Abington Heights
Nathan Barrett, Abington Heights (Submitted)
Senior Nathan Barrett had the opportunity to work full time for Scranton Electric Heating and Cooling Service Inc. as an HVAC apprentice. As a rising senior, school officials said he made the difficult decision to forgo the traditional senior experience in order to learn a trade.
Working with school administration, Nathan arranged to complete his remaining credit requirements through online courses and secured approval from his employer so he could earn high school credit for his work experience. His employers report that he is learning the trade quickly and will become a valuable member of their organization through the hands-on opportunity.
“I’ve known for some time that there is a growing need for skilled workers in the trades,” Nathan said. “When Scranton Electric Heating and Cooling offered to hire me and teach me the trade, I jumped at the chance.”
He is an avid hunter and enjoys training in the sport of boxing, earning second in the state Golden Gloves competition last year. After high school, Nathan plans to continue working for Scranton Electric as an HVAC technician, as well as earn additional industry certifications.
Blue Ridge
Lincoln Igo, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
First grader Lincoln Igo was recently named the Blue Ridge Elementary School Citizen of the Month. His teacher says he always gives his best effort and is a helpful friend to her and his classmates.
Lincoln’s favorite subject is science, especially because he loves learning about outer space.
When asked about being chosen as Citizen of the Month, he said, “I felt happy because it was my first time.”
Outside of school, Lincoln participates in the Blue Ridge Youth Wrestling Club. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing games and playing with his favorite toys. After high school, Lincoln aspires to become an astronaut and be a good parent.
Carbondale Area
Angelina Matos, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)
Junior Angelina Matos was elected president of the art club.
“As president, I want to make everyone’s art styles count and include everyone interested in fun activities. I will share my love of art through school and try to influence others,” she said.
Angelina plays multiple instruments, draws, paints, and volunteers at fairs and local places.
After high school, she plans on joining the Army and earning a degree in forensic science.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Melanie Flaherty, CTC (Submitted)
Melanie Flaherty, a junior at Abington Heights High School in the print production technology program, has been working hard on live work projects for other shops.
She has taken charge of the printing of sweatshirts for the medical assistant program and organized the screen printing of the order. Melanie has handled the setup of the stencils and inks, as well as aligning the print on the shirts. School officials say she is not afraid to tackle the extra jobs to help improve her skills on the various print equipment in the shop.
Melanie, who plans to attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology for graphic design with the hopes of working in the design and print field, will also be representing the school at SkillsUSA in the photography competition this year.
Elk Lake
Jameson Carter, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Senior Jameson Carter is vice president of the Starry Knights art club. She is very talented in ceramics, and is also involved in student council and other activities, the school said.
“I had no idea how far I would come with my art career but it truly has opened a wide range of opportunities for me and I’m forever grateful,” Jameson said.
Her activities include softball, UPS reading and STEM programs, and prom steering.
After graduation, she plans to attend Wilkes University and earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Jameson also wants to minor in ceramics to continue learning as much as she can.
Forest City Regional
Ava Quinnan, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)
Senior Ava Quinnan is a helper in the life skills classroom with the teacher, Amy Febbo, and the paraprofessional, Lore Vadella, for her senior project. Ava helps students with their site words, writing and other classwork. Ava would like to work as a special education teacher in her future career.
“My favorite part is being bonded to the kids and them knowing they can come to me for help anytime,” she said.
Ava is president of SADD, a cheerleader for three years, a member of student council, Future Business Leaders of America, track and field, Aevidum MH club, and works at Roba’s farm.
She plans on attending Wilkes University for special education, and to work in a high school after graduation.
Lakeland
Caden Cuozzo, Lakeland (Submitted)
Senior Caden Cuozzo was honored as the Outstanding Senior for September.
A nominating teacher wrote, “Caden is a tremendous leader both on and off the field. He is an absolute pleasure to have in class and he brings a positive energy to the classroom each and every day.”
“I’m truly honored to be recognized as the Outstanding Senior of the Month,” he said. “This recognition means so much to me and I’m grateful to my teachers, administration, coaches and family for their support and encouragement. This award motivates me to continue working hard, and giving back to my community.”
Caden’s activities include varsity football team captain, varsity track and field, National Honor Society, student council treasurer, secretary of Mu Alpha Theta, Envirothon team, Watershed team, Aevidum club and Future Business Leaders of America. After graduation, he plans to attend college to pursue a degree in biology on a pre-med track.
Mid Valley
Karter Johnson, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)
Sixth grader Karter Johnson has been named Outstanding Spartan. He is a kind and polite young man who comes to school every day and does his best, school officials say — a great friend, a good student and athlete, and an all-around good person.
“I was a little nervous but very happy to be chosen as an Outstanding Spartan,” Karter said.
Outside of school, he enjoys staying active and competitive by playing both football and basketball.
After graduation, he hopes to continue pursuing his passion for basketball by playing for a college team.
North Pocono
Kelly Mann, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)
Upon graduation, Kelly Mann will have completed five Advanced Placement courses and several dual enrollment courses over her two years at North Pocono.
Kelly has maintained high honors in each quarter and is a member of the National Honor Society. Kelly is a two-year defender for the varsity lacrosse team. She is currently involved in yearbook club, finance club, Red Cross club and several others where she has taken on treasurer and secretary roles. She has worked with the student council as a representative for two years.
Outside of school, Kelly attends weekly classes at the Carmel Ardito School of Dance. Over the past 11 years, she has studied tap, jazz, lyrical and ballet.
She works for the Tasty Swirl in the summer. She is a member of the Moscow Borough Young Visionaries Committee, where she collaborates on local events and improvement ideas. At Moscow’s National Night Out 2025, she was presented with the Citizen of the Year Award. Kelly frequently volunteers with the North Pocono Cultural Society for the annual Gala and the Moscow Street Fair. She also volunteers with the Friends of the Poor in Scranton and the St. Catherine of Siena Parish for Vacation Bible School.
After graduation, Kelly plans to attend a four-year university and major in mathematics.
Old Forge
Alaina Riviello, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)
Junior Alaina Riviello recently designed a creative writing piece based on personal experiences that she is passionate about.
Her recent piece of writing was based on songs and lyrics from the composer Hozier. She was inspired by his music to write about a castle which she made come alive, and personified that into a scary story. She also writes about the life and history of certain things that she likes.
“Don’t be afraid to express your feelings — the more love you put into the world, the more it reflects on you,” she said.
Alaina has taken piano since she was 8 years old.
After graduation, she would like to do something in a creative field, such as design, and she would like to teach piano.
Riverside
Mason Linck, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Gianna Lamberti, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
The students in Judy Watkins’ sixth grade ELA classes at Riverside Elementary East School were paid a visit by David Adomiak, Voice of the Vikings and retired teacher. In celebration of the World Series, Adomiak taught the students the history and geography of the Major League Baseball playoff teams’ cities.
“I learned that Seattle is a fishing town and where Starbucks began selling coffee. Some of the strongest coffee is sold there to keep the fishermen awake for the long day ahead. It was super fun doing this,” Mason Linck said.
“I thought it was cool to learn that Philadelphia had the first zoo in America,” Gianna Lamberti added. “Being the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed, our country will turn 250 years old this coming July the Fourth.”
Both students agreed the lessons were very exciting.
Their group picked Toronto to win the World Series, but were happy the Los Angeles Dodgers won it all.
Scranton
South Scranton Intermediate School eighth grader Claire Dean, seventh graders Zumrut Rashida and Nyssa Ransom, sixth graders Xavier Hidalgo and Hadit Tavarez, and fifth graders Samuel LaPolla and Krishna Patel are the school’s Spartans and Scholars of the Month.
Claire, Zumrut, Xavier and Samuel are the Spartans of the Month, while Nyssa, Hadit and Krishna are the Scholars of the Month.
Valley View
Addison Siesputowski, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Senior Addison Siesputowski was selected as content editor and business manager for the school’s newspaper, the Cougar Chronicle. She is being recognized for her dedication, strong work ethic and helpful nature, consistently taking on tasks that support the team and elevate the publication.
”I am so honored to receive this nomination. My goal is to help and encourage others the best I can, now and in the future because putting time into the well-being of others makes our society stronger as a whole,” Addison said.
When she’s not focused on her academics, Addison stays actively involved in CrossFit and horseback riding, and she contributes to her school community through history club, math honor society and National Honor Society.
Upon graduation from high school, Addison plans on attending a two-year college (hopefully Lackawanna) for a nursing degree.
Wayne Highlands
Simon Kowalchuk-Swartz, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Senior Simon Kowalchuk-Swartz, along with his family, is spearheading a Thanksgiving Vegetable Pantry on Monday at their family farm, Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Damascus. They are offering free farm-fresh vegetables to community members, families and neighbors in need of fresh vegetables for their Thanksgiving dinner.
“In a time when so many people in our community are battling against numerous problems, including food insecurity, it’s our civic duty as a community to provide any service we can to those who need it,” Simon said. “Seeing so many struggling with the most basic human necessities prompted my parents and I to provide our own service, a vegetable pantry that will put food on the table for the holiday season.”
He is involved in many activities, including Future Business Leaders of America, Interact club and the Class of 2026 Club. Simon also volunteers with the CTC program after school, is president of the Spanish Honor Society, and is in an internship program at Jeffrey McMahon Design and Build. After high school, Simon plans to attend a four-year university to study economics and political science.