{"id":114448,"date":"2026-02-15T05:53:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T05:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/114448\/"},"modified":"2026-02-15T05:53:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T05:53:13","slug":"school-notes-february-15-2026-scranton-times-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/114448\/","title":{"rendered":"School Notes, February 15, 2026 \u2013 Scranton Times-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abington Heights
\n\"JuliaJulia Avvisato, left, and Brenda Allison, Abington Heights (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Sophomores Julia Avvisato and Brenda Allison worked with the Newton Ransom Elementary School guidance department to plan out kindness events for the rest of the year. They designed and gathered supplies to create a \u201ckindness quilt\u201d of kind activities and presented the idea in an assembly; their creation is now displayed at the school.<\/p>\n

The girls also wrote a script for, acted in and directed mini-skits to help elementary students determine ways to be kind. Later this year, they are planning to create a \u201cKindness Snake\u201d to be displayed; students will paint rocks and line them up to see how long they can make the snake.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe students really cared about what we were working toward,\u201d Julia and Brenda said jointly. \u201cWhen I was at dance, one of the elementary school students approached me and said how excited they were for this. We wanted this initiative to be more interactive than prior years. There is never enough kindness in the world and even a small act of kindness can brighten someone\u2019s day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Julia\u2019s activities are demonstrating at Ballet Theatre of Scranton, secretary of the Interact club, student council, health club, med club, yearbook, period club and transition team. She plans to go to a college or university to major in biology or another medical-related field.<\/p>\n

Brenda, who plans to go to a college or university to major in communications and work with nonprofit organizations to do public advocacy, is the sophomore board representative for Interact, the creative coordinator for Beads of Hope, and is involved in transition team, demonstrating at Abington Civic League and Appalachian Service Project group.<\/p>\n

Blue Ridge
\n\"MattoxMattox Falkenberg, Blue Ridge (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Third grader Mattox Falkenberg was recently named the elementary school Citizen of the Month for demonstrating self-control, the character trait highlighted this month. His teacher reports that he works hard in the classroom and serves as a positive role model for his peers.<\/p>\n

Mattox said his favorite subject is science because he enjoys learning new things, especially about outer space. Mattox also likes math because he enjoys setting goals and improving his speed and accuracy, and enjoys reading the \u201cI Survived\u201d series.<\/p>\n

Mattox said being named Citizen of the Month \u201cfelt great because I make it a goal to get it every year. I try to pay attention and learn a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside of school, Mattox stays active in several sports, playing on the BRBC travel basketball team and participating in Upward Basketball in Montrose, Blue Ridge Youth Soccer and Blue Ridge Little League. He also enjoys art, playing on his mini hoop and spending time outside.<\/p>\n

After high school, he hopes to play in the NBA. His favorite team is the Golden State Warriors, and his favorite player is Stephen Curry. If basketball doesn\u2019t work out, Mattox would like to become an artist, as he enjoys creating pastel drawings.<\/p>\n

Carbondale Area
\n\"BreannBreann Wagner, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Freshman Breann Wagner got the highest score on the eighth grade PSSAs at Carbondale Area in English and math and, as a result, was inducted into the PSSA Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am very excited to have done so well. My hard work has paid off,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Breann\u2019s activities include drama club, art club and volunteering at the local food pantry.<\/p>\n

She plans on going to college to study either criminology, law or forensic science.<\/p>\n

Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
\n\"XzahvierXzahvier Davis, CTC (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Xzahvier Davis, a sophomore at West Scranton High School in the robotics and automation program, is excelling in the program, school officials said. Over his first two quarters he has maintained a 90 average and has obtained the industry certification Snap-on 504 Multimeter.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing certified means I can use the tool to measure electricity and use it to design and troubleshoot circuits,\u201d Xzahvier said.<\/p>\n

He wrestles for West Scranton and enjoys snowboarding. Xzahvier plans to go to the Army for wrestling and to get his doctor\u2019s degrees.<\/p>\n

Delaware Valley
\n\"GideonGideon Yost, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Gideon Yost is a student of the month, a member of the National Honor Society and was MVP for boys cross country.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have always loved running. The ability to run and be good at it has always been something I enjoy working at,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Gideon\u2019s activities include cross country, track and jazz band.<\/p>\n

He plans on going through an ROTC scholarship for a degree in bio research.<\/p>\n

Dunmore<\/p>\n

The following students have been chosen as students of the month for January: Connor Kapp, grade 7; Lydia Hurst, grade 8; Stephen Marouchoc, grade 9; Emma Golosky, grade 10; Dante Perillo, grade 11; and Cayden Reynolds, grade 12.<\/p>\n

School officials said each of these students displays excellent character, treats adults and fellow students with kindness and respect, follows rules and expectations with no disciplinary issues, maintains good attendance with no unexcused absences or excessive tardies\/early dismissals, displays a positive attitude toward learning, participates in class, demonstrates full effort, works to their potential, is a positive role model for fellow students and promotes the school as a proud member of the school community.<\/p>\n

Elk Lake
\n\"KeianaKeiana Fassett, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Sophomore Keiana Fassett is a member of the concert and jazz bands and also participates in the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble at Marywood University. This year, she has also been selected to represent Elk Lake at Susquehanna County Band and the Marywood Senior Wind Band Celebration.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have had the pleasure of being a member of the music program at Elk Lake since fifth grade with the opportunity to attend Marywood\u2019s Wind Band celebration for the past three years,\u201d Keiana said. \u201cThis year I had the opportunity to be a part of the Marywood Senior Wind Band Celebration. I also have participated in other festivals such as Band Fest, Jazz Fest and County Band for the past four years. I feel extremely honored to be a part of such an amazing program and have learned what it is like to be a part of a group with so much determination to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

When she is not involved in band-related activities, she enjoys dirt track racing. She started racing in summer 2024 and she has learned many lessons through it and has formed a lot of connections and relationships because of it. Reading is also one of Keiana\u2019s favorite things to do whenever she can, sometimes even on the way to a race.<\/p>\n

Her plans after high school are to go to college for nursing. Keiana has wanted to be a nurse for as long as she can remember and has recently become interested in psychiatric nursing.<\/p>\n

Forest City Regional
\n\"EssenceEssence Way, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Essence Way goes to a fourth grade classroom on her lunch each day and helps students with math and reading during lessons for her senior project. She has been going since September.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like being able to help them understand their work and see them learn and grow,\u201d Essence said.<\/p>\n

Her activities include cheerleading, soccer in 12th grade, volleyball in ninth grade and track.<\/p>\n

Essence plans to attend college for early childhood education.<\/p>\n

Lackawanna Trail
\n\"NathanNathan Sheakoski, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Sixth grader Nathan Sheakoski was recognized for placing ninth in the state in the Brighter Financial Futures Late Fall Investing Challenge. Students who competed in this challenge demonstrated critical thinking, perseverance and real-world financial decision-making \u2014 skills that matter for life, college and careers. He competed in this challenge under the guidance of his sixth grade teacher, Marty Kerzetski.<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt really good about it but was a little shocked,\u201d Nathan said. \u201cYou have to work hard and put in the time to be successful!\u201d<\/p>\n

His activities include Boy Scouts, baseball, basketball and fishing. Nathan hopes to maybe follow a career in the sciences after high school.<\/p>\n

Lakeland
\n\"KodyKody Miller, Lakeland (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Senior Kody Miller was recognized by the Lakeland School Board as December\u2019s Outstanding Senior. A nominating teacher wrote, \u201cKody is a hard worker, very polite, personable, helpful, and involved.\u201d He consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and strong commitment to the Lakeland community, according to school officials.<\/p>\n

Kody\u2019s activities include playing for the varsity football and baseball teams, National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America.<\/p>\n

Mid Valley
\n\"GabriellaGabriella Arthur, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Sixth grader Gabriella Arthur best exemplifies being respectful, responsible and safe in and out of the classroom, school officials said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI worked really hard and did not give up. I kept my good behavior throughout my elementary school years and finally got Outstanding Spartan,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Gabriella participates in MV1 News, drama, dance, basketball and softball.<\/p>\n

She plans to audition for either a movie, TV show or play.<\/p>\n

North Pocono
\n\"BruceBruce Cianfichi, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Bruce Cianfichi would have gladly taken advantage of morning senior privilege to gain an extra hour of sleep. However, courses such as physics II, calculus BC, English literature and psychology proved too engaging to pass up. Faced with the choice between additional rest and academic curiosity, Bruce chose knowledge.<\/p>\n

Bruce is currently ranked 13th in his class. While he hopes this number changes in the future, he is indifferent to whether it rises or falls, so long as it is no longer 13. He has completed six AP courses so far, a number that increases to 10 when including those he is currently enrolled in. Of the six AP exams he has taken, Bruce earned a score of 5 on half and a score of 4 on the remainder.<\/p>\n

Bruce has participated in track and field, cross country and the rifle team, and he has earned a black belt in tang soo do. He is currently a member of chorus. Outside of school, Bruce enjoys exploring his creative interests through coding, drawing, writing and playing the piano. He dedicates his time to maintaining a strong academic focus and pursuing personal interests.<\/p>\n

Following high school graduation, Bruce plans to attend Swarthmore College, where he intends to pursue a major in computer science. He hopes to enter a career that works closely with computers and emphasizes problem solving and creativity.<\/p>\n

Old Forge
\n\"JaseJase Volovitch, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Sixth grader Jase Volovitch was honored to receive Devil Pride student of the month for December.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was very happy to receive this award, however I left early that day and was not able to receive this award with my peers. Being chosen is a great feeling because you know you are chosen out of my entire sixth grade class. I feel like I am a good student, do well in class and help others if they need help,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Jase plays football and basektball.<\/p>\n

Riverside
\n\"EmmaEmma Capalongo, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
\n\"LeahLeah Vidra, Riverside (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

The students at Riverside elementary schools participated in spirit week, which was sponsored by the student council organization. The week included themed dress-down days and a free ticket to a home Lady Vikes basketball game, where Riverside beat the Lady Devils of Old Forge High School.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name got picked with other kids in the raffle, so I got to take a foul shot during halftime,\u201d Emma Capalongo, grade 4, said. \u201cEven though I missed, it was still fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leah Vidra, grade 4, said, \u201cI came very close to the basket, but I missed. I was a little nervous, but I think I want to try out for a team next year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both girls agreed the whole week was fun, and that their favorite days were Red and Blue Day and Wear Your Favorite Sports Team Shirt Day.<\/p>\n

Rosie Wincovitch and Pam Insalaca are the advisers to the student council organization.<\/p>\n

Scranton <\/p>\n

West Scranton High School senior Jenish Prajapati won a silver key award for his drawing, and senior Janyah Currie and freshman Adelyn Hirschler both won honorable mentions for their paintings. All three pieces of art will be on display at the Everhart Museum from Feb. 6 until March 1.<\/p>\n

Valley View
\n\"DahliaDahlia Ciullo, Valley View (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Dahlia Ciullo was chosen as student of the month for music. \u201cA full schedule builds skills; strong character builds a life,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Dahlia is an accomplished and well-rounded student whose involvement spans academics, athletics, leadership and the arts. She is a three-year member of both the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society and has demonstrated exceptional dedication to martial arts, training from 2014\u20132021, and now serving as a karate instructor and third-degree black belt at Huntzinger\u2019s Karate School of Blakely.<\/p>\n

Dahlia has also completed the Basic Encampment of the Pennsylvania Wing\u2019s 2024 Summer Cadet Training Schools through the Civil Air Patrol, where she currently holds the rank of cadet chief master sergeant and serves as flight sergeant for Squadron 201. In the performing arts, she is the senior drum major of the marching band (trombone), president of the concert band and vice president of the choir (soprano I). Her leadership continues beyond the stage as captain and three-year member of the basketball cheerleading team and corresponding secretary of student council.<\/p>\n

Dahlia is also a member of the PA Envirothon Team, a four-year member of the tennis team who competed in district doubles during the 2025 season, and a two-year member of the ski club, with nine years of family skiing experience. Additionally, she is a six-year member of the varsity track and field team, competing in sprinting, distance and throwing events, including discus and shot put.<\/p>\n

Dahlia also spends her time volunteering on the worship and arts crew at LCBC Church and participating in musical theater. She has performed in several productions, including \u201cBeauty and the Beast,\u201d \u201cThe Happy Elf,\u201d \u201cBig Fish,\u201d \u201cMary Poppins,\u201d \u201cMatilda\u201d and \u201cGrease,\u201d and enjoys acting, singing and dancing.<\/p>\n

Dahlia is currently being reviewed as a candidate for admission to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. As a backup plan, she intends to enlist in the Air Force on active duty following graduation.<\/p>\n

Wallenpaupack Area
\n\"RupertRupert Harman, Wallenpaupack Area (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Both kindergarten classes at Wallenpaupack South Elementary School have been participating in the Hearts Around the World project, where the goal is to collect as many valentines as possible from all 50 states and beyond.<\/p>\n

Kindergartner Rupert Harman has been instrumental in trying to get all the states (with a little help from his mom). Because of him, his class has received valentines from different zoos, Laurie Berkner, children\u2019s museums, Legoland and the University of Idaho, to name a few, according to school officials.<\/p>\n

When asked why he liked this project so much, Rupert answered, \u201cIt\u2019s really challenging and I like doing it with my mom. We have made a list of all the zoos we want to go to because of this project.\u201d<\/p>\n

He has two pets, a dog and a bird. School officials say Rupert likes to play tag with his friends and climb, with his dream being to become the fastest climber.<\/p>\n

Wayne Highlands
\n\"AndynAndyn Newman, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Preston Area School eighth grader Andyn Newman makes and sells custom fishing rods locally. He started his fishing rod business two years ago, has sold 16 fishing rods and plans to start shipping them to reach more customers. Andyn is also currently working on a logo to start putting on the rods. He has been fishing since he was 3 years old.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like fishing because I am out in nature with my friends and family,\u201d Andyn said. \u201cMy two favorite fish that I have caught are a mahi fish and an amberjack fish off the shore in Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also enjoys motocross, and plans to become a charter captain and a boat mechanic after high school.<\/p>\n

Western Wayne
\n\"AveryAvery Ullner, Western Wayne (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Junior Avery Ullner is an honor roll student who loves the performing arts and also is dedicated to the school\u2019s Future Business Leaders of America program. For the past three years, she has been competing with the program and planning to pursue a career in business. During Avery\u2019s freshman and sophomore years, she and her FBLA partner, fellow junior Clare Coccodrilli, participated in the introduction to social media event. This year they competed in an event where they had to sell a product through public speaking.<\/p>\n

Avery enjoys speaking in front of others and has experience from her time in school productions the past four years. Her eighth grade year she was a singing maid in \u201cThe Little Mermaid,\u201d freshman year she was a lead dancer in \u201cThe Addams Family Musical,\u201d sophomore year she was also a lead dancer in \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d and for her junior year she will play the role of the dancing reporter Cherry Sundae in Roald Dahl\u2019s \u201cCharlie and the Chocolate Factory.\u201d In addition, Avery has played roles in the drama club\u2019s original mystery plays the past two years.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love to perform in front of people,\u201d she said. \u201cI think this connects to how I want to be an entrepreneur when I am older, because I know that path will require a lot of skills related to public speaking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Avery enjoys her English classes the most in high school and particularly likes reading a deep, meaningful book she can connect to emotionally. In addition, she works part time at Paw Pack Doggy Daycare because she loves animals. After high school, Avery aspires to attend a four-year university for a degree in business and is considering applying to Susquehanna University.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Abington Heights Julia Avvisato, left, and Brenda Allison, Abington Heights (Submitted) Sophomores Julia Avvisato and Brenda Allison worked…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":85246,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[227,182,139,178,180,179],"class_list":["post-114448","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-scranton","tag-education","tag-local-news","tag-news","tag-scranton","tag-scranton-headlines","tag-scranton-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114448","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=114448"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114448\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=114448"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=114448"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=114448"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}