Joann Hobeika of Scranton Preparatory School
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
A: I’m most proud of being accepted into my dream school, the University of Pennsylvania, earlier this year. To me, it’s the culmination of 17 years of consistent effort and dedication in all areas of my life.
Q: Whom do you most admire and why?
A: I admire my parents the most. They are always ready to stand by my side when I need them and give selflessly without expecting anything in return. They’ve taught me to be kind above all else, and I hope to one day reflect that same genuine goodness I was raised around.
Q: What were your most rewarding school or community activities? Why?
A: The community that has helped me grow the most is without a doubt the Scranton Prep Players. As the head of the sound department, I’ve had the opportunity to develop technical skills like operating a sound board, while also learning to handle multiple tasks under pressure. And, even though it can be stressful at times, my team and I have grown so close that they genuinely feel like a second family, so I would do it again in a heartbeat, given the chance.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: Outside of academics, I love spending time with my friends and family, reading and writing. I also enjoy following sports, especially Formula 1 and Indycar.
Q: What are your plans after high school graduation? Why did you choose this path?
A: My plan after graduation is to study mechanical engineering because of my passion for cars, and then possibly apply to medical school to become a doctor.
Q: What is your advice to younger students?
A: My advice to younger students is to stay present and appreciate where they are right now. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of school, but it is imperative to enjoy the current moment above all and make the most of the experiences right in front of you.
Q: Finish this sentence: The most interesting thing about me is …
A: One of the most interesting things about me is that, being Lebanese, I speak four languages!
A little about Joann Hobeika
Joann Hobeika of Scranton Preparatory School is a Lebanese immigrant who has returned there as a volunteer and also tutored Lebanese children online. Her school describes her as “a brilliant and determined scholar whose academic excellence is matched only by her resilience, curiosity, and global perspective.”
The Pittston resident is the daughter of Khalil Hobeika and Nadine Jabbour.
She is salutatorian of her class.
Joann earned academic awards at Prep, including in English, classics, social studies, science and math. She founded the astronomy club and was also active in the theater club, fencing club, National Honor Society, film studies club and Girl Scouts. She is a peer tutor and a school admissions volunteer.
Joann Hobeika (COURTESY OF JOANN HOBEIKA)