Fifth-grader Eden Kania stepped out on the mat Tuesday, well prepared and determined to win during the Scranton School District Mixed Martial Arts Program Championship Tournament.
When she won, the diminutive 11-year-old threw a hand in the air and smiled broadly to delight of the crowd.
Kania is among the smallest in her class, with a quiet voice and reserved manner. But that hasn’t stopped her from successfully competing in this year’s martial arts program.
Erin Lawhon Kania, her mother, didn’t think twice when Eden asked to participate in the program earlier this year.
“I’m happy she got to do this,” she said. “Its really helped with her confidence.”
South Scranton’s Julian Peters raises wins his match during the MMA Mentoring Program Championship Tournament in the gymnasium of West Scranton Intermediate School in Scranton Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
South Scranton’s Eden Kania, left, and West Scranton’s Amanda Maldonado lock up during the MMA Mentoring Program Championship Tournament in the gymnasium of West Scranton Intermediate School in Scranton Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
South Scranton’s Conrad O’Connor wins his match during the MMA Mentoring Program Championship Tournament in the gymnasium of West Scranton Intermediate School in Scranton Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
South Scranton’s Eden Kania wins the match against West Scranton’s Amanda Maldonado during the MMA Mentoring Program Championship Tournament in the gymnasium of West Scranton Intermediate School in Scranton Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
South Scranton’s Eden Kania puts a hold on West Scranton’s Amanda Maldonado during the MMA Mentoring Program Championship Tournament in the gymnasium of West Scranton Intermediate School in Scranton Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher watches a match among competitors during the MMA Mentoring Program Championship Tournament in the gymnasium of West Scranton Intermediate School in Scranton Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The program started with about 30 students last year and had grown to nearly 200 participants across Scranton School District’s middle schools, according to Assistant Superintendent Albert O’Donnell.
He said the program provided students who might not want to participate in basketball or baseball with an alternative. He points out in addition to keeping students active and healthy, the program also emphasizes the importance of team spirit.
“Participants are also learning sportsmanship and responsibility,” he said. “You can see them cheering each other on.”
O’Donnell emphasized the program includes both boys and girls, which came as a surprise to some. Last year there was only a handful of girls participating, with that number increasing to 25 for the current year.
The championship event also provided a chance for parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters to enjoy an evening out, complete with some competition, he said.
Many didn’t realize the quality of the program and the amount of student participants.
District Attorney Brian Gallagher said the program provided a chance for students to build friendships, develop social skills, remain active and stay out of trouble.
“Programs like this are what restorative practices should look like — giving young people structure, opportunity, and support before they ever enter the justice system,” he said. “We are incredibly proud of this partnership, and we hope to continue expanding these opportunities into art, music, and other programs so every child can find something positive to connect with and succeed in.”
State Sen. Marty Flynn, himself a mixed martial arts competitor, said the program helps youngsters know they can depend on themselves.
“It’s a discipline building program,” he said.
The program started last year at Northeast Intermediate through a grant facilitated by the District Attorney’s office. The program has grown to include all three district intermediate schools.
Students are coached by James Simrell, a trained mixed martial arts fighter.