Abington Heights
Grace Keeler, Abington Heights (Submitted)
Eighth grader Grace Keeler was the lead in this year’s musical performance at the middle school, playing SpongeBob in the production, “The SpongeBob Musical.”
She was excited to learn she got the part of SpongeBob and originally felt pressure to do well since it’s a longer performance. Grace said she was nervous but excited to perform for her friends and family.
Outside of school, she participates in competitive dance and musical theater, and enjoys spending time with friends and family. After high school, Grace would like to attend college in New York City to study dance and musical theater. She would love to be on Broadway one day.
Blue Ridge
Damian “DJ” Scheuch, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
Sixth grader Damian “DJ” Scheuch was featured on WNEP during Joe Snedeker’s forecast on Jan. 16 as part of the station’s January “pointing” theme, vacuuming. A photo submitted by his mother showcased him with his impressive vacuum collection, and his face was even featured on the forecast map.
On Jan. 21, Damian appeared on WNEP’s “On the Pennsylvania Road” program, where he shared his collection and enthusiasm for vacuums. His passion began at a young age, inspired by his Grandma Rose. He recalls chasing his grandmother around in his walker while she vacuumed when he was a toddler. Today, Damian owns 48 vacuums, acquired through store purchases, salvaging and donations. When a vacuum stops working, he carefully disassembles it down to the motor, cleans it, orders replacement parts and repairs it as needed. Damian researches makes, models and parts by examining model plates and using online resources and YouTube tutorials. He also uses his skills to repair vacuums for members of his church and others in need.
On being featured on television, Damian shared, “I felt amazing that I got to be on TV because I just wanted to make people happy by making the pointer picture, and now I feel like the star of the show.”
In addition to his collection and repair work, he is an acolyte at the United Methodist Church in New Milford. Damian also volunteers his time helping with cleaning at his church and at the homes of family friends. After high school, he hopes to turn his passion into a career by establishing his own appliance repair business and hiring a few workers to help him serve the community.
Carbondale Area
Ashleigh Arnese, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)
Senior Ashleigh Arnese placed first in the Future Business Leaders of America Regional Leadership Conference. Her category was “Public Administration and Management.”
“It is an honor to receive this award and I look forward to the state conference,” Ashleigh said.
Her activities include: Forest City girls volleyball team for four years, volunteer for the Our Lady of the Rosary picnic every year and employee at the Peanut Bar/Cashew Lounge.
Ashleigh plans on attending Florida Gulf Coast University to study marine biology.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Nicholas Anthony Brown, CTC (Submitted)
Nicholas Anthony Brown, a senior at Scranton High School, excels in the culinary program, according to school officials. Not only does he have his OSHA 10 certification for culinary, but Nicholas is also the first student in the program this year to achieve ServSafe certification. These are industry certifications that will serve him well in the workforce, school officials added.
“Dedication is key to my senior year, as I strive to get as much as I can from Chef Mark and the culinary program,” he said.
At Scranton High School, Nicholas, who plans to pursue a law degree, is a member of the football and wrestling teams, and maintains a part-time job at McDonald’s.
Delaware Valley
Grace Stevens, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)
Senior Grace Stevens is an AP Scholar with Distinction, recipient of a RIT Math and Science Scholarship, Rural and Small Town Recognition Award, National Recognition Program, math student of the year as a freshman and sophomore, and a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa and Tri-M Gifted Program.
“It has allowed me to grow closer to more people, learn how to lead and take initiative, and helped me learn time management,” she said.
Grace’s other activities include marching band (drum major this year), concert band (playing the flute and piccolo), PMEA (audition for districts on flute), fishing club in spring, playing in pit bands for musicals (latest was this years DDMS “Cinderella”) and a peer math tutor.
She plans to attend college and major in neuroscience, along with playing the flute in an ensemble, possibly minoring.
Dunmore
The following students were nominated and selected as students of the month for December at the junior/senior high school: Gabriel Richichi, grade 7; Harper Riddle, grade 8; William Healey, grade 9; Evan Eibach, grade 10; Violet Vazquez, grade 11; and Olivia Finan, grade 12.
These students, selected by their teachers, are considered with the following criteria: displays excellent character, follows rules and expectations, maintains good attendance, displays a positive attitude toward learning, participates in class, demonstrates full effort and works to their potential, acts a positive role model for fellow students, and promotes the school as a proud member of the school community.
Elk Lake
Zoey Walsh, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Freshman Zoey Walsh has taken an exciting step this year by joining the guitar program. Already a flute player in the school band, she is now applying her strong musical background to mastering a new instrument.
While she enjoys learning her favorite songs at home with guidance from her father, she has come to the school program seeking a more technical and structured approach to guitar. Her prior experience has helped her advance quickly, moving from basic note-reading into more challenging, intricate pieces. An exceptional student and a valued member of the school community, Zoey is proving to be a wonderful and highly capable addition to the school’s guitar program, school officials said.
“Thanks to my dad, I have been learning the guitar since I was 8 years old. I considered lessons because I hope someday to occasionally perform with my dad. I also wanted to say thank you to Mr. Caprio for offering these lessons and being able to work with my crazy schedule,” Zoey said.
Her activities include cheerleading, track, cross country, learning the alto saxophone and jazz band
Zoey plans to attend Marywood University and become a band/orchestra director. She also wants to move somewhere where it’s warm.
Forest City Regional
Nicholas Conover, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)
Senior Nicholas Conover did his service project at Camp Hebron, Harrisburg — a Russian Orthodox camp for ages 12-17, with activities including prayer, meals and discussions, as well as sports and social activities, including hiking. Nick put in 30 hours of service time.
“My favorite part was discussions with the campers,” he said.
Nick’s activities include religious camp at CrossRoad Institute, St. Tikhon’s Summer Camp, Waymart; ski team, golf and part-time jobs. He also attends CTC for collision repair.
Nick plans on attending college for mechanical engineering.
Lakeland
Isabelle Negvesky, Lakeland (Submitted)
Sophomore Isabelle Negvesky was selected as the senior high November Student of the Month. Teachers commend her for consistently giving her best effort on every assignment and for her kindness, thoughtfulness and creativity.
She recently demonstrated her commitment to the school community by designing the flyers for Lakeland’s winter art show and winter concert.
“I’m grateful for my teachers’ support and recognition. I will continue to work hard and do my best each day,” Isabelle said.
Her activities include marching band, Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble, Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band, cross country, yearbook club and dancing at the Carmel Ardito School of Dance. After high school, Isabelle plans to continue her education, possibly in music or science.
North Pocono
Connor Simonson, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)
Connor Simonson is taking advantage of the academic offerings during his senior year to prepare for college by forgoing study halls and senior privilege with challenging classes like AP chemistry, AP physics 2, AP psychology, AP literature and composition, and AP calculus BC. Connor began high school taking accelerated classes; by the time he graduates he will have taken 11 AP courses and will have hopefully passed them all.
Connor is the vice president of the Science Olympiad team, a member of the newly formed bowling team, a leader in the Mathletes club and plays viola in the string ensemble.
Connor works at Mendicino’s Pizza as a dishwasher. He plans to study mechanical engineering. While he is undecided as to where he’ll attend college, he hopes to obtain a master’s degree.
Old Forge
Logan Fanning, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)
Senior Logan Fanning is serving as National Honor Society president.
“Being voted as National Honor Society president was a great feeling as it was decided by my classmates. Knowing that they trust me enough to elect me for the role reminded me of how close we all are after many years of sharing classrooms,” he said.
Logan believes you should “always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.”
His other activities include varsity basketball team, varsity soccer team and scholastic quiz bowl team.
Logan plans on attending college with a major in biology.
Riverside
Mavic Hermanson, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Shawn Felter, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
Mrs. Peoples’ second grade SEL class learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and kindness.
“It didn’t matter what color skin you had, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was kind to everyone,” Mavic Hermanson said.
Shawn Felter added, “We picked a classmate’s name and had to give that person an award. I gave my classmate an award for being a great friend.”
Scranton
The following Charles Sumner Elementary School students in grades pre-K to four were named Sumner Stars for December: Zoe Fernandez, Daemon Thompson, Delroy Rogers, Natalie Snyder, Charlotte Helena, Sakari Rucker Lawson, Brianna Castillo, Susana Paramo, Gillianys Santos, Charlie Beck, Skyla Smith and Adalynne Felix.
School officials say the students were chosen by their teachers because they are respectful, responsible and ready to learn each and every day.
“We are very proud of our Sumner Stars,” they said.
Valley View
Kyle Guerin, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Kyle Guerin has been chosen as senior of the month in technology education/STEM.
“I’m honored to receive this award. I truly enjoy this area of study and plan to pursue a career in this after college,” he said.
When Kyle is not working hard in the classroom, he stays active by playing on the football team, as well as participating in track and field. In addition, Kyle is an active member of the ski club.
After graduation, Kyle plans to attend a four-year college and is considering a major in architecture.
Wayne Highlands
Bradley Meyers, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Eighth grader Bradley Meyers earned a place as a soccer goalkeeper on the Olympic Development Program roster for Eastern Pennsylvania. He will train with top coaches, compete with strong players to develop his skills and showcase his talent to college recruiters. Bradley has also accepted an invitation to play for the United States team in Barcelona, Spain, in March.
“I look forward to traveling for practices in the eastern U.S. and to Barcelona in March for an international competition,” he said. “Working with other players has strengthened my communication, problem-solving and time-management skills.”
An honor roll student, Bradley aspires to become a professional goalkeeper or study animal science in college after high school.
Western Wayne
Mackenzie Warnock, Western Wayne (Submitted)
Sophomore Mackenzie Warnock is a strong academic student who is involved in many activities both in and outside of school, school officials say, learning many skills that will help her after she graduates.
“I have learned a lot about personal responsibility from my activities,” Mackenzie said. “I also have become skilled in prioritizing when working on projects.”
She is a member of the marching band, playing multiple instruments, including the baritone saxophone, bass clarinet and clarinet. Mackenzie will attend District Band this winter on bass clarinet. She also has participated in Ultimate Frisbee since she was in eighth grade, and worked on the high school stage crew for one year, where she showed very strong leadership skills. Mackenzie also enjoys creating art — particularly acryllic painting. Her favorite subjects to paint are nature and landscapes.
She takes great pride in being a first-year cadet at the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Company, where her father, William Warnock, has just been elected vice president. Mackenzie has been interested in firefighting since she was a young girl who had a fascination with firetrucks. She looks forward to training formally to be a firefighter when she is 18.
For her future plans, Mackenzie wishes to pursue firefighting and also has always had interest in being a hairdresser.