Abington Heights
Deja Duckworth, Abington Heights (Submitted)
Senior Deja Duckworth attended NASA Space Camp, put on by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
At the camp, she had the opportunity to participate in simulations of space-related activities, scuba lessons, discussion of multiple space-related careers with NASA, team-building activities, classroom lectures regarding space and basic first aid in space.
“I can talk about Space Camp all day because it was so interesting,” Deja said.
Blue Ridge
Vee Ross, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
Senior Vee Ross will play a lead role as Grandmama in the Blue Ridge Theater Department’s upcoming production of “The Addams Family,” running Nov. 7-9. This marks her 12th theater production. Some of her favorite past roles include Sayra in “Rise of Robin Hood,” Lion in “Hercules” and Calamity Jane in “Night at the Wax Museum.” Vee appreciates the community, friendships and sense of belonging she has gained through her involvement in theater.
She said she is excited for the upcoming production. “I think it’s going to be really, really good. Everyone has been cast in roles that suit them perfectly and it’s going to be hilarious,” she said.
In addition to theater, Vee has been involved with chorus, National Junior Honor Society, multicultural club and pride club. Her hobbies include writing books, drawing, painting and anything else creative. After graduating high school, Vee plans to attend Shippensburg University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, which she hopes to use to become an author, publish her own books and work as an editor.
Carbondale Area
Albion Nasufi, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)
Senior Albion Nasufi worked with TecBridge along with students from the University of Scranton to help the Lackawanna County Blind Association and some of its members study for a ham radio license.
“It was a wonderful experience working and helping out with TecBridge. I got to learn more about opportunities available to me such as being able to get my own ham radio license. I also got to visit the University of Scranton’s ham radio station,” he said.
Albion is a member of the National Honor Society and marching band.
He will be attending college for aerospace engineering, potentially at Penn State.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
James Eckmeder, CTC (Submitted)
James Eckmeder, a senior at North Pocono High School in the smart systems and engineering technology program, consistently demonstrates outstanding performance in the program, according to school officials. He is a dedicated SkillsUSA member, and last year traveled to Atlanta to compete in the National SkillsUSA competition, where he represented Pennsylvania.
James has achieved his CompTIA A+ certification, along with TestOut PC Pro and Network Pro credentials. He currently participates in a cooperative education placement with Geisinger, where he works in computer analytics, applying the skills he has developed in class to real-world situations.
James enjoys playing video games such as Minecraft, Cities: Skylines and Roblox, as well as watching YouTube. He spends his free time hanging out with friends and traveling with his family — especially their annual trips to Florida. After high school, he intends to pursue a career in computer hardware support and continue his education at a local college such as Johnson College, where he can build on his passion for hands-on technology and practical learning.
Delaware Valley
Jaida Palacios, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)
Senior Jaida Palacios is a member of the National Honor Society and Tri-M (music honor society), as well as serving as arts and literature editor of the school newspaper.
“Being related in school activities has made me become a better leader in my community and school,” Jaida said.
She is also the varsity lacrosse goalie.
Jaida plans to become a nurse practitioner and earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Dunmore
Emilia Gabello, Dunmore (SUBMITTED)
Senior Emilia Gabello was chosen to serve as one of the drum majors for the school marching band for the 2025-2026 school year.
Her activities include drama club secretary, music guild (band and chorus) president, Crimson Courier opinions editor, yearbook photographer, film club president and co-founder, mock trial and art club.
“After high school, I plan to attend a four-year college, majoring in communications, marketing or journalism and minoring in film,” Emilia said. “After that, I hope to find a job in the media/entertainment industry where I can put my passion to work.”
Elk Lake
Anya Unger, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Senior Anya Unger is a senior editor of the Antler. In addition to yearbook, Anya is a talented visual artist. She brings her creative strength to the book. As an editor, Anya designs pages that serve as models for fellow staffers, bringing the book’s theme to life. She is also responsible for editing and marketing the book.
Anya is in the UPS (Upperclassman Providing Support) program, and she plays volleyball. Anya was co-editor of the Buck (elementary yearbook) last year, and this is her fourth year in yearbook. The year has just begun, and with Anya’s leadership, the book is starting to come to life.
“Being the yearbook editor has taught me to express myself and not be afraid to share my opinions. I enjoy being able to create a book people can cherish for a lifetime. These four years have been amazing and I can’t wait to create more memories for this year’s book,” she said.
Anya is also serving as treasurer of the Starry Knights art club.
She plans on attending college for graphic design.
Forest City Regional
Austin Johnson, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)
Senior Austin Johnson managed the girls volleyball team last year and this year for his senior project. He kept the book featuring all detailed statistics of each game, and helped out with practices and drills. He attended most games.
“I loved learning and teaching others about volleyball,” Austin said.
His activities include chorus, drama, student council, Science Olympiad, Future Business Leaders of America, basketball, volleyball, cross country and track, Scouts and 4-H, as well as volunteering at Union Dale Fire Department.
Austin plans on attending college in the fall.
Lackawanna Trail
Cheyanne Zona, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)
Senior Cheyanne Zona achieved her 500th career assist during a volleyball game against Western Wayne on Oct. 17.
Her coach, Scott Wert, told her, “You’ve become an all-around great player and leader. I’m proud of you.”
Cheyanne, who has been manager of the boys volleyball team for four years, plans to become an ultrasound technician, working to become an obstetrician-gynecologist or cardiac sonographer.
Lakeland
Lincoln Hanson, Lakeland (Submitted)
Lakeland Elementary Mayfield Campus fifth grader Lincoln Hanson earned a perfect score on the 2025 Math PSSAs and was advanced in both math and English language arts.
“I felt happy, excited and good about myself,” he said.
Lincoln’s activities include soccer, baking, paper crafts and some video games.
Mid Valley
Jackson Beckage, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)
Sixth grader Jackson Beckage —the Outstanding Spartan for September — takes a leadership role in his battle bot building group, school officials said.
Teachers say he shares his ideas and accepts the ideas of others, and because of his knowledge of mechanics he has next-level engineering suggestions. He excels in problem solving and focusing on the solution to the question being asked, and always respectfully considers suggestions. He excels in STEM.
“I always wanted to be Outstanding Spartan and it felt great to be chosen,” Jackson said.
He likes riding his bike and wants to get his license and drive a truck after high school.
North Pocono
Aaron Youngblood, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)
Throughout his time at North Pocono, Aaron Youngblood has challenged himself academically, school officials said.
He has achieved high honors every quarter each year and, by the time of graduation, will have taken 12 AP courses as well as numerous dual enrollment classes. He is a class representative for the National Honor Society. He is also involved in the school community, where he is a captain of the varsity soccer team and is a member of the varsity track and field team.
Aaron is involved in many school clubs, and is secretary of the senior class student council, secretary of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) and secretary of Mathletes. He is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, cyberpatriot, interact club and finance club. In his clubs, Aaron has earned multiple awards, including first-place awards at the regional and state competitions for PJAS each year, as well as earning a sixth place award in the state for an FBLA data analysis project.
Aaron is also an active member in his community. At Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, he volunteers on a weekly basis and helps out by walking dogs. He is currently employed by Olde Brook Inn.
After graduation, Aaron plans to attend college to major in finance or engineering.
Old Forge
Raul Eliel Tanguilig, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)
Last year, junior Raul Eliel Tanguilig earned the second-highest score on the Keystone Literature Exam — a challenging statewide test — and was honored with a recommendation to be featured in The Times-Tribune. More recently, he traveled back to the Philippines after two years to visit his grandmother, who is his only living grandparent. He gave her a hand-drawn pencil sketch, which she cherished.
For the first time, he played piano and violin during church services there. He’s started creating travel vlogs to capture the experience, which deepened his faith, creativity and family connection. He said he felt honored and encouraged, and noted it’s nice to be recognized for something that brought joy to others and helped him grow personally.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to use my talents — through music, art and service — to glorify God and help others. I’m also grateful for the support of my family, teachers and church community. Sharing music at church and spending time with my grandma made this summer truly special,” Raul said. He added, “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”
He recently joined the drama club to explore something new. Most of his activities take place outside of school — like playing piano and violin at church nearly every Sunday, and at a local nursing home once or twice a month. He’s actively involved in church and youth group events, including community cleanups, serving at ladies’ seminars, being an assistant for junior church teachers, helping decorate for vacation Bible school, attending summer camp at Servant’s Heart, sharing the Gospel, handing out tracts, and helping seniors by visiting and tidying their yards. He’s also taking online piano lessons to continue growing his musical skills.
He’s still exploring his future options, but he knows for sure that he wants to use his talents to glorify God and serve others. Whether through music, art or everyday acts of kindness — whatever field he pursues — he hopes to make a positive impact wherever he goes.
Riverside
Anna Petroshuk, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
The students participated in a schoolwide PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) spirit week event by dressing daily to themed days. The week ended with outdoor spirit games where participants had an opportunity to spend points earned through good behavior to purchase chances to be contenders in the games.
“It was a fun week and I liked sports jersey day the best,” third grader Anna Petroshuk said. “I wore my Moosic Red Wings uniform top. I play catcher and shortstop too.”
She added, “It’s important to follow the school rules because you get to participate in fun things.”
Valley View
Ava Kielar, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Junior Ava Kielar has been elected as the co-president of the unified club. The unified club is a student-led group, associated with Special Olympics Track and Field, that brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to promote social inclusion and leadership. Ava has been actively involved in this club since its inception.
“I am happy and excited to help lead our unified club,” she said.
In addition to being the co-president of the club at school, Ava is also an active athlete on the unified track team.
She plans to continue attending Valley View until she turns 21. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career working with children.
Wayne Highlands
Brooke Dekeris, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Lakeside Elementary School fifth grader Brooke Dekeris is a highly skilled Irish dancer who trains at DeNogla Academy. She recently competed in Connecticut, where she won the 10U preliminary championship. Brooke is now qualified to compete in the All-Irelands competition in March.
“Dancing means everything to me,” she said. “It’s hard, but I push through and have lots of fun.”
Brooke, who also plays the French horn, plans to be an Irish dance teacher in the future.
Western Wayne
Riley Morcom, Western Wayne (Submitted)
Robert D. Wilson Elementary School fifth grader Riley Morcom assists her family in running one of the top allergy-friendly bakeries in the area. Her family takes pride in having products that are free of gluten, dye, nuts, dairy and soy, and have the option to be egg free.
“The day that I got nominated, I felt confident,” Riley said. “I later won my softball game by one point.”
Her activities include softball, biddy basketball travel team and being an assistant leader for a Cub Scout pack. Riley would like to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
Originally Published: October 26, 2025 at 12:00 AM EDT