{"id":145450,"date":"2026-03-22T19:23:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T19:23:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/145450\/"},"modified":"2026-03-22T19:23:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T19:23:17","slug":"school-notes-march-22-2026-scranton-times-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/145450\/","title":{"rendered":"School Notes, March 22, 2026 \u2013 Scranton Times-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abington Heights
\n\"DaneDane Malone, Abington Heights (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Eighth grader Dane Malone won the 2026 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Jr. High State Championship, which was held in Johnstown. The win made him a four-time PJW state champion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWinning is very satisfying,\u201d Dane said. \u201cBeing in wrestling helps with gaining new friends and keeping you motivated in all other parts of life.\u201d<\/p>\n

He enjoys fishing, lifting, training and hanging out with friends. Dane hopes to go to college for wrestling and eventually become a business owner.<\/p>\n

Blue Ridge
\n\"PhoenixPhoenix Piercy, Blue Ridge (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Second grader Phoenix Piercy was recently named a Blue Ridge Elementary School Citizen of the Month. He was chosen for demonstrating excellent self-control in the classroom and throughout the school.<\/p>\n

Phoenix currently enjoys math class, specifically learning how to use a ruler for measuring. He is an avid reader of the \u201cDiary of a Wimpy Kid\u201d series, specifically the original book, \u201cDouble Down,\u201d and \u201cRodrick Rules.\u201d<\/p>\n

Phoenix was pleased to receive the honor. \u201cI was surprised because this is my third time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Outside of school, Phoenix plays for Blue Ridge Youth Soccer and Blue Ridge Little League. He also enjoys playing basketball with friends, football with his dad, and staying active by running laps and going on hikes.<\/p>\n

After graduating from high school, Phoenix wants to work on a demolition crew. His interest in the field stems from playing the game \u201cTeardown.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carbondale Area
\n\"ChloeChloe Yoskowitz, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Junior Chloe Yoskowitz is playing Jasmine in \u201cAladdin.\u201d At time of publication, there will still be a Sunday 2 p.m show.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlaying Jasmine has been the role of a lifetime,\u201d she said. \u201cI am so grateful to be here with this amazing cast and wonderful director. \u2018These Palace Walls\u2019 is my favorite solo yet. We all worked really hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chloe\u2019s activities include Future Business Leaders of America, drama club, singing, art, acting and cooking.<\/p>\n

Chloe plans on attending college for English education with the goal of becoming a high school English teacher.<\/p>\n

Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
\n\"MirandaMiranda Rogers, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Miranda Rogers, a senior at Valley View High School in the carpentry program, was\u00a0chosen as this year\u2019s CTC NEIU Scholar of the Year.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiranda has excelled in the Carpentry Program,\u201d program instructor Shane Malicky said. \u201cAs a nontraditional student in a predominantly male trade program, Miranda\u2019s success opens the door for future women to see the trades as a viable and rewarding career path. Her achievement serves as a powerful reminder that excellence isn\u2019t determined by tradition, but by the skill in one\u2019s hands and the sharpest of minds. I am extremely proud of her accomplishments at CTCLC.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miranda is a student ambassador, holds a SkillsUSA district medal for technical math, and was chosen as the school\u2019s student of the month as a junior. She will be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society in April.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am incredibly honored to have been chosen for this prestigious award,\u201d Miranda said. \u201cAll things considered, I am extremely appreciative of the CTCLC acknowledging all of my hard work and dedication over the three years I have attended the school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside of the CTC, she volunteers at Valley View\u2019s Challenger Program, having helped with both the challenger baseball and soccer programs. Miranda, who plans to study architecture or architectural engineering after high school, also spends time volunteering at the Weinberg Food Pantry in Jermyn, and is in the National Honor Society, having been inducted as a sophomore.<\/p>\n

Delaware Valley
\n\"WinterWinter Lily Oliver, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Sophomore Winter Lily Oliver was chosen as student of the month. \u201cIt has helped me to become more active and create more relationships,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Winter Lily\u2019s activities include marching band, Pennsylvania Youth Education Association and mock trial.<\/p>\n

Dunmore
\n\"CaydenCayden Reynolds, Dunmore (SUBMITTED)
\n\"JimmyJimmy Clark, Dunmore (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

At the 2026 NEPA Bridge Competition, senior Cayden Reynolds took first place with a 15.74-gram bridge holding 1,803 times its own weight, supporting a maximum load of 62.6 pounds. Senior Jimmy Clark placed third with a 14.83-gram bridge holding 1,138 times its own weight and supporting a maximum load of 37.2 pounds.<\/p>\n

Cayden will advance to the International Bridge Contest organized by the Illinois Institute of Technology.<\/p>\n

Elk Lake
\n\"IreneIrene Casas, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Irene Casas is the elementary yearbook editor this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been part of the Elk Lake yearbook staff for two years, and I\u2019ve learned so much throughout the years. Being part of the yearbook has taught me how to run and manage a business, as well as how to market a business,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Irene\u2019s activities include student council, UPS STEM Program, National Honor Society, band, UPS Reading Program and Future Business Leaders of America.<\/p>\n

She plans to attend either Binghamton University or West Chester University and major in marketing.<\/p>\n

Forest City Regional
\n\"JaianalynnJaianalynn Garcia, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Jaianalynn Garcia, grade 12, worked at the produce market at Forest City Regional School District for the community and students, and at the Salvation Army food pantry for local residents for her senior project service hours. She chose this project because it involved helping the community.<\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoyed seeing people happy when they received groceries,\u201d Jaianalynn said.<\/p>\n

She works part time with Susquehanna County Interfaith.<\/p>\n

Jaianalynn plans to attend Lackawanna College to study human services after graduation.<\/p>\n

Lackawanna Trail
\n\"KarsinKarsin Atkinson, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Freshman Karsin Atkinson was awarded the Anthracite Valley USBC 2026 Youth Scholarship for excellence in bowling.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo the best you can until you know better,\u201d he said. \u201cThen, when you know better, do better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Karsin is a member of the football, baseball, bowling and bocce teams, and after high school he plans to further his education and go to college.<\/p>\n

Mid Valley
\n\"NatalieNatalie Giordano, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Natalie Giordano received the Sister Mary Glennon Scholarship from Misericordia University. This is a competitive, full-tuition scholarship awarded to six students out of over 200 applicants.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am incredibly proud of myself. It is an honor to receive this award, recognizing my hard work over my high school career. I am thankful for Misericordia for selecting me out of all of the qualified applicants they had,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Natalie attends the Lackawanna County Career Technology Center and studies medical assisting. She is a member of the drama club, select choir, SADD and art clubs. Natalie is participating in cooperative education at Geisinger CMC this year.<\/p>\n

Natalie will be studying diagnostic medical sonography at Misericordia University.<\/p>\n

North Pocono
\n\"DemareeDemaree Weissman, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Demaree Weissman has taken advantage of both medical assisting and patient care technician programs at CTC.<\/p>\n

She has been a student ambassador for the last two years. As a senior, Demaree was recommended and sent on co-op working at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton in the neurological-trauma and surgical department. She competed in SkillsUSA twice, earning a gold medal for basic health care and silver for the health knowledge bowl.<\/p>\n

Throughout high school, Demaree has maintained a full course load between CTC and her home school, North Pocono, while achieving honor roll status. She is a member of the varsity football and basketball cheer team, yearbook club, period club, prom committee, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, and an honorable recognition in the Scranton Times Newsletter.<\/p>\n

After graduation, Demaree plans to major in a five-year program for pre-physician assistant. Upon receiving her undergrad degree, she plans to go back to school and continue her education to become a doctor, specifically in trauma care. She plans to work in the emergency department, helping others during some of the most critical moments of their lives.<\/p>\n

Old Forge
\n\"AmiraAmira Medallel, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Fourth grader Amira Medallel was recently named Devil Pride student for the month of February.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was so surprised because I have never received this award until this month. I think I was chosen because I am a good student. I help my teachers, my classmates and I follow all the Devil Pride rules of the school. I was so excited when I was presented with my award on stage in front of my peers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Amira\u2019s activities include dance (tap and jazz), piano, gymnastics and cheerleading.<\/p>\n

Riverside
\n\"NathanielNathaniel Wilmot, Riverside (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Nathaniel Wilmot was a participant on the fifth grade level of the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit\u2019s annual reading tournament, which included school districts from throughout the NEIU area.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though our school didn\u2019t win, it was still fun and challenging,\u201d Nathaniel said.<\/p>\n

Several grade levels from the district participated with the coordination from their ELA teachers in a Zoom setting. Nathaniel answered all five of his comprehension questions correctly. \u201cAt first I was nervous, but then it kind of came naturally to me. My favorite reading topic is history,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Scranton
\n\"AyiahAyiah Barragan, Scranton (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Charles Sumner Elementary School first grader Ayiah Barragan was awarded the Kindness Star for the month of February. She had her name on the Kindness Tree the most for the month. Ayiah goes out of her way to help her peers and teachers, according to school officials.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very excited to be the Kindness Star and love helping people,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Valley View
\n\"WilliamWilliam Giovagnoli, Valley View (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior William Giovagnoli is being recognized as an outstanding student within the Valley View community for his involvement in the Unified club, as well as his exceptional leadership qualities and his positive presence as a model within the school.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is an honor to be recognized for this award. I am proud to be a part of something that brings people together regardless of their abilities. I really wish I joined the Unified program sooner. I have always been a part of a team through sports and clubs but being a part of this team has given me a whole new perspective on what the word team really means,\u201d William said.<\/p>\n

His other activities at school include participation in soccer, tennis, Unified bocce ball, Unified track and field, Unified club, SADD club and Leo club, demonstrating his commitment to involvement, teamwork and contributing positively to the school community.<\/p>\n

After graduation, William will attend Pennsylvania College of Technology, where he plans to pursue a degree in residential building construction.<\/p>\n

Wallenpaupack Area
\n\"HaydenHayden Schwartz, Wallenpaupack Area (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Wallenpaupack South Elementary School fourth grader Hayden Schwartz recently chose to create an informational book about the planets to share with others because he is so interested in them. He did in-depth research, created the book and shared it with teachers and classmates.<\/p>\n

When asked what he enjoyed most about the project, Hayden answered, \u201cI was happy to share what I learned about planets by sharing my book.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hayden, who has two dogs, loves 3D printing and participates in the Shine program.<\/p>\n

Wayne Highlands
\n\"EmiliaEmilia Diefenbach, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Stourbridge Primary Center second grader Emilia Diefenbach had a karate contest in Scranton and received first- and second-place medals in the competition.<\/p>\n

Emilia also recently participated in a cheerleading showcase at Honesdale High School. School officials say she is a shining example of hard work and kindness in the classroom, consistently meeting and exceeding expectations and showing maturity beyond her years. They added that Emilia is exceptionally helpful to other students, especially those who are new to the school, and has a positive attitude, always seeing the good in all the students and staff. Emilia loves how the teachers add so much fun to each school day.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been doing karate for a few years and I have made some friends who started at the same time as me, and we are always on the same path,\u201d she said. \u201cWe do all our karate together. They are really nice friends. Even though they go to different schools, it is great to have friends who are so funny and focused and help each other out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emilia participates in cheerleading for the Honesdale Boys Biddy Basketball League, and attends the Tang Soo Do karate academy every Tuesday and Thursday in Honesdale. Sometimes the class goes outside on Main Street or to Central Park to practice and perform. In the summer, she plays tennis and attends a science camp.<\/p>\n

Emilia enjoys helping her dad with the community cleanup around the Preston Area School in the spring, and with the color run, squirting colored powdered paint at the runners on the trail. Emilia looks forward each year to attending the father-daughter dance at the Preston Area School. She also participated in an acting studio at the Ritz Theatre in Hawley, which culminated in a show for the public.<\/p>\n

Emilia someday wants to be a teacher, a newscaster or an architect who designs houses, as long as she can stay close to her family in Honesdale.<\/p>\n

Western Wayne
\n\"OliverOliver McCutcheon, Western Wayne (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Robert D. Wilson Elementary School first grader Oliver McCutcheon was honored by his teachers because he plays on a travel ice hockey league.<\/p>\n

When he was asked about playing hockey, Oliver said, \u201cWe go to a lot of matches and score on the other team\u2019s goalie.\u201d Asked how he felt about his nomination, Oliver said, \u201cI\u2019m really excited to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

In school, math is Oliver\u2019s favorite subject. When he grows up he would like to be a police officer because they do a lot of cool things and help people. He would also like to be a bull wrestler.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Abington Heights Dane Malone, Abington Heights (Submitted) Eighth grader Dane Malone won the 2026 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Jr.…\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-145450","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\/145450","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=145450"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145450\/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=145450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=145450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=145450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}