her activities include band, chorus, cross country, basketball and track.
Madison plans on being a nurse or a veterinarian after high school.
Forest City Regional
Junior leadership graduation was held Wednesday with five juniors completing the Northern Pocono Chamber of Commerce program. Debbie Gillette runs the program for Western Wayne, Wallenpaupack, Honesdale and Forest City Regional high schools.
The students who graduated were Mehlayia St. Hilaire, Caleb Corey, Ethan Silfee, Kyleigh Haser and Alexys Baskin. They went once a month to hear speakers about careers and learned about Wayne County and multiple work opportunities.
This program takes place once every two years.
Lackawanna Trail
James Rasimovitch, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)
Senior James Rasimovitch was selected as Student of the Month for March at the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center.
“I am honored to receive this opportunity,” he said. “I’d like to thank my best friend for always being by my side. I’d also like to thank Coach Jervis for letting me be a student first and an athlete second. Lastly, I’d like to thank my parents for always supporting me no matter what.”
James, who is committed to Wilkes University, participates in varsity football, drama club, art club, Unified Bocce, Unified Track and Field, and varsity track and field.
Lakeland
Michael Dunstone, Lakeland (Submitted)
Throughout his senior year, Michael Dunstone is participating in a co-op through Geisinger Community Medical Center. He works there from 7 to 11 a.m., five days a week, primarily in the pharmacy. He has gotten exposure to most facets of the hospital system and has even been able to view an active open heart surgery through his experience.
“It has been easy for me to fit right in as an employee there,” Michael said. “I feel like I learn something new every day, and I’m super grateful for the opportunity.”
His activities are track and field and being an altar server at St. John Vianney Parish, and he is very active in going to the gym. After high school, Michael plans to go to the University of Pittsburgh to earn his doctorate in pharmacy.
Mid Valley
Justin Osman, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)
Senior Justin Osman is president of the newspaper club.
“Being part of the newspaper club for years taught me so much about writing, leadership and collaboration, and becoming editor-in-chief my senior year is so meaningful. I’ve loved being part of this story from the beginning and I’m definitely going to miss it,” he said.
Justin’s activities include tennis, golf, mock trial, history club, newspaper, Spanish club and yearbook.
He plans on studying business in college.
North Pocono
Angelina Anzalone is taking advantage of the academic offerings in her senior year to prepare for college by forgoing study halls with challenging classes such as physics, psychology, human physiology, English literature and composition, and calculus. With a full course load, she achieved honor roll status every quarter this year. Angelina began taking high school accelerated classes her sophomore year, and by senior year she has taken five AP classes.
Angelina is a member of the lacrosse team and National Honors Society. She is also an active member of her community; in her free time, she volunteers at St. Catherine’s Church. She is currently employed as a supervisor by Eagle Lake Community Association.
After graduating, Angelina will attend Marywood University to major in business management.
Old Forge
James Kupetz, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)
Sophomore James Kupetz was the winner in the high school chemistry exam given by the Susquehanna Valley Section of the American Chemical Society.
“I was surprised to see that I was a winner because it was a difficult test. I was happy to see that I had done well and I was excited to realize that I would be recognized at a special banquet. I am also grateful to my chemistry teacher, Mrs. Rupprecht, for taking the time to help me prepare for this exam,” he said.
James is involved in golf, drama club, Leo club, French club, PTSO, chess club and scholastic team.
He plans on attending college to study engineering after high school but he has not decided where as of now.
Riverside
Nasir Lincoln, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
The students in grades 5 and 6 participated in the annual field day athletic contests organized by Bob Coyle, elementary physical education teacher. A medal ceremony will follow in the coming weeks.
“I did the push-ups activity and did more than I usually do at home,” said Nasir Lincoln, grade 5. “It was so competitive even if I didn’t place,” he added. “Watching the others compete was so much fun!”
Valley View
Izabella White, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Senior Izabella White has been selected as senior of the month in family and consumer science.
Izabella is very hands-on in her Farm to Table class, always willing to lend a helping hand. When asked how she felt about being selected as senior of the month in this category, Izabella said, “I like to help others the same way I would want to be helped.”
In her spare time, Izabella enjoys creating art, cooking and drama/theater.
Upon graduation from high school, Izabella plans to attend Lackawanna College, with a focus on entering the field of social work in the future.
Wallenpaupack Area
Zach Dittus, Wallenpaupack Area (Submitted)
Senior Zach Dittus attended the National Student Leadership Conference at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and the Aerospace Engineering Academy at Rice University in Houston, during the summer of 2024.
“These experiences provided me with many different opportunities to prepare me for my future, such as networking, aerospace engineering prep and leadership development,” he said.
His activities include one year on the freshman basketball team, three years on the varsity basketball team, two years on the varsity track and field team, one year on the football team and a National Honor Society member for three years. After high school, Zach plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for aerospace engineering.
Wayne Highlands
Clark Roden, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Eighth grader Clark Roden and his Wayne Highlands Middle School Science Olympiad team recently qualified for the state competition, which took place on April 26 at Penn State Altoona. As a first-time competitor, he returned home with two medals: a second-place finish in Dynamic Planet and a fourth-place finish in Metric Mastery.
“I chose to compete in Dynamic Planet because I am interested in how the world fits together. I learned a lot about glaciers,” Clark said. “I also chose Metric Mastery, which focuses on math concepts, because math is one of my favorite subjects. Joining the Science Olympiad team has helped me overcome my fear of competing. I worked with students I had never met and formed new friendships.”
A high honor roll student and band member, he aspires to become a doctor as he loves science and math.
Western Wayne
Stephanie Maxwell, Western Wayne (Submitted)
Senior Stephanie Maxwell is being recognized for excellence in the performance arts at Western Wayne. She has been in both middle and high school chorus, along with participating in drama club for the past five years.
She played the flower girl in “Cinderella” her eighth grade year, an employee in “Little Shop of Horrors” her freshman year, Alana and Princess No. 2 in “The Little Mermaid” her sophomore year, the Bride ancestor and Wednesday’s understudy in “The Addams Family” her junior year, and Rosie and Sophie’s understudy in “Mamma Mia!” In addition, she is a talented seamstress and serves as student costume mistress for the drama club.
“I have always loved performance arts because of the many characters I have gotten to play over the years,” Stephanie said. “I love to sing.”
In addition, she was a member of the Anime Club and a member of the Reading Team; she also was a Western Wayne cheerleader for 10 years. After graduation, Stephanie plans to attend the University of Alabama to study pre-law.