Abington Heights
On May 8, second, third and fourth grade students from Clarks Summit Elementary represented their school at the NEPA Sports Challenge, hosted by NEIU at North Pocono Middle School. The event welcomed students in grades three through 12 from across Lackawanna County for a day filled with athletic activities and team spirit.
Participants from Lisa Kintner’s and Ashlee Miller’s classes joined students from across the region in a variety of events designed to promote fun, fitness and inclusivity. Prior to departure, the entire school community rallied behind their student athletes — lining the hallways with handmade signs and cheers to show their support.
The student athletes were Patrick Dupree, Kardan Hagen, Kai Quinn, Pierce Walter, John Figured, Jaime Morales, Nathan Sanchez, Connor Dean, Christopher Delos Santos, Jackson Eckstein, David Meyers, Reagan Saxe, Jonathan Reyes-Torres and Levi Parry.
The day was packed with excitement and memorable moments, according to school officials. Patrick shared, “The parachute event was my favorite!” Connor added that he enjoyed “the parachute and Frisbee” activities and had fun “tumbling” during breaks. Nathan reported, “My favorite events were the obstacle course and the cone-ball relay.”
Families, classmates, teachers and staff were on hand to cheer for the students, making it a day full of encouragement, enthusiasm and celebration. The NEPA Sports Challenge continues to be an annual tradition, spotlighting student ability, perseverance and community support.
Blue Ridge
Lennon Paterno, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
Third grader Lennon Paterno won the third grade competition in Blue Ridge Elementary School’s Oral Reading Contest. Homeroom teachers select two or three students from their class to participate, and students are encouraged to act out their reading and show expression to entertain their audience of teachers, parents and grade-level peers. Lennon read an excerpt from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
On participating, she said, “I felt nervous, but once I started doing it that wore off.” To prepare, Lennon said, “I just read the part so much that I could memorize every single word.”
When asked how winning felt, she said, “I felt really happy and excited.”
Outside of school, Lennon — who would like to be an art teacher when she grows up because she loves painting, drawing and coloring — participates in Upward basketball, Blue Ridge Little League softball and BR Triplets cheer. She also takes ballet lessons at Conklin Dance Academy and is looking forward to her upcoming recital.
Carbondale Area
Jacob Paniagua, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)
Senior Jacob Paniagua attended the Watershed trips, where he learned about the past, present and future impact on the local environment and different ways the community could improve the local landscape.
“Even the most neglected and damaged places can be redeemed, and it is a great reminder a positive change is possible anywhere as long as people are willing to do what is necessary,” he said.
Jacob also volunteers to clean up the Heritage Trail.
He will be attending Penn State for multidisciplinary studies.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Semper Kurtonic, CTC (Submitted)
Semper Kurtonic, a sophomore at Valley View High School in the automotive program, has exhibited a natural talent in the program, according to school officials.
As a first-year student, he has put forth great effort, exhibited profound dedication to learning and demonstrated a remarkable grasp of the material, they said.
School officials added Semper’s polite demeanor and display of leadership skills make him a pleasure to have in class. He is always willing to help in the classroom and shop area, where he is often seen giving his peers a helping hand if needed. They said they truly look forward to watching Semper grow in his skills and continue on his path to success at CTC.
“No matter the struggle, make sure you stick to your dreams,” Semper said. “Always faithful, Semper Fidelis.”
Outside of school, Semper volunteers at CJ’s Big Gun Garage in Dickson City, an automotive shop, and helps with small engine repair for his friends and family. After high school, he plans on enlisting in the Marine Corps as a 3521 (field mechanic) or attending Universal Technical Institute to study diesel or automotive technology.
Delaware Valley
Philip Fitzpatrick, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)
Junior Philip Fitzpatrick is a two-time student of the month.
“Sports like cross country and track sometimes feel like the main reason that brings me to school every day. Although I love school and learning, the thought of having to practice after school makes my day better,” he said.
Philip’s activities include cross country and track, National Honor Society, member of Mu Alpha Theta and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
Dunmore
On April 26, three teams of talented sixth grade students from the elementary center proudly represented their school at the Ninth Annual NEPA Girls STEM Competition, sponsored by the United Way.
The teams — Gadget Girls (Avery Fangio, Nora Gallagher and Emily Richardson), Sassy Scientists (Hope McKenna, Maggie O’Malley and Reilly Urbina), and Gene Geniuses (Lucy Timlin and Kara Michalczyk) — competed across four categories: science, technology, engineering and math.
In the fourth-sixth grade division, the Sassy Scientists captured first place in the technology event and earned an impressive third-place finish overall. Meanwhile, the Gene Geniuses excelled in mathematics, taking first place in the math category. The Gadget Girls also had a strong showing, placing fifth overall.
All three teams demonstrated remarkable perseverance and teamwork, particularly during a challenging engineering build. Their dedication, work ethic and resilience will no doubt lead to continued success in the future, the school said.
Elk Lake
Kylee Pond, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Freshman Kylee Pond is a member of the Aevidum club. This club promotes mental health awareness and works to create a positive school climate for the district.
Kylee is incredibly smart, kind and responsible, district officials said. She is the first to offer assistance and her time to the initiatives of the club. Recently, she helped organize and deliver the items that had been sold for a fundraiser. The school couldn’t have completed the fundraiser so efficiently and accurately without her.
“I always enjoy helping others and being there for the club when they need it most. Aevidum has helped shape many students into great individuals by the way it is run and the way it promotes good mental health,” Kylee said.
Her other activities include cross country, basketball, track and field, key club, student council and National Junior Honor Society.
Kylee plans on attending college in Florida to pursue a career in pediatric nursing.
Forest City Regional
Abby Kulick, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)
Senior Abby Kulick ran three blood drives at school with a total of 26-plus hours for her graduation project. Abby had to check in the donors, helped people do the rapid pass (prescreening) and asked for baked good donations in addition to baking herself. She recruited donations for the drives as well. Abby made the schedules and worked with the faculty adviser of the blood drives, Sandy Morahan.
“Knowing I was helping people and save lives was the best part of this project,” Abby said.
She is also a member of art club (treasurer), Envirothon, chorus, Aevidum club, yearbook committee and National Honor Society.
Abby plans on attending Penn State University in the fall for forensic science.
Lackawanna Trail
Shelby Malamud, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)
Eighth grader Shelby Malamud was one of seven girls chosen for the direct select United States Specialty Sports Association All-American games in Viera, Florida, taking place July 28 through Aug. 2. Shelby tried out alongside more than 200 girls in Jackson, New Jersey.
“It was all or nothing for me,” she said. “When I found out about the USSSA All-American games my goal was to work hard and receive a direct invite.”
In addition to softball, she is a member of the cross country and the field hockey teams, serves as the eighth grade treasurer and is involved in student council. In addition, she is a recent inductee into the Junior National Honor Society and is a youth group leader at her church. After high school, she plans to go to college and continue her softball career, with her dream school being the University of Oklahoma.
Lakeland
Jaclyn Nally, Lakeland (Submitted)
Senior Jaclyn Nally was recently recognized by the school board as outstanding senior of the month.
“It’s nice to know that my teachers and those who run the school see that I’m working hard and recognize that,” she said. “It feels good to know that it’s all worth it.”
Jaclyn’s activities include National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, track and field, soccer, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Future Business Leaders of America, yearbook, reading team, Aevidum and Scholastic Bowl, and she works two jobs outside of school. After high school, Jaclyn plans to attend a four-year college for mechanical engineering.
Mid Valley
Emma Campbell, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)
Freshman Emma Campbell ran Mid Valley’s pet drive, including grades 7-12.
“I have always been very passionate about animals and how they are treated and cared for,” she said.
Emma’s activities include student council, Leo club, art club, RAK club, outdoor adventure club, dance, dog training and volunteering with Friends with Paws Pet Rescue.
After high school, she plans to continue doing work at the rescue where she volunteers, as well as do more at the dog training facility, Disciplined Savage K9.
North Pocono
Justin Fontanella, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)
Justin Fontanella is a well-rounded student, not only in STEM courses but also in extracurricular activities, according to the school.
Justin challenges himself by taking AP physics 2, AP chemistry, AP U.S. history, AP calculus AB and AP English language. Justin will finish high school with 11 AP classes and 30 dual enrollment credits. Additionally, he has been recognized as an AP Scholar.
Throughout his high school career, Justin has been involved with Mathletes, Mini-THON, student council and SADD. Outside of the classroom, Justin enjoys playing golf and soccer with his friends. Justin has won two district championships while captaining the boy’s soccer team for all four high school years. Justin has also progressed in golf, reaching an 8 handicap after playing for only two years.
If he’s not hitting the books or playing sports, he is likely playing chess. Justin plays chess anytime he has free time, progressing to 1800 Elo, an impressive international ranking. He has won two U.S. Chess tournaments in Pennsylvania and a Virginia Tech chess tournament which his sister got him into.
Justin, an all-around solid student who strives to be his best every day, is planning to attend Penn State for chemical and nuclear engineering.
Old Forge
Alex Schlegel, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)
Seventh grader Alex Schlegel was chosen through a NEPA music teachers’ honors audition, in which those who did the best would advance to Carnegie Hall.
“I played a song called ‘Sunset on the Alps’ by Theodor Oesten. I felt nervous before the performance, but I worked through it and felt very relieved after,” he said.
Alex is involved in baseball and football at the school, and he plans to work on those sports and other skills in the future.
Riverside
Oliver Rutkowski, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Charlie Henn, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Bianca Wincovitch, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Madelyn Lambert, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
The students in Shawn Murphy’s fourth grade Pennsylvania history classes participated in “‘Marker Tour 25.”
They visited eight state historic markers throughout Lackawanna County and served as junior tour guides for their parents as they read the markers and gave additional historical information about past places and events. The day ended with a picnic with their families at Nay Aug Park.
“I read about the old Rocky Glen Park in Moosic and how it had a huge roller coaster,” Oliver Rutkowski said.
Charlie Henn added, “I learned how cool it was to go to Rocky Glen years back. I also learned about the coal miners’ strike in 1902.”
Bianca Wincovitch said, “The John Mitchell statue by the courthouse was interesting. I really liked the engraving of the coal mining family on the back of it! The family looked so poor and sad.”
Madilyn Lambert added, “I read about the Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad passenger car at Nay Aug Park. It is so old! I couldn’t believe how big the Lackawanna Iron Furnaces are!”
Valley View
Dhruhil Patel, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Senior Dhruhil Patel has been selected as senior of the month in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“Technology brings the world together,” he said.
When Dhruhill isn’t hard at work in the classroom, he spends his time working at a gas station after school.
Upon graduation from high school, he plans on working toward his associate degree in IT at Johnson College.
Wayne Highlands
Logan Olver, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Damascus School eighth grader Logan Olver recently wrote his first book, “The Forgotten Lands – Realm of Tyranny.” He began the writing process when he was 10 years old. Inspired by a close family friend and his favorite book series, Logan was able to spend some time writing his book while healing from a broken collarbone.
He said the biggest challenges he faced during the process were, “dealing with writer’s block, finding the time to write and choosing the front cover of the book.” With help from his grandmother, Logan’s book went through the editing and publishing process and is now for sale on Amazon, and there is a copy of his book in the Honesdale High School library. He just finished writing the second book of the series and it is currently in the editing process.
Logan is also involved in 4-H, horseback riding, CCD, band, track and field, wrestling and robotics. He is still unsure where his future will take him, but likely wants to attend Penn State University.
Western Wayne
Tyler Fagan, Western Wayne (Submitted)
EverGreen Elementary School kindergartner Tyler Fagan joined the Boy Scouts of America’s Cub Scout program this year and is a Lion Scout in Pack 102. School officials say he enjoys being with his friends and learning about the environment.
Tyler says that he is learning helpful things like leaving nature the way you found it.
School officials say he is an excellent student who is hardworking and helpful to his classmates.
Tyler, who wants to be a game warden so he can help animals, is also involved in karate and has earned three stripes on his belt, and is at the coach pitch level in Western Wayne Little League.