Abington Heights
Roman Forgione, Abington Heights (Submitted)
Carmen Forgione, Abington Heights (Submitted)
Clarks Summit Elementary School first grader Carmen Forgione captured the NEL League Youth Wrestling Championship in his weight class with a dominant 5-0 performance Jan. 24 at West Scranton High School. School officials say his undefeated run reflected exceptional preparation, conditioning and competitive focus.
“We are proud of the discipline and determination he demonstrated throughout the season,” they said.
Over the winter, third grader Roman Forgione performed in a piano recital at Hillside Haven Community Church under the direction of instructor Debbie Pyne. School officials say he demonstrated strong dedication, focus and musical growth in his performance before family and community members.
Blue Ridge
Clarissa Laude, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
Sophomore Clarissa Laude portrayed Briar Rose in the Blue Ridge Theater Department’s production of “Happily Ever Before,” which ran this weekend. It was her seventh performance. Among her favorite parts she has played are Alice Beneike in “Addams Family,” Hippolyta in “Hercules” and Alice in “Bye Bye Birdie.”
One of Clarissa’s favorite things about theater is that you get to step into someone else’s life and not worry about your own problems for a bit. She also enjoys the opportunity to work with new people and make new friends.
“I think it’s a really good show and very funny too,” Clarissa said. “We’ve all worked very hard on it.”
In addition to theater, she is a member of the Susky Ridge Youth Shooting Sports Archery Club and the Leo Club, and volunteers with her grandmother’s Lions Club in Tioga, New York, by helping with book sales and auctions. In her spare time, Clarissa, who aspires to be a hair stylist and teach cosmetology, enjoys reading, baking and watercolor painting.
Carbondale Area
Julian Fedorchak, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)
Senior Julian Fedorchak was named WVIA Artist of the Week. He participated as a percussionist at PMEA District 9 Band and Orchestra festivals, winning first chair percussion at 2025 Marywood Wind Celebration Honors Band.
“Earning my spot in these ensembles has been a great experience for me, as it has given me experience that I need as a musician and allowed me to learn and work with other people,” Julian said.
A percussionist and pianist with Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble, he plays with Marywood University’s Orchestra as well as Symphonic Band and also takes private piano lessons.
Julian plans to attend Kutztown University for a bachelor’s degree in music education with a focus on percussion and to continue studying piano.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Michael Keller, CTC (Submitted)
Michael Keller, a senior at Mid Valley High School in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning program, has been an outstanding student and leader in the classroom and lab in his short time at CTC, according to school officials. He recently won at the SkillsUSA district competition for HVAC and will be representing the school at the state conference in Hershey in April. Michael has earned his OSHA-10, EPA 608 Universal, RLS Certification and Trac Pipe certifications, among others.
“I enjoy HVAC and the ability to repair equipment,” he said. “I am proud to be representing our program at SkillsUSA. Mr. Kraft has been a great teacher and I have learned a lot in this program.”
Michael, who participates in tennis, plays drums in a local rock band and skateboards, plans to pursue a career in the HVAC field after high school, according to school officials.
Delaware Valley
Gabriella Baker, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)
Freshman Gabriella Baker was October student of the month. She took all four core-subject honors classes through middle school and freshman year and one AP class during freshman year.
“It had taken up a good portion of my free time, but had also expanded my friend circle and relationships with my teammates,” she said.
Gabriella’s activities include field hockey and girls basketball manager.
Dunmore
The junior/senior high school recognizes the top academic students each quarter with the Bucks Scholars program. These students have earned high academic achievement and are rewarded with a luncheon after each quarter.
Bucks Scholars for each grade for the second quarter are: Brady Carter, Avery Fangio, Coda Haikes, Hope McKenna, Kara Michalczyk, Maggie O’Malley, Svetlana Piazza, Harrison Timlin, Lucy Timlin and William Warpus, grade 7; Brynn Cady, Liam Coulthard, Nyla DelVecchio, Mackenzie Dolphin, Emma Farris, Michael Gentile, Bella Hayes, Addison Mercado, Olivia O’Brien and Myra Sleboda, grade 8; Ryan Amendolaro, Peyton Ancherani, Isabella Blair, Lorelai Chemchick, Ava Mendoza, Joel Michalczyk, Aubrey Mizenko, Riyan Mohammed, Justin Schuster and Ava Walsh, grade 9; Katelyn Henry, Amelia Hinton, Saran Joiya, Caleb Kamide, Ryder Lewis, Aaron Mecca, Elizabeth Mendola, Sara Naro, Ian Rafalko and Elizabella Reilly, grade 10; Paige Ancherani, Tazrian Aronno, Brenna Burrell, Ryan Clark, Milagros Crespo, Irelyn Gilhooley, Brianna Hendricks, Ryan McMynne, Sascha Novak and Anthony Yerka, grade 11; and Ella Brier, Jaclyn Brown, James Clark, Amanda Dempsey, Mya Harrity, Krithika Krishnan, Santino Nicastro, Julia Noto, Alexis Pilar and Taryn Walsh, grade 12.
Elk Lake
Makayla Allen, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Seventh grader Makayla Allen is playing the leading role of Touchstone in the spring play, Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” The play will be March 13-14.
“I am Touchstone the jester and the comedic relief. I always want people to laugh and have fun. Having fun is all that matters,” Makayla said.
She also likes playing softball for the school and Little League.
Makayla’s future plans include attending Binghamton University and becoming an English teacher.
Forest City Regional
Jeremiah Requena, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)
Jeremiah Requena’s senior project was working to collect toys for the Salvation Army for Christmas. He also made dinners with members of the community and his family for families who were were in need through the Salvation Army. Jeremiah did 25-plus hours.
“I enjoyed handing the food out and talking to people during this project,” he said.
Jeremiah has held a part-time job during high school.
After graduation, he wants to work full time in plumbing or metal work.
Mid Valley
Gia Novobilski, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)
Senior Gia Novobilski organized the community teddy bear toss held during a high school basketball game. Teddy bears were then donated to the Children’s Advocacy Center.
“It felt great to organize something for a good cause,” Gia said. “It was wonderful to see everyone at the game who came out to support this cause and I am proud to be a part of continuing that tradition.”
Gia is involved with football, basketball and competitive cheer. She is also involved with the yearbook and works at Partypop Co.
Gia plans on attending Rutgers-New Brunswick Campus and will be studying psychology.
North Pocono
James Eckmeder, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)
James Eckmeder attends Career Technology Center in the smart systems and engineering program, where he is learning about computers, computer networking and home automation systems. At CTC, he has received the CompTIA A+, TestOut PC Pro, TestOut Network Competency and TestOut IT Fundamentals certifications. He has received high honors consistently at North Pocono in his classes.
James is a member of the co-op program at CTC and works as an IT end user support specialist for Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. He assists end users and his own team with technical issues, replacing and reimaging computers, managing mobile devices and more.
Outside of school, James works at Five Below in Dickson City, where he manages the checkout area, stocks and cleans shelves, and assists customers with their questions; he has received employee of the month three times.
James is a competitor in SkillsUSA for his class at CTC and has won first place in districts twice and states once. He competed for nationals in Georgia last year, and he is currently preparing to take part in the state competition again in April.
In his free time, James loves to play video games and watch YouTube, and going out with friends to eat or shop.
James plans to attend Johnson College in the fall to major in computer information technology and work in the IT field, either as an end-user support specialist or computer repair technician.
Old Forge
Lourdes Atarigua Nanaula, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)
Junior Lourdes Atarigua Nanaula did the Stranger Saga for creative writers and got her story published in that book, and applied for the JVP Geisinger summer program.
“Getting my Saga published made me feel really excited because only having a 100-word limit to write the Saga was pretty challenging for me, and personally I didn’t feel like it was that good but it felt good being chosen,” she said.
Lourdes said she is not really in any clubs although she is trying to volunteer in areas that would benefit her future goals like volunteering at Geisinger and applying for a co-op at Geisinger since she will be pursuing a career in nursing.
Riverside
Elliott Rudick, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Elliott Rudick and his first grade classmates learned about many harms from a Mr. Yuk presentation sponsored by the Penn State Extension.
“One thing we learned was that a mouse is a pest because it can go in your house and sneak around,” Elliott said.
While many people store hazardous things, including pesticides, in household cabinets, the Mr. Yuk sticker tells kids that it is dangerous and they should keep away from them. “I know if I see a Mr. Yuk sticker I need to stay away from it,” Elliot added.
Scranton
The following students from William Prescott Elementary School were chosen as students of the month in January for demonstrating perseverance: Adan Gutierrez, Landon McCrone, Alexandria Williams, Silas Bikyoci, Jayden Rivera, Athir Henry, Lakshmika Thirugnanam, Andry Arana Arauz, Darrin Miller, Arian Herring, Josviel Cruz Orengo and Kaysen Brown.
Scranton Preparatory School
Adithi Velaga, Scranton Preparatory School (Submitted)
Tyler Durst, Scranton Preparatory School (Submitted)
Freshmen Adithi Velaga and Tyler Durst took part in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition at Wilkes University. They both received perfect scores, as well as excellence awards. They will continue to the state competition at Penn State University in May.
“PJAS is more than a contest — I see it as an opportunity to develop myself and my skills, reiterating and improving upon them every year,” Tyler said. “Winning this second excellence award truly proves this process of innovation pays off and it’s all worth it in the end.”
Adithi added, “This was my third year participating in PJAS, and each year has become more of a learning experience for me. I have been really fortunate to make it to states all three years so far and earned a perfect score at regionals last year, but this was my first year receiving both a perfect score and the excellence award, which I am so very thankful for.
“Winning the award was very exciting, but what I value most (and what my dad always reminds me to cherish!) was the process behind it. Doing my experiment, working with my sponsor Mrs. Kotchick — without whose guidance none of this would have been possible — and practicing presenting with my family and friends were truly the best parts of the experience. I am so grateful for everything I learned and the memories I made; the award just felt like the cherry on top!”
Tyler is president of the engineering club and develops his own spreadsheets to track information, such as finances. He likes playing games that challenge him to progress toward a solution using math, allowing for peak efficiency and a challenge at the same time. He also enjoys reading books, such as Homer’s “Odyssey” and George Orwell’s “1984.”
Outside of school, Adithi participates in tennis, piano, violin, singing, art and dance, along with whatever she can fit in for fun along the way.
After high school, Tyler plans to get a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering and an associate degree in mechanical engineering. Next, he’ll likely go into work at a nuclear power plant, either as a senior reactor operator or a core systems engineer.
From a young age, Adithi has been interested in pursuing neurosurgery. It started when she first learned about careers, and she thinks she liked the way “brain surgeon” sounded (that’s what her mom called it because “neurosurgery” was too hard for her to pronounce at the time!). As Adithi has grown older, she has learned much more about the field, and it has become something she genuinely hopes and aims to pursue in the future.
Valley View
Jamie Raider, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Jamie Raider has been selected as senior of the month in English.
“I grew up with English being my favorite subject, so I am honored to receive this nomination, proving that my hard work paid off,” she said.
When Jamie is not working hard in the classroom, she is actively involved in many extracurricular activities. She is a four-year member of student council and currently serves as an officer. She has been a member of National Honor Society for three years, and has spent six years on the cross country team and five years on the track team. Jamie is also a member of the Valley View football cheerleading squad and has volunteered as a coach for the Valley View Junior Cougars for the past three years.
Upon graduating from high school, Jamie plans to attend a four-year college where she will pursue a dual major in psychology and criminal justice.
Wayne Highlands
Isla Corrigan, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Seventh grader Isla Corrigan is making an impressive mark in the art world this year through her creativity, versatility and artistic dedication, according to school officials.
Her graphic design talent is currently on display in the community, with her winning artwork featured on a local billboard for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, sponsored by the Victims’ Intervention Program. This public recognition highlights both her artistic skill and her ability to communicate meaningful messages through design. Isla’s work will also be featured in the annual student gallery exhibit at Wayne County Arts Alliance, where her origami tree will be part of a larger collaboration with local conservationists centered on this year’s theme, “Tree.” Her contribution helps emphasize the importance of trees in both art and environmental awareness.
In addition, Isla has been selected to represent the middle school at the Middle Grade Music and Art Festival this month at Dingman-Delaware Middle School, where she will be recognized as one of the region’s top middle school artists. From graphic design and sculpture to hyper-realistic pencil drawing, Isla’s artistic range is remarkable for such a young artist, school officials said. Her growing list of accomplishments reflects both talent and dedication, and Isla clearly has a bright future in the arts, they added.
“I am very proud of my accomplishments,” she said. “I was excited to share the news about the billboard with my grandmother. She and I share a passion for art and baking. I use art as a way to express myself and to calm down.”
Isla is a high honor roll student who participates in the school’s soccer and basketball teams, as well as travel basketball.
Western Wayne
Kevanie Dominique, Western Wayne (Submitted)
EverGreen Elementary School first grader Kevanie Dominique is being nominated for her outstanding creativity, leadership and academic dedication. School officials say she is an artistic and intelligent student who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and love of learning, approaching every task with enthusiasm and care, always striving to do her best.
They added she is kind, respectful and serves as a positive role model for her peers. In addition to her classroom excellence, she earned third place in the 2025 GDS Fair Essay Contest, showcasing her strong writing skills at a young age.
When asked how she felt about her accomplishments, Kevanie smiled and said, “great.”
Outside of school, she enjoys playing soccer and is very active in her church community, where she participates in Sunday school. Kevanie loves art and is constantly drawing and creating new crafts. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring nature. At home, Kevanie is a caring and devoted big sister to her 1-year-old sibling, school officials say.
Although she is just in first grade, Kevanie already has big dreams. She hopes to become a teacher, a soccer player and an artist one day.