{"id":151398,"date":"2026-03-29T06:33:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T06:33:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/151398\/"},"modified":"2026-03-29T06:33:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T06:33:13","slug":"school-notes-march-29-2026-scranton-times-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/151398\/","title":{"rendered":"School Notes, March 29, 2026 \u2013 Scranton Times-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abington Heights
\n\"BrodyBrody Dragann, Abington Heights (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Fifth grader Brody Dragann was invited to join the Play Hockey team and participate in the International Cup tournament in Bolzano, Italy. This trip is truly a unique experience that will provide Brody with an opportunity to develop international friendships and education through both hockey and cultural exchanges, school officials said.<\/p>\n

When asked about how he felt about the opportunity, Brody said, \u201cI was super excited because it\u2019s going to be a great experience. My playing has come a long way since I started and my parents have been super supportive of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside of Play Hockey, he enjoys riding his e-bike and mountain bike, and after high school, Brody hopes to attend a Division I college or university to play hockey and hopefully get drafted to the National Hockey League.<\/p>\n

Blue Ridge
\n\"LianaLiana Armondi, Blue Ridge (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Fifth grader Liana Armondi won the Blue Ridge Spelling Bee and $100 from the Susquehanna County United Way. The victory qualified her to compete against winners from other area school districts in the Susquehanna County Spelling Bee on Thursday at Blue Ridge High School.<\/p>\n

School officials say Liana worked hard to prepare for the bee by having family and friends practice with her. She is recognized as an exceptional student whose intelligence, kindness and willingness to support others make her a true role model. They say Liana\u2019s victory is just one reflection of the dedication and character she brings to everything she does.<\/p>\n

On winning the school bee, she said, \u201cI was really happy and excited that I won.\u201d She said she felt nervous but confident heading into the county competition.<\/p>\n

Liana is a member at the True Colors Youth and Outreach Center in Hallstead, where she helps to spread awareness and support in the community. For example, Liana has helped make Valentine\u2019s Day cards for soldiers, as well as cards for elected women during Women\u2019s History Month. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, gymnastics and reading. Liana\u2019s favorite school subject is math.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, she hopes to turn her compassion for others into a career as a therapist.<\/p>\n

Carbondale Area
\n\"CalebCaleb Buddie, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Caleb Buddie played Jafar in the drama club production of \u201cAladdin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe three nights of the play were the tip of the iceberg. The five months it took for us to polish every bit were full of long nights but it was rewarding. The new friends, the accomplishments, the applause, the autograph signings, was all worth it. We put on a show they loved and it was a dream I always wanted,\u201d Caleb said.<\/p>\n

He works at Starbucks in Dickson City and said he wants to discover a dream career and study it in college while also studying theater.<\/p>\n

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

Melissa Betts, a senior at Abington Heights High School who is also in the Marywood University STRIVE program, has been doing an outstanding job in the school\u2019s service occupations program, where she goes above and beyond to excel in her studies, according to school officials.<\/p>\n

Melissa earned various certifications in CareerSafe Employability Skills, American Ladder Institute Mobile Ladder Safety Training and Lackawanna College\u2019s Certified Manufacturing Associate Training Program. Moreover, she was last year\u2019s silver medalist in the SkillsUSA State Competition in Hershey, where she will compete again in April.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very excited and looking forward to SkillsUSA,\u201d Melissa said. \u201cI hope to win this year in my competition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside of school, she takes tennis lessons at Birchwood Racquet Club and is involved in the Our Lady of the Snows church choir. After high school, Melissa will attend Marywood\u2019s SOAR 2.0 program next year.<\/p>\n

Dunmore<\/p>\n

The following students were nominated and selected to attend the Band Fest and Chorus Fest in May. These festivals offer opportunities to students who participate in their chorus and band programs at their schools. Students will spend the day with various other schools and guest conductors from across the region and country. The day will end with a concert for their families and friends.<\/p>\n

For Band Fest, taking place May 15 at Riverside: Adelina Napoli, Adrianna Rivera and Juliet Renard.<\/p>\n

For Chorus Fest, taking place May 8 at Tunkhannock Area: Juliet Renard, Gabby Spillar, Scarlett Carson and Zoey Schlittler.<\/p>\n

Elk Lake
\n\"NatalieNatalie Roth, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Freshman Natalie Roth volunteers at Burke\u2019s Auctions in the concession stand. She was a counselor in training at the Scouts camp and helped teach the younger children archery.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a lot of fun in Scouts and helping kids. I love going camping and earning different merit badges,\u201d Natalie said.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s been on the archery team since fourth grade and in the Aevidum club since seventh grade.<\/p>\n

After school, Natalie plans on going to college to work with animals.<\/p>\n

Forest City Regional<\/p>\n

Emily Powell, grade 12, tutored seventh and eighth graders during her lunch this year for her senior project. There were eight students that rotated through the week. These students got assistance with all subjects and help with organizational skills as well. She completed 25 hours of tutoring.<\/p>\n

\u201cI liked listening to the kids and helping them. They trusted me as a big sister,\u201d Emily said.<\/p>\n

She worked part time and volunteered with the Produce Market a few times as well.<\/p>\n

Emily plans on getting a full-time job after graduation.<\/p>\n

Lackawanna Trail
\n\"ColeCole Golden, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Sixth grader Cole Golden recently competed in the Keystone Wrestling Championships at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State. He wrestled in the 160-pound weight class and placed second overall.<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt that I knew if I made it to states I had a shot at medaling,\u201d Cole said. \u201cThis was the strongest I felt going into my matches. I never doubted myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to wrestling, his other activities are football, track and field, hunting and fishing. After high school, Cole would like to be an electrician and also coach high school sports.<\/p>\n

Mid Valley
\n\"PadraigPadraig Walsh, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Sixth grader Padraig Walsh demonstrates what it takes to be respectful, responsible and safe. Not only is Padraig kind to his classmates but is kind to his teachers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI set a goal to win this award a few years ago and I am proud to have accomplished winning it before going to middle school,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Padraig plays soccer, basketball and flag football. He hopes to play soccer and basketball for the Spartans in high school.<\/p>\n

He plans to attend a college with a good football team, to study either accounting or business, and hopes to work in accounting or run a business.<\/p>\n

Old Forge
\n\"JaylianaJayliana Rivera Cruz, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Fifth grader Jayliana Rivera Cruz received Devil Pride for the month of February in her grade.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was very surprised when my name was called to receive this award. I was surprised because this is the first time I received Devil Pride,\u201d she said. \u201cI was chosen by my teachers because I follow all the Devil Pride rules, complete all my work, I help my teachers in class, and I help my classmates during class. I feel like I am a good friend to others. I would like to thank my teachers recognizing me for this award.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jayliana enjoys drawing.<\/p>\n

Riverside
\n\"SadieSadie Chilek, Riverside (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Sadie Chilek, a fourth grader, won the annual Pi Day contest in her school, which includes grades three-six.<\/p>\n

\u201cI memorized 145 numbers,\u201d Sadie said. \u201cTo prepare at home, I practiced in groups of five at a time. It was fun because I like a challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

The contest was organized by math teachers Nicol Lindsay, Liz DeAngelo and Diane Miller. Pi Day is a math celebration that happens on March 14 (3.14). Pi equals the ratio of a circle\u2019s circumference to its diameter. Top winners were treated with a pie donated by Minooka Bakery.<\/p>\n

Scranton <\/p>\n

The following students from John G. Whittier Elementary School have had perfect attendance since August: Kaiser McGrue, Edwin Vitock, Ahanna Rai, Dev Rai, Arianna Magar, Hayven McGrue, Joseline Saula, Yandriel Tolentino Flores, Aslan Dagiyanov, Abril Cruz Camacho, Wais Hakimi, Cataleya Calixte, Ilara Rodriguez Ortiz, Victoria Mani Cruz, Ethan Jimenez, Nathaly Sanchez Diaz, Julian Made Santiago, Zabdi Ruiz Garzon, Beau Baresse, Rocco Baresse, Sophia Trinidad Jugans, George Rodriguez Rodriguez, Miguel Martinez Diaz, Evie Engles, Elaine Coyne and Laia Santana.<\/p>\n

Scranton Preparatory School
\n\"GiannaGianna Mariucci, Scranton Preparatory School (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Senior Gianna Mariucci, along with nine other students, will travel to Los Angeles for a service trip to Homeboy Industries, Father Gregory Boyle, S.J.\u2019s gang rehabilitation and reentry program. Homeboy Industries is the largest and most successful program of its kind in the world, according to school officials.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile I often struggled to find motivation to serve my community during my freshman year, reading Father Boyle\u2019s \u2018Tattoos on the Heart\u2019 completely changed my outlook on service,\u201d she said. \u201cI was absolutely captivated by his work and was amazed at how optimistic he remained while doing so much for a community that experienced so many challenges. This was the driving force in my service journey and led me to translate this optimism into my own life, pushing me to work hard to help others even when it was difficult. Being able to work alongside my classmates at Homeboy Industries and several other local organizations is an amazing opportunity that I am thrilled to experience and I hope to make our community proud. I look forward to growing closer with those around me, connecting with a compassionate and diverse community, and making a difference in the lives of others!\u201d<\/p>\n

Gianna is the president of Cupcake Club and co-president of Craft Club, participates in the Prep Players\u2019 stage crew, and was on the advertising and outreach team for the Great Ignatian Challenge.<\/p>\n

After high school, she plans on pursuing veterinary and biomedical sciences on a pre-vet track at Penn State\u2019s Schreyer Honors College.<\/p>\n

Valley View
\n\"ElizaEliza Sanchuk, Valley View (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Junior Eliza Sanchuk is being honored as an exceptional member of the school community for her active participation in the Unified Club, her strong leadership skills and the positive example she sets for others throughout the school.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is an honor to be recognized for this award. Being a part of Unified Club and sports has been one of the most meaningful experiences for me. It has shown me how a school should embody inclusion and teamwork. I have built some of my most valuable friendships through the opportunities Unified has given me. I am beyond proud to be a part of a community that supports everyone regardless of their intellectual abilities,\u201d Eliza said.<\/p>\n

When Eliza is not focused on her academics or supporting the Unified Club, she is actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Unified track and field, Unified bocce ball, where she serves as vice president of Club Unified, as well as Leo club, Spanish club and treasurer of the biology club.<\/p>\n

Upon high school graduation, Eliza plans on attending a four-year college and enrolling in an OTD program to become a pediatric occupational therapist.<\/p>\n

Western Wayne
\n\"AnnabellaAnnabella \u201cBella\u201d Bagnick, Western Wayne (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Robert D. Wilson Elementary School kindergartner Annabella \u201cBella\u201d Bagnick spends a lot of time working with the animals on her family\u2019s farm. She also loves playing with the animals. In the summer, Bella likes to ride her two horses. School officials say not only is she a great helper at home, she is also a great student.<\/p>\n

When Bella was asked how it made her feel to be nominated, she said, \u201chappy.\u201d<\/p>\n

At home, she likes to play basketball with the help of her older brother, Aiden. When Bella grows up, she would like to be a fashion designer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Abington Heights Brody Dragann, Abington Heights (Submitted) Fifth grader Brody Dragann was invited to join the Play Hockey…\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-151398","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\/151398","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=151398"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151398\/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=151398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=151398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=151398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}