Abington Heights
Dane Malone, Abington Heights (Submitted)
Eighth grader Dane Malone won the 2026 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Jr. High State Championship, which was held in Johnstown. The win made him a four-time PJW state champion.
“Winning is very satisfying,” Dane said. “Being in wrestling helps with gaining new friends and keeping you motivated in all other parts of life.”
He enjoys fishing, lifting, training and hanging out with friends. Dane hopes to go to college for wrestling and eventually become a business owner.
Blue Ridge
Phoenix Piercy, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
Second grader Phoenix Piercy was recently named a Blue Ridge Elementary School Citizen of the Month. He was chosen for demonstrating excellent self-control in the classroom and throughout the school.
Phoenix currently enjoys math class, specifically learning how to use a ruler for measuring. He is an avid reader of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, specifically the original book, “Double Down,” and “Rodrick Rules.”
Phoenix was pleased to receive the honor. “I was surprised because this is my third time,” he said.
Outside of school, Phoenix plays for Blue Ridge Youth Soccer and Blue Ridge Little League. He also enjoys playing basketball with friends, football with his dad, and staying active by running laps and going on hikes.
After graduating from high school, Phoenix wants to work on a demolition crew. His interest in the field stems from playing the game “Teardown.”
Carbondale Area
Chloe Yoskowitz, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)
Junior Chloe Yoskowitz is playing Jasmine in “Aladdin.” At time of publication, there will still be a Sunday 2 p.m show.
“Playing Jasmine has been the role of a lifetime,” she said. “I am so grateful to be here with this amazing cast and wonderful director. ‘These Palace Walls’ is my favorite solo yet. We all worked really hard.”
Chloe’s activities include Future Business Leaders of America, drama club, singing, art, acting and cooking.
Chloe plans on attending college for English education with the goal of becoming a high school English teacher.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Miranda Rogers, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County (Submitted)
Miranda Rogers, a senior at Valley View High School in the carpentry program, was chosen as this year’s CTC NEIU Scholar of the Year.
“Miranda has excelled in the Carpentry Program,” program instructor Shane Malicky said. “As a nontraditional student in a predominantly male trade program, Miranda’s success opens the door for future women to see the trades as a viable and rewarding career path. Her achievement serves as a powerful reminder that excellence isn’t determined by tradition, but by the skill in one’s hands and the sharpest of minds. I am extremely proud of her accomplishments at CTCLC.”
Miranda is a student ambassador, holds a SkillsUSA district medal for technical math, and was chosen as the school’s student of the month as a junior. She will be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society in April.
“I am incredibly honored to have been chosen for this prestigious award,” Miranda said. “All things considered, I am extremely appreciative of the CTCLC acknowledging all of my hard work and dedication over the three years I have attended the school.”
Outside of the CTC, she volunteers at Valley View’s Challenger Program, having helped with both the challenger baseball and soccer programs. Miranda, who plans to study architecture or architectural engineering after high school, also spends time volunteering at the Weinberg Food Pantry in Jermyn, and is in the National Honor Society, having been inducted as a sophomore.
Delaware Valley
Winter Lily Oliver, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)
Sophomore Winter Lily Oliver was chosen as student of the month. “It has helped me to become more active and create more relationships,” she said.
Winter Lily’s activities include marching band, Pennsylvania Youth Education Association and mock trial.
Dunmore
Cayden Reynolds, Dunmore (SUBMITTED)
Jimmy Clark, Dunmore (SUBMITTED)
At the 2026 NEPA Bridge Competition, senior Cayden Reynolds took first place with a 15.74-gram bridge holding 1,803 times its own weight, supporting a maximum load of 62.6 pounds. Senior Jimmy Clark placed third with a 14.83-gram bridge holding 1,138 times its own weight and supporting a maximum load of 37.2 pounds.
Cayden will advance to the International Bridge Contest organized by the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Elk Lake
Irene Casas, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Senior Irene Casas is the elementary yearbook editor this year.
“I’ve been part of the Elk Lake yearbook staff for two years, and I’ve learned so much throughout the years. Being part of the yearbook has taught me how to run and manage a business, as well as how to market a business,” she said.
Irene’s activities include student council, UPS STEM Program, National Honor Society, band, UPS Reading Program and Future Business Leaders of America.
She plans to attend either Binghamton University or West Chester University and major in marketing.
Forest City Regional
Jaianalynn Garcia, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)
Jaianalynn Garcia, grade 12, worked at the produce market at Forest City Regional School District for the community and students, and at the Salvation Army food pantry for local residents for her senior project service hours. She chose this project because it involved helping the community.
“I enjoyed seeing people happy when they received groceries,” Jaianalynn said.
She works part time with Susquehanna County Interfaith.
Jaianalynn plans to attend Lackawanna College to study human services after graduation.
Lackawanna Trail
Karsin Atkinson, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)
Freshman Karsin Atkinson was awarded the Anthracite Valley USBC 2026 Youth Scholarship for excellence in bowling.
“Do the best you can until you know better,” he said. “Then, when you know better, do better.”
Karsin is a member of the football, baseball, bowling and bocce teams, and after high school he plans to further his education and go to college.
Mid Valley
Natalie Giordano, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)
Senior Natalie Giordano received the Sister Mary Glennon Scholarship from Misericordia University. This is a competitive, full-tuition scholarship awarded to six students out of over 200 applicants.
“I am incredibly proud of myself. It is an honor to receive this award, recognizing my hard work over my high school career. I am thankful for Misericordia for selecting me out of all of the qualified applicants they had,” she said.
Natalie attends the Lackawanna County Career Technology Center and studies medical assisting. She is a member of the drama club, select choir, SADD and art clubs. Natalie is participating in cooperative education at Geisinger CMC this year.
Natalie will be studying diagnostic medical sonography at Misericordia University.
North Pocono
Demaree Weissman, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)
Demaree Weissman has taken advantage of both medical assisting and patient care technician programs at CTC.
She has been a student ambassador for the last two years. As a senior, Demaree was recommended and sent on co-op working at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton in the neurological-trauma and surgical department. She competed in SkillsUSA twice, earning a gold medal for basic health care and silver for the health knowledge bowl.
Throughout high school, Demaree has maintained a full course load between CTC and her home school, North Pocono, while achieving honor roll status. She is a member of the varsity football and basketball cheer team, yearbook club, period club, prom committee, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, and an honorable recognition in the Scranton Times Newsletter.
After graduation, Demaree plans to major in a five-year program for pre-physician assistant. Upon receiving her undergrad degree, she plans to go back to school and continue her education to become a doctor, specifically in trauma care. She plans to work in the emergency department, helping others during some of the most critical moments of their lives.
Old Forge
Amira Medallel, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)
Fourth grader Amira Medallel was recently named Devil Pride student for the month of February.
“I was so surprised because I have never received this award until this month. I think I was chosen because I am a good student. I help my teachers, my classmates and I follow all the Devil Pride rules of the school. I was so excited when I was presented with my award on stage in front of my peers,” she said.
Amira’s activities include dance (tap and jazz), piano, gymnastics and cheerleading.
Riverside
Nathaniel Wilmot, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Nathaniel Wilmot was a participant on the fifth grade level of the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit’s annual reading tournament, which included school districts from throughout the NEIU area.
“Even though our school didn’t win, it was still fun and challenging,” Nathaniel said.
Several grade levels from the district participated with the coordination from their ELA teachers in a Zoom setting. Nathaniel answered all five of his comprehension questions correctly. “At first I was nervous, but then it kind of came naturally to me. My favorite reading topic is history,” he said.
Scranton
Ayiah Barragan, Scranton (Submitted)
Charles Sumner Elementary School first grader Ayiah Barragan was awarded the Kindness Star for the month of February. She had her name on the Kindness Tree the most for the month. Ayiah goes out of her way to help her peers and teachers, according to school officials.
“I’m very excited to be the Kindness Star and love helping people,” she said.
Valley View
William Giovagnoli, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Senior William Giovagnoli is being recognized as an outstanding student within the Valley View community for his involvement in the Unified club, as well as his exceptional leadership qualities and his positive presence as a model within the school.
“It is an honor to be recognized for this award. I am proud to be a part of something that brings people together regardless of their abilities. I really wish I joined the Unified program sooner. I have always been a part of a team through sports and clubs but being a part of this team has given me a whole new perspective on what the word team really means,” William said.
His other activities at school include participation in soccer, tennis, Unified bocce ball, Unified track and field, Unified club, SADD club and Leo club, demonstrating his commitment to involvement, teamwork and contributing positively to the school community.
After graduation, William will attend Pennsylvania College of Technology, where he plans to pursue a degree in residential building construction.
Wallenpaupack Area
Hayden Schwartz, Wallenpaupack Area (Submitted)
Wallenpaupack South Elementary School fourth grader Hayden Schwartz recently chose to create an informational book about the planets to share with others because he is so interested in them. He did in-depth research, created the book and shared it with teachers and classmates.
When asked what he enjoyed most about the project, Hayden answered, “I was happy to share what I learned about planets by sharing my book.”
Hayden, who has two dogs, loves 3D printing and participates in the Shine program.
Wayne Highlands
Emilia Diefenbach, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Stourbridge Primary Center second grader Emilia Diefenbach had a karate contest in Scranton and received first- and second-place medals in the competition.
Emilia also recently participated in a cheerleading showcase at Honesdale High School. School officials say she is a shining example of hard work and kindness in the classroom, consistently meeting and exceeding expectations and showing maturity beyond her years. They added that Emilia is exceptionally helpful to other students, especially those who are new to the school, and has a positive attitude, always seeing the good in all the students and staff. Emilia loves how the teachers add so much fun to each school day.
“I have been doing karate for a few years and I have made some friends who started at the same time as me, and we are always on the same path,” she said. “We do all our karate together. They are really nice friends. Even though they go to different schools, it is great to have friends who are so funny and focused and help each other out.”
Emilia participates in cheerleading for the Honesdale Boys Biddy Basketball League, and attends the Tang Soo Do karate academy every Tuesday and Thursday in Honesdale. Sometimes the class goes outside on Main Street or to Central Park to practice and perform. In the summer, she plays tennis and attends a science camp.
Emilia enjoys helping her dad with the community cleanup around the Preston Area School in the spring, and with the color run, squirting colored powdered paint at the runners on the trail. Emilia looks forward each year to attending the father-daughter dance at the Preston Area School. She also participated in an acting studio at the Ritz Theatre in Hawley, which culminated in a show for the public.
Emilia someday wants to be a teacher, a newscaster or an architect who designs houses, as long as she can stay close to her family in Honesdale.
Western Wayne
Oliver McCutcheon, Western Wayne (Submitted)
Robert D. Wilson Elementary School first grader Oliver McCutcheon was honored by his teachers because he plays on a travel ice hockey league.
When he was asked about playing hockey, Oliver said, “We go to a lot of matches and score on the other team’s goalie.” Asked how he felt about his nomination, Oliver said, “I’m really excited to do this.”
In school, math is Oliver’s favorite subject. When he grows up he would like to be a police officer because they do a lot of cool things and help people. He would also like to be a bull wrestler.