Blue Ridge
Sarah Stallings, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
Eighth grader Sarah Stallings is recognized as an enthusiastic learner who shows strong self-motivation and a consistent drive for excellence. She recently conducted a research project through the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, where she investigated whether cold stratification is necessary for plant germination.
Sarah planted and compared germination rates of different groups of seeds to determine which grew most successfully and will present her findings at the regional competition on Feb. 28 at Wilkes University.
Reflecting on her PJAS experience, she said, “It was a lot of fun because I got to research more about a topic that I am interested in.” While Sarah is excited to share her findings, she admits she is a little nervous about presenting her work.
Outside the classroom, Sarah has played the violin for seven years and takes private lessons. She is active in National Junior Honor Society and 4-H Jackson Pin Thimblers, where she serves as secretary and participates in fundraisers, volunteer projects and community service, including visiting nursing home residents and working in the garden. Sarah is also a member of the Leo Club, helping organize food bags and raising money for those in need through hat days and other fundraisers. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and gardening.
After high school, Sarah plans to attend college and pursue a career as a physical therapist.
Carbondale Area
Fifth grade students at Carbondale Area Elementary School shared their love with the military in Guam.
This past Valentine’s Day, students put their hearts into a special project to show appreciation for the men and women firefighters serving in the United States military stationed at Anderson Air Force Base. Dominic Gigliotti, a teacher’s son, serves on the base.
Each student created a handmade valentine, complete with thoughtful messages and colorful artwork, to send smiles and gratitude their way. Students learned about the importance of service and sacrifice while reflecting on ways to give back to those that protect our country.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Demaree Weissman, CTC (Submitted)
Demaree Weissman, a senior at North Pocono High School in the patient care technician program, has been an exemplary student in the program, according to school officials. She has consistently demonstrated dedication, reliability and a self-driven attitude, which has led to her academic excellence in the program, they said. In addition to her academic achievements, Demaree is mature, poised and a pleasure to work with, they added.
She is a co-op student at Geisinger Community Medical Center, where Demaree has done exceptionally well, embracing the experience and handling a high-stress setting with confidence and maturity. She is eager to learn, takes initiative to absorb as much as she can, follows the direction of medical staff and consistently helps wherever needed — always with a positive attitude and without complaint, they said. These are truly invaluable qualities and reflect the professionalism expected of a strong member of the health care team, according to school officials. While in the program, Demaree has obtained her OSHA10 for health care and her Mandated Reporter certifications.
“I’m honored to be recognized, and my accomplishments remind me why I chose this path,” she said. “My achievement reflects the support of my teachers, family and mentors who believed in me. This achievement encourages me to keep working toward my goal of helping people during some of the most critical moments of their lives.”
At North Pocono, Demaree is a football and basketball cheerleader. At CTCLC, she is a student ambassador and recently won a gold medal in the Basic Healthcare competition in the SkillsUSA District Competition. Demaree will compete at the state level in April.
After graduation, she plans to major in biology or biochemistry as she pursues a future in the medical field, particularly in trauma care.
Delaware Valley
Ruby Bailor, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)
Senior Ruby Bailor is an AP Scholar with distinction and RIT art and design scholarship award winner.
“Being involved in school activities has helped me shape my personal identity and explore my interests, as well as introduced me to so many amazing people,” she said.
Ruby’s activities include Model UN, mock trial, Scholastic Bowl, environmental club, debate club, drama club, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society and Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society.
She plans on studying secondary history education and minoring in fine arts.
Elk Lake
Sophia Strope, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Freshman Sophia Strope is a member of the varsity basketball cheerleading squad, which recently placed first in a Tri-State Cheer Challenge.
“I’m so proud of my squad for working hard and getting first place at the competition. This is a great group of girls and I’m super grateful for this season with them,” Sophia said.
In addition, she’s played the trumpet in the band for four years.
Sophia’s plans are to go to college to be a crime scene investigator or some other position in criminology.
Forest City Regional
Caleb Corey, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)
Caleb Corey, grade 12, helped younger students with course assignments and study skills during his lunch breaks for his senior project.
“I enjoyed that I could help younger students and help them in areas of struggle. And help them get their grades up and be successful,” he said.
Caleb’s activities include National Honor Society, class president, cross country, ski team, student council (10th) and Red Cross blood drives (seven-time donor).
He plans on attending college in the fall for engineering.
Lackawanna Trail
Freya Fisher, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)
Sophomore Freya Fisher’s artwork has been chosen to be on display at the Wyoming County Health Center in Tunkhannock, and more recently, it has been chosen to be on display at the Everhart Museum in Scranton.
“My favorite part about making artwork is challenging myself to try new styles and use new materials,” she said.
Freya’s activities are band, jazz band, Inclusion Club, Interact Club, ski club and art club. She plans on attending college and art school after high school.
Mid Valley
Reeve Owen, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)
Sophomore Reeve Owen earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2024 at the age of 14. His Eagle Scout project was a beautification campaign at St. Mary’s Visitation Parish in Dickson City. He led a team of Scouts and family members to improve the landscaping around the building.
“The rank of Eagle Scout shows a lot of hard work, dedication and a large time commitment. I’m happy to be a role model for the younger Scouts in my troop and show them what they’re able to achieve,” Reeve said.
His activities include cross country, track and field, concert band (alto saxophone), District Band and the Marywood Wind Celebration Band.
Reeve would like to go to college to become a survey engineer.
North Pocono
Riley Rooney, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)
Riley Rooney is challenging herself in her senior year of high school in order to better prepare herself for college by taking demanding classes such as AP chemistry, AP psychology and AP English literature and composition.
Throughout all four years of high school, she has consistently achieved high honors and is currently ranked in the top 20 of her class. She has been taking advanced classes since her freshman year and has taken five AP classes by her senior year.
Riley is involved in many clubs, such as Mini-Thon, prom committee, finance club and period club. She is an active member of the National Honor Society and the student council. She is also a member of the varsity football cheer, varsity basketball cheer and girls lacrosse team. Riley is currently employed at the Olde Brook Inn.
She plans to attend the University of Delaware’s Honors College with a major in kinesiology. She one day hopes to earn a doctorate in physical therapy, specializing in pediatrics.
Old Forge
Lana Clements, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)
Freshman Lana Clements was named Devil Pride student for the month of January.
“I felt good receiving a Devil Pride award. A student who follows school rules and expectations consistently across settings (classroom, hallway, cafeteria, bus), showing others they can be trusted to do the right thing. This behavior reflects dependability as part of Devil Pride. My hard work as a Devil Pride student also reflects being a team member on the girls basketball team,” she said.
Lana’s activities include basketball, softball, Spanish club and soccer.
She would like to attend college in the future and focus her study in the medical field.
Riverside
Nick Castro, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Nick Castro and his classmates are learning about magnetic forces in Jen Haggerty’s third grade science class.
“The forces repel or attract depending on what side of the magnet is being faced,” Nick stated.
The students were shown magnetic tricks, including the floating paper clip, which demonstrates the forces of gravity and magnetism working together to make the force balanced. “I liked all the neat tricks because they were so interesting. I want to be a scientist when I grow up,” Nick added.
Scranton
Muhammad Blanco, Scranton (Submitted)
Northeast Intermediate School fifth grader Muhammad Blanco participated in the Northern League wrestling tournament’s 12U 115-pound bracket, representing the West Scranton Junior Alumni Club, and secured a second place finish.
He aspires to join the Northeast Intermediate wrestling team upon reaching seventh grade.
Valley View
Max Kissell, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Max Kissell has been selected as student of the month for art.
“Thank you Ms. Burge and many other teachers for helping me improve and continue to improve on my journey with art,” he said.
Outside of school, Max enjoys drawing and is currently both writing and illustrating his own comic. He is also an active member of Students Against Destructive Decisions and art club. Max works part time at Goodwill, and in his free time he enjoys playing a variety of games.
Max was accepted to Luzerne County Community College, where he plans to pursue a two-year degree in game design and art.
Wayne Highlands
Jesse Balsam, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Honesdale High School senior Jesse Balsam spearheaded an effort, along with other National Honor Society members, to write a grant that earned an award of $1,000 for the Honesdale Food Initiative.
“With the help of the other NHS officers, I wrote a $1,000 grant for the Honesdale Food Initiative,” he said. “I first learned about the opportunity from Ms. Higgins, who shared that some students at our school were experiencing food insecurity and weren’t always sure when they would have their next meal.
“The grant was originally intended to support both the food bank and our NHS Friday Backpack Program, but after our food drive brought in more food than we expected, we decided to use the full grant amount towards the backpack program. The Friday Backpack Program sends students home with a bag of shelf-stable food each Friday to help cover the weekend. Many people in the school and community contribute to the program and it wouldn’t be possible without them. This community does a lot to support students, and writing the grant felt like a meaningful way to give back.”
Jesse, who plans to attend college and major in mathematics, is a four-year member of the varsity wrestling team, secretary of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and the Chamber of the Northern Poconos Junior Leadership. He is also a peer tutor and a senior mentor.
Western Wayne
Brody Warholic, Western Wayne (Submitted)
EverGreen Elementary School kindergartner Brody Warholic is an amazing student, according to school officials. He works hard and is always kind to his friends. Brody likes to read and write, especially about his dog, Bonnie. His illustrations are very creative and always involve a dog.
“When Bonnie is running slowly, her tail is slanted up,” Brody said. “I like to draw Bonnie and go to recess. I’m drawing a yacht that Bonnie is living in.”
He takes piano lessons and is getting ready for T-ball in the spring. When Brody grows up, he wants to build his house and live in it, like his dad.