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Abington Heights
Waverly Elementary School fourth graders Jordan Schoenberg, Rory Farrell, Brayden Spatz, Matthew Fendrock, Timmy Deschaine, Jake McCormack and Matt Riff traveled to Penn State to play in the Middle School State Basketball Championships. Their team, the Abington Alphas, qualified to participate by competing in qualifying tournaments around Pennsylvania for the past six months. The Alphas entered the Fourth Grade Gold Division in second place after narrowly losing to the now state champions in the qualifying tournament at Riverfront Sports. They went 2 for 2 in the state tournament.
The students reported that they were “excited and had a blast!”
Blue Ridge
Sixth grader Thomas Ehrie is a defenseman for the Binghamton Freeze 12 UAA hockey team. He has been playing hockey since he was 3 years old.
Thomas has traveled to play games in many places, including Syracuse, N.Y., Utica, N.Y., and Bridgeport, Conn. At school, he is recognized as a kind person and a strong student that successfully balances his commitments. Thomas’ interest in hockey started with his father and two older brothers. His older brothers Tristan and Troy both currently play for Elmira Impact in the United States Premier Hockey League.
On his love of hockey, Thomas said, “It’s a fun sport to play because of the skating, shooting, playing with your team and making new friends.”
In addition to hockey, Thomas plays soccer and likes to work out. He also enjoys playing video games and hanging out with friends in his free time. After high school, Thomas would like to pursue a career in professional hockey. If that doesn’t work out, he’s interested in the field of technology as a video game designer.
Carbondale Area
Sophomore Clara Crandall had the lead role of Annie in CA’s Drama Club production of “Annie Jr.” last weekend.
“I am honored to have played such a well-known role. It was a great experience,” she said.
Clara’s activities include Spanish club, drama club, student council, National Honor Society, advanced chorus, astronomy club and church choir.
She plans on attending college for a degree in psychology.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Cosmetology instructor Kristina Petrauskas said Marley Bodnar, a senior at Lakeland High School in the cosmetology program, is “an exceptional student who makes us all at CTCLC incredibly proud.”
Petrauskas continued that “her dedication, hard work and achievements set her apart as a true leader in our school community. She successfully earned her state board of cosmetology licensure, has been recognized as student of the month, has been nominated for the National Technical Honor Society and serves as the president of the student ambassadors, always leading with kindness and respect. Marley’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her willingness to help others make her a role model for her peers. Most notably, she has been honored as CTCLC’s Scholar of the Year nominee, a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding work ethic and passion for success. I am incredibly proud to have her represent not only cosmetology but also our school.”
At Lakeland Marley is a member of the National Honor Society, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Future Business Leaders of America, the Student Mentor Program, Unified Tribe, and track and field club. At CTC, in addition to being student ambassador president, she also is a SkillsUSA competitor, SkillsUSA delegate and graduation committee member.
Delaware Valley
Junior Ethan Koloski is a member of the National Honor Society, and a high honor roll and AP student.
“Volunteering has given me a greater appreciation of the community that I live in. Also, playing sports has taught me how to challenge myself and improve for the better,” he said.
Ethan’s additional activities include Student Athletic Advisory Committee, student council, varsity wrestler at 215 weight class, volleyball, volunteer at Grey Towers and volunteer at a local food pantry.
Dunmore
Dunmore had an outstanding showing at the Northeast Pa. Bridge Competition held at North Pocono High School on March 15. Junior Santino Nicastro won first place overall with a bridge weighing 17.61 grams holding a maximum load of 34.050 kilograms, giving him a score of 1,933.56. Senior Oum Patel placed second with a bridge weighing 14.72 grams and holding 26.310 kilograms for a score of 1,787.36. Senior Conor Toole placed fourth with a bridge weighing 23.65 grams and holding 37.230 kilograms for a score of 1,574.21. Additionally, Santino Nicastro won second place in the Excellence in Architecture category.
Santino and Oum will advance to the International Bridge Contest to be held this year in Chicago on April 26.
Elk Lake
Freshman Tessa Overfield volunteers numerous hours at a local cat shelter in the community. She has an internship with Ms. Transue, completing various tasks/jobs for the drama department and the yearbook. She is a member of the chorus and an honor student academically.
“I am honored to have gotten so far as I have both academically and in my life in general. I feel pride in how I’ve helped my community and my honor grades. I thank the people around me for helping me do it,” Tessa said.
Her activities include chorus, drawing and yearbook.
After high school, she plans on going to college to be a mortician/funeral director.
Forest City Regional
Senior Shelby Davis chose to do hours in the Life Skills classroom, the produce market and the local recycling center for her senior project. She helped students with math assignments in the Life Skills classroom, putting in about six or seven hours. She enjoyed this as her future plans include being a teacher. She also helped bag and deliver produce and food to cars for the school produce market six different times. She worked 18 hours over two years with the market.
“The produce market was enjoyable and I was helping people and being active while I volunteered,” Shelby said.
She also donated blood at the school’s blood drives and plans to attend college for special education in the fall.
Lakeland
Seventh grader Brayden Boyarsky was recently recognized as junior high student of the month. His teachers identified him for being a student who “cares about Lakeland, is always on task, is very polite and kind, uses his time productively and is willing to be brave and ask questions.”
“It felt amazing to be student of the month because I work so hard to be respectful to my teachers, involved in what they are teaching me and caring for my fellow students,” Brayden said.
His activities are baseball, football and basketball, and he would like to be a dentist when he is older.
Mid Valley
Senior Miranda Mackrell is a member of the Mid Valley Book Club that won first place in the 2025 NEIU Reading Competition.
“I am excited to have earned first place in the competition, especially after receiving second last year. The dedication my teammates and I put into studying paid off, and it truly was a moment I’ll never forget,” she said.
Miranda’s activities include book club, art club, Spanish club, SADD club, yearbook, photography club, National Honor Society and Remake Learning Days.
She plans to attend Elizabethtown College to major in biochemistry and molecular biology.
North Pocono
Mason Richards has a short day at school before he leaves and goes out to work for Kobalt Construction, where he is currently employed.
While at work, Mason performs masonry. This work consists of finishing concrete, laying block, brick and cultured stone. When he is not at work, he is learning about many different trades through his building mechanics class at CTC. Through Career Tech, Mason has been a part of SkillsUSA. For the past three years, he made states and finished second last year. This year his goal is to finish first at states in April in Hershey.
After school he enjoys playing sports and being part of a team. He was a captain of the varsity football team, as well as a part of the track and field team. Mason also currently works for his father under the company, R.B. Farms. This job consists of working on semi-trucks and loading/unloading and hauling heavy machinery and equipment.
Mason is interested in joining the military after graduation. Ultimately, he wants to work for R.B. Farms and someday take over the family business.
Old Forge
Sophomore Arya Patel received an award for an original piece of creative writing that was elected for publication in Young Writers Anthology.The piece she submitted and that was published was “Saga for Fight or Flight.” This was her third publication in Young Writers.
“I feel so excited and more motivated because it’s been a while since I had another piece of my writing published, and I am just so happy for the opportunity to be published,” Arya said. She added, “The sky’s the limit as long as you put your mind and heart into it, and if you’re truly passionate about something never stop.”
Arya is a member of the drama club, chorus, band, student council, and science and math clubs.
She plans on attending Penn State for biology.
Riverside
The fifth grade chorus and band members performed on stage recently in celebration of Music in our Schools Month. Ella Trolio is a member of the chorus group.
“I love to sing! My favorite song was ‘My Shot’ from Hamilton,” Ella said, adding, “I think kids should join the chorus because it’s fun and you get to be with friends.”
Valley View
Junior Bella Gregori, vice president of the school’s Leo club, has proven to be an exceptional leader and a driving force behind the organization’s success. Her leadership and attention to detail ensure complete success of all club activities, school officials said. Bella’s dedication and selfless commitment were instrumental in coordinating both the Halloween and Christmas parties for the Life Skills students at Valley View School District. Overall, her contributions to the school continually inspire both peers and teachers alike.
“When you’re given the chance, always get out and help with your community. It’s a great experience, and you get to make the best memories from it,” Bella said.
In addition to her academic commitments and volunteer services, Bella participates in a range of extracurricular activities. She enjoys singing, performing and drawing in her personal time. She is the current vice president of the Leo club, and she’s a key member of SADD, student council, National Honor Society and biology club. Plus, she’s a performer in the school musicals.
After high school, Bella plans to attend a four-year college or university to major in musical theater or music therapy.
Wallenpaupack Area
Sixth grader Carli Seaman has been doing 4-H for 11 years. It is about working with other people, getting donations for animal shelters and orphanages, helping other people out, cleaning up roadways and participating in the Wayne County Fair with animals. The club helps out with the ice cream booth at the fair.
“My favorite part is helping out with the roadside cleanup because you help the Earth look more beautiful,” she said.
Her other activities are softball, basketball, parent/teacher organization, band and chorus.
Wayne Highlands
Sixth grader Anna Gladson recently won an annual art contest hosted by VIP to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence and abuse. This year’s theme was respect. She created a vibrant artwork depicting two people holding hands, symbolizing true love and a happy world, with her winning piece displayed on a local billboard.
Anna also won an art contest hosted by the Women’s Club of Honesdale, and her artwork is displayed at the Wayne County Library.
“I am proud of my design and thrilled that so many people can see it on the billboard,” she said. “I love art because it allows me to express my emotions and helps me relax. I believe artwork has the power to bring people together.”
Outside of her art pursuits, Anna is also active in basketball and softball. She participates in the school band and Mrs. B’s art club. She also belongs to a youth group and takes dance classes. In the future, Anna wants to become a teacher or an artist.
Western Wayne
Robert D. Wilson Elementary School third grader Grace Wiseman was honored for her achievements in gymnastics. She has attended classes at Balance Gymnastics for the past four years, takes part in competitions and has won several medals for all-around, vault, beam and floor.
When asked what she thought about being honored, Grace said, “I feel really good about it.” She also said, “At gymnastics, I get to see all of my friends and coaches.”
Grace wants to be a gymnastics coach when she grows up.
