Abington Heights
Knox Schweyer, Abington Heights (Submitted)
Clarks Summit Elementary School third grader Knox Schweyer is competing in Colossal’s America’s Favorite Student competition, a nationwide campaign raising funds and awareness for the Planetary Society, an organization whose mission is to empower the world’s citizens to advance space science and exploration.
The public can vote for Knox at https://americasfavstudent.org/2026/knox-13. The winner will tour the Planetary Society with Bill Nye The Science Guy, win $20,000 and appear in Reader’s Digest.
“I want to be America’s Favorite Student,” Knox said. “I am working hard in school and I would love to meet Bill Nye and visit the Planetary Society.”
Knox’s activities include baseball, football, wrestling, golf and reading. When he gets older, he wants to further his education in order to become an astronaut.
Blue Ridge
Gavyn Lynch, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
Prekindergartner Gavyn Lynch has been named Citizen of the Month for being a great student and friend, school officials said. He loves learning new things and is a great role model for his peers. At school, Gavyn’s favorite part of the day is center time, where he especially enjoys building with blocks. He also has a big heart for animals and loves spending time with his family dog.
School officials said Gavyn was proud to receive this special recognition at school. He said “it felt good” to be named Citizen of the Month.
Outside of school, Gavyn stays busy with plenty of fun hobbies. He plays tee-ball, loves boats and enjoys watching “America’s Funniest Videos.” He is also a big fan of Mario and is looking forward to seeing the new movie.
When Gavyn grows up, he thinks he might like to be a firefighter because the job looks exciting and he wants to help people in his community.
Carbondale Area
Avery Galinsky, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)
Senior Avery Galinsky recently took part in the Future Business Leaders of America state competition after winning first place in the regional competition in banking and financial.
“It was very exciting for me and my family for being able to have had this experience,” she said.
Avery also dances for Dave Ragnacci School of Dance in Carbondale and volunteers at multiple food drives at the school.
She plans on attending a four-year college for medical imaging to become a pediatric cardiovascular sonographer.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Brayden Shields, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County (Submitted)
Brayden Shields, a sophomore at West Scranton High School in the protective services program, has worked hard to be so successful in his program during his first year in attendance, school officials said.
They said he has not missed a single day from CTC — other than school closures due to weather — and that alone is something that is rare to see in such a young man. Brayden is driven to overcome learning challenges and consistently pushes himself both academically and professionally, all while maintaining stellar grades and building lasting friendships with his peers, they add.
He demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility, maturity and pride in his work each day. Brayden’s positive attitude and willingness to step outside of his comfort zone have allowed him to grow not only as a student, but also as a future professional in the protective services field. He is respectful, dependable and always willing to lend a helping hand to both staff and classmates. Brayden’s dedication and perseverance truly set him apart, and he serves as an excellent role model for others in the program, they said.
“At times, the work may feel overwhelming and like it is too much to handle, but it is important to persevere and always try your best to get it done,” he said. “With time and effort, things will improve. I would also like to thank Mr. Coyne, who has worked closely with me to help me be successful in my program. He presents material in engaging and interesting ways, introducing me to opportunities and career paths I had never considered before.”
Outside of school, Brayden is actively involved in kickboxing, which he enjoys participating in with his dad. He also attended Camp Cadet last summer, where he made such a positive impression that he was invited to return the following year as a junior instructor — an opportunity that speaks highly of his character, leadership potential and dedication, school officials said.
After high school, Brayden plans to enlist in the military, following in the footsteps of both his mother and grandfather. He also has a backup plan to pursue a career in law enforcement, aspiring to become a police officer like his father.
Delaware Valley
Tyler Lombardo, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)
Senior Tyler Lombardo is a two-time athlete of the month.
“It has made me a better person with my peers and community,” he said.
Tyler’s activities include basketball and track. He plans to attend and play basketball at Moravian University.
Dunmore
Juniors and sophomores participated in a math competition at Marywood University. Students took home first place in both Level 1 and Level 2 relay competitions. Students included: Saran Joiya, Sara Naro, Amelia Hinton, Colin Sciartilli and Ryder Lewis, grade 10; and Ryan Clark, Jason Genovese, Tazrian Aronno, Puthvi Patel and Anthony Yerka, grade 11.
Elk Lake
Ella Fariole, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Seventh grader Ella Fariole has danced at Stage Door in Tunkhannock for 11 years. She has won many competitions and awards.
“I have won many awards with my team, including category wins, second place, Outstanding Dancer Hollywood award, Overall High Score award, and first place in solos and groups, as well as many other studio awards,” Ella said.
Some of Ella’s other activities including doing nails and nail art, choreographing dances, trying different makeup looks and learning different acrobatic tricks.
Ella plans on becoming a cosmetologist, a Marine biologist or a dance teacher.
Forest City Regional
Cheyenne Allred, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)
Cheyenne Allred, grade 12, set up a collection for the WRC and St. Joseph’s baby pantry. Items were collected at CTC and the high school and she posted flyers and social media announcements to get donations. Many donations for both places were collected. Some of the items included baby clothes, diapers, wipes and toiletries.
“Donating to local agencies to help those in my community felt very good and I am doing my co-operative experience at St. Joseph’s, so I was happy to help them even more,” Cheyenne said.
Her activities include art club, Envirothon, watersheds, softball, SADD, Red Cross blood drive, Steamtown Marathon, Skills USA (11th and 12th ) second place and delegate at Skills USA.
Cheyenne plans to attend Penn State Scranton campus to attain her BSN and minor in psychology.
Mid Valley
Luke Novack, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)
Senior Luke Novack is a five-year member of the drama club and played King Triton in this year’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” He has also appeared in the school’s productions of “The Sound of Music,” “Mama Mia,” “Grease” and “Chicago.”
“The Mid Valley Drama Club and Music Program have both impacted me significantly. The clubs create various wonderful opportunities that otherwise would not be available to students,” Luke said.
Luke is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the art, Spanish and SADD clubs. In addition, he is a member of chorus and select choir.
Luke plans to attend a four-year college and study musical theater.
North Pocono
Marlie DeRenzis, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)
Throughout high school, Marlie DeRenzis has challenged herself with a rigorous course load and will have completed 10 APs by graduation, including physics 2, chemistry, psychology and calculus.
She has constantly achieved honor roll during high school and is a member of the National Honor Society. As a dedicated member of Science Olympiad for seven years, she served as both invitational director and currently as chairman. She also serves as the vice president of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and founder and current president of the school’s Aevidum club. In addition, she participates in orchestra and is involved in several other science-based activities.
She has been committed to athletics along with academics as a member of the girls soccer team, serving as captain her senior year, while also competing in club soccer for nine years. She currently plays on the ECNL-RL level for PDA-SCP out of Sparta, New Jersey.
After graduation, Marlie will attend Hood College as a member of the honors school, where she will major in biochemistry on a pre-med track while continuing her soccer career. She is considering a future in anesthesiology or biomedical engineering to continue pursuing her love for science.
Old Forge
James Kupetz, Connie Lin, Elena Bialkowski and Ryan Schlegel finished fifth at the NEIU 19 Scholastic Competition on March 31.
Participation in scholastic programs often requires minimum grade point averages, fostering both academic and extracurricular growth.
Riverside
Elle Ruthkosky, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Sixth grader Elle Ruthkosky loves art. In fact, she’s been taking art classes after school for a few years now.
“I’ve been drawing since I was about 4 years old,” Elle said. She recently drew the design for her school’s yearbook, which covers grades three through six. “My drawing includes the front scene of Riverside Elementary East School with a school bus parked in front of it. I really enjoy art and think others should too,” Elle added.
The yearbook idea was spearheaded by fifth grade math teacher Liz DeAngelo. Copies, including from students and at events throughout the year, will be available for sale this summer.
Scranton
Each month, teachers at John F. Kennedy Elementary School nominate students who have exceptionally displayed the “character strong” trait for that month. March’s trait was cooperation, which is working together to reach shared goals. Fourth grader Marcus Crossin was nominated by more than one teacher for the month of March because he is always looking to help someone, school officials said.
Scranton Preparatory School
Nadia Dec, Scranton Preparatory School (Submitted)
Freshman Nadia Dec took the World Language Comprehensive Examinations in Polish language for 2025 and received a perfect score.
“The exam was a great way to showcase my skills and earning a perfect score made it an especially rewarding experience,” she said.
For the past six years, Nadia has been going to a supplementary Polish language school, and said she loves to explore Polish culture.
“I thrive on Latin classes and I can’t wait until sophomore year for a new adventure, which is Spanish,” Nadia said.
She said she doesn’t know exactly what path she will choose in life after high school, but probably math, which Nadia said is closest to her heart.
Valley View
Mason Snyder, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Mason Snyder has been selected as senior of the month in world languages.
“I am very honored to have been nominated for this award and I would like to thank Sra. Decker and Sra. Cardamone for getting me to where I am today in the Spanish-speaking world,” he said.
When Mason isn’t focused on his academics or excelling in world languages, he enjoys staying active and engaged through a variety of interests. His hobbies include biking, working out, gaming and hiking. He is also involved in school through his participation in Spanish club and history club.
Upon graduation from high school, Mason plans to attend a two- or four-year college, majoring in marine biology at a coastal school, and pursue a career working with the ocean and the life it holds. He is also interested in studying abroad, possibly in Spain.
Wayne Highlands
Teagan Whaley, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Seventh grader Teagan Whaley, a member of the middle school’s art club, was recognized this year for her growing artistic accomplishments and dedication to creative expression. Her artwork was selected for the annual Celebration of Spring Art Show at RE/MAX Wayne, where community members can view student artwork. Teagan’s inclusion in the exhibit highlights both her talent and her commitment to developing her artistic voice.
In addition, she will be recognized this month as one of the area’s outstanding young artists at this year’s Middle Grades Music and Art Festival, where student artists from across the region are honored for excellence in the arts. This recognition places Teagan among some of the strongest young creative talents in the local community.
When asked about her accomplishments, she responded, “I love being able to be creative with my pieces. I most enjoy using my imagination to create characters. When I have nothing else to do, I turn to my art.”
Beyond the art room, Teagan balances her creative pursuits with athletics. She is also a cheerleader competing at the national level with her team, demonstrating dedication, discipline and energy in multiple areas of achievement. Teagan is also a member of the school’s ski club.
Western Wayne
Alice O’Hora, Western Wayne (Submitted)
Evergreen Elementary School second grader Alice O’Hora is completing her second year as a Lil’ Dairy Miss for Wayne County Dairy Promotion.
She heard about the program during Ag Literacy Week two years ago and remembered that her mom was a dairy princess when she was young. Alice has completed many activities as Lil’ Dairy Miss for Wayne County, including handing out ribbons at the Wayne County Fair and the Greene-Dreher-Sterling Fair, presenting to the Western Wayne and Wallenpaupack Area school districts’ boards about the importance of whole milk, and educating kids about Ag Literacy Week.
This year, Alice educated two classes at her school, a first grade class and her own second grade class. In both classes, Alice read a story, presented fun facts about dairy products, handed out bookmarks with facts about dairy, and gave out bracelets and cheese sticks to all students. School officials said she enjoyed presenting to the first and second grade classes, and the students learned new facts and enjoyed hearing it from their own classmate.
“I enjoy doing all the fun things that go with being Lil’ Dairy Miss,” Alice said. “I visit my neighbor who is a farmer and learn about milking cows and giving them lots of water. It is so much fun doing all the fun stuff that I get to do!”
School officials said she is a great student who is kind, caring and always looking to help others within the classroom. Alice is also involved in softball and gymnastics.