The 2026 Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. Front: Tierney Fawcett, Shristi Dhungel, Juilette DeStefano, Anthony Cotillo, Antonia Cerimele, Molly Carter, Jonah Cahn, Emily Atonal, Dominick Agron. Back: Gabriel DeScipio, William Barker, Jackson Hancock, Sona Hanumali, Joann Hobeika, Peter Kwee, Anna Millett, Ellagrace Miseo, Grace Moser, Nevaeh O’Malley, Cohen Orlandini, Matthew Serkosky, Abigail Van Wert, Aaron Youngblood, William Byrne. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Cohen Orlandini receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Jackson Hancock receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Shristi Dhungel receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Grace Moser receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Anna Miller receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Antonina Cerimele receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abigail Van Wert receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Nevaeh O’Malley receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Matthew Serkosky receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Joann Hobeika receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Aaron Youngblood receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Peter Kwee receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Ellagrace Miseo receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Anthony Cotillo receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Molly Carter receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Tierney Fawcett receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Juilette DeStefano receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View’s Molly Carter during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Old Forge’s Juilette DeStefano during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Sona Hanumali receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton’s Emily Atonal during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton Prep’s Antonina Cerimele during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lakeland’s Tierney Fawcett during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Height’s Jonah Cahn during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
West Scranton’s Shristi Dhungel during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton’s Ellagrace Miseo during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Emily Atonal receives her reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
William Byrne receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Johan Cahn receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Dominick Agron receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Delaware Valley’s Dominick Agron during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
William Barker receives his reward during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Western Wayne’s Grace Moser during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Height’s Sona Hanumali during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
North Pocono’s Gabriel DeScipio during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View’s Anthony Cotillo during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
North Pocono’s William Barker during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Elk Lake’s Cohen Orlandini during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Delaware Valley’s Jackson Hancock during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
West Scranton’s Abigail Van Wert during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton Prep’s Joann Hobeika during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Riverside’s William Byrne during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Mid Valley’s Nevaeh O’Malley during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton Prep’s Anna Millett during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Recipients interact with each other before the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
PPL Regional Affairs Director Michael Narcavage speaks during the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton’s Peter Kwee during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The crowd reacts to students’ answers during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Carbondale’s Matthew Serkosky during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
North Pocono’s Aaron Youngblood during the Q and A section of the Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars ceremony at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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The 2026 Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Wednesday, May 5, 2026. Front: Tierney Fawcett, Shristi Dhungel, Juilette DeStefano, Anthony Cotillo, Antonia Cerimele, Molly Carter, Jonah Cahn, Emily Atonal, Dominick Agron. Back: Gabriel DeScipio, William Barker, Jackson Hancock, Sona Hanumali, Joann Hobeika, Peter Kwee, Anna Millett, Ellagrace Miseo, Grace Moser, Nevaeh O’Malley, Cohen Orlandini, Matthew Serkosky, Abigail Van Wert, Aaron Youngblood, William Byrne. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
SCRANTON — Success is on the horizon for this year’s “Scholastic Superstars.”
The Times-Tribune hosted its Scholastic Superstars ceremony for the class of 2026 on Wednesday. Twenty-five students from 15 local schools gathered with their friends and families in the Peoples Security Bank Theater of Lackawanna College for a celebration of their academic achievement, extracurricular endeavors, community service and plans for the future.
It has been a Times-Tribune tradition for three decades.
Each high school in The Times-Tribune coverage area is invited to nominate three students. Sixty-eight nominations, with the names and schools redacted, were judged by a panel of local college officials.
Winners received a medal while their parents and guests applauded during the ceremony sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities.
Larry Holeva, executive editor of The Times-Tribune, presented the awards.
Michael Narcavage III, regional affairs director of PPL Electric Utilities, pointed out that in addition to academics, the student scholars also excelled in other areas, which included dance, art, mentoring others and even being a caregiver to an elderly person.
It’s those characteristics, which include good citizenship, kindness and creativity, that shape students into team players and truly prepare them for future careers, he said.
Melissa Janoski — staff reporter and Scholastic Superstars coordinator — served as the MC for the night.
“No pressure, but I’m about to compare you to Leonardo da Vinci,” she told the students. “You are all amazingly well rounded — like da Vinci, a scientist and an artist.”
She lauded the students for participating in activities that didn’t show up on college applications but added joy to their lives.
“Some of you play video games, watch old TV shows, hunt, build Lego displays or listen to a Bible podcast. At least two make jewelry,” she said.
Following the presentation of awards, News Editor Cecilia Baress led an informal question-and-answer period that provided a chance for students to share a little bit about themselves outside academics, drawing from information they provided on their applications.
For example, Dominick Agron of Delaware Valley High School is the salutatorian of his class. He’s also an accomplished musician who has won awards for accompanying school productions and a math tutor.
But it is not success fueled by macaroni and cheese, because he’s never eaten it.
When Baress asked why, Agron said he made the decision when he was 4 and he’s sticking with it.
He may have eaten pasta with some extra cheese on it at one point, but he’s not counting that, he said.
As a journalist herself, Baress asked Molly Carter of Valley View High School the reason behind her goal of one day being a journalist.
Carter, who enjoys acting and was a member of district chorus, said she saw the job as an opportunity to both entertain and inform others.
When asked what made her the most proud, Grace Moser of Western Wayne High School said it was serving as a caregiver to a 95-year-old woman.
Moser said providing comfort and stability to another person made the experience especially meaningful.
Cohen Orlandini of Elk Lake High School said he was very proud of a podcast he created with Superintendent Bob Gallella entitled “The OG Connection,” which highlights people and events in the district.
Orlandini thanked his parents for their support, pointing out that accomplishments are often made possible with help from other people.
This year’s honorees include:
Dominick Agron, Delaware Valley High School; Emily Atonal, Scranton High School; William Barker, North Pocono High School; William Byrne, Riverside High School; Jonah Cahn, Abington Heights High School; Molly Carter, Valley View High School; Antonina Cerimele, Scranton Preparatory School; Anthony Cotillo, Valley View High School; Gabe DeScipio, North Pocono High School; Juliette DeStefano, Old Forge High School; Shristi Dhungel, West Scranton High School; Tierney Fawcett, Lakeland High School; Jackson Hancock, Delaware Valley High School; Sona Hanumali, Abington Heights High School; Joann Hobeika, Scranton Preparatory School; Peter Kwee, Scranton High School; Anna Millett, Scranton Preparatory School; Ellagrace Miseo, Scranton High School; Grace Moser, Western Wayne High School; Nevaeh O’Malley, Mid Valley Secondary Center; Cohen Orlandini, Elk Lake Jr. Sr. High School; Matthew Serkosky, Carbondale Area Jr./Sr. High School; Olivia Sobeck, Tunkhannock Area High School; Abigail Van Wert, West Scranton High School, and Aaron Youngblood, North Pocono High School.