Wyoming Area students were honored at Tuesday’s school board meeting for earning first place statewide in the life skills category for their poster in the Litter Hawk Youth Award Program.
“This is a wonderful accomplishment,” said Board President Mara Valenti.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Litter Hawk Youth Award Program is an annual recognition initiative for Pennsylvania students in grades K-6. It provides students with a creative outlet to share their thoughts on litter through a poster, essay, or video, depending on grade level.
This year’s theme was “Celebrate America250 — Keep It Beautiful!” in the wake of the country’s 250th anniversary.
Special Education Teacher Jacqualyn Kasa’s students won first place in their category out of about 500 entries, according to Superintendent Jon Pollard. They were awarded medals and certificates at the Pennsylvania State Capitol earlier this month.
Their winning poster, which has been displayed in the East Wing Rotunda throughout April, is titled “Mrs. Kasa’s Wax Museum.” Students are pictured in costumes depicting key events that have made America beautiful: Betsy Ross sewing the American flag in 1776, Yellowstone’s designation as the first national park in 1872, the creation of Earth Day in 1970, and recycling in 2026.
“We represented the whole 250 years, and they got to dress up and learn about each era,” Kasa said.
Kasa said the 2026 Litter Hawk Youth Award exhibit will be displayed at rest stops along Pennsylvania state highways.
Student winners include: first graders, Mario Seabrook, Maverick Faux, Mason Thompson, Zurrella Brewer, and Krispin Kaczkurkin; second graders, Emma Galindo, Luci Hooks, Charlotte Maloney, and Namirr Velez; and third graders, Aria Garmize, Mark Biksey, Amina Welky, Willow Miscavage, Milana Tinnin, and Trinity Seabrook.
“Great job to our students,” Pollard said.