{"id":22461,"date":"2025-11-02T11:38:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T11:38:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/22461\/"},"modified":"2025-11-02T11:38:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-02T11:38:13","slug":"school-notes-november-2-2025-scranton-times-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/22461\/","title":{"rendered":"School Notes, November 2, 2025 \u2013 Scranton Times-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abington Heights
\n\"EllaElla Musgrave, Abington Heights (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Junior Ella Musgrave spearheaded the initiative to establish a Mini-THON at Abington Heights High School after learning about the Penn State THON event through social media. Motivated by its impact, she conducted thorough research to determine how a similar event could be implemented at the high school level.<\/p>\n

Demonstrating strong leadership and initiative, Ella presented her proposal to the school board and began organizing fundraising efforts to support the cause. The inaugural Abington Heights Mini-THON is scheduled to take place in March 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cCancer affects so many families in our community, and my goal is to bring everyone together to support those who have been impacted and those who may be in the future,\u201d she said. \u201cEvery bit of support makes a difference in the fight against this disease.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella, who plans to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse, where she hopes to continue making a positive impact on the lives of children and families, is a member of the girls varsity soccer team, Unified Track, Unified Bocce, High School Transition Team for all incoming ninth graders, student council and Students Against Destructive Decisions.<\/p>\n

Blue Ridge
\n\"ReginaRegina Gieski, Blue Ridge (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Junior Regina Gieski will take on the lead role of Wednesday Addams in Blue Ridge Theater Department\u2019s upcoming production of \u201cThe Addams Family,\u201d running Nov. 7-9. This will be her second performance with the department. Regina made her debut last spring as the Minstrel in \u201cOnce Upon a Mattress,\u201d a role she stepped into on short notice. That experience sparked a passion for theater. She said she enjoys how theater allows students to have fun and learn together, appreciates the way it brings people closer and loves the challenge of stepping into a different character.<\/p>\n

On the upcoming \u201cAddams Family\u201d performance, Regina said, \u201cI\u2019m very excited. There are going to be a lot of laughs and unexpected surprises.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to theater, Regina is a member of archery and ski clubs. She loves caring for animals and is working at Summit Ridge Farms in Susquehanna as an animal care and enrichment technician through the co-op program. After graduating high school, Regina is interested in attending Johnson College to earn an associate degree in veterinary nursing.<\/p>\n

Carbondale Area
\n\"GabrielleGabrielle Kielar, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Eighth grader Gabrielle Kielar received the Summer Reading Challenge award for reading the most books at the high school. She won a Nintendo Switch as a result of her efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cI read the series \u2018The Summer I Turned Pretty\u2019 and \u2018A Diary of a Wimpy Kid.\u2019 I enjoyed them,\u201d Gabrielle said.<\/p>\n

Her activities include basketball, dance, golf, track, Pa. Junior Academy of Science, STEM, Aevidum, as well as volunteering at the Mount Carmel Feast.<\/p>\n

Gabrielle plans on attending Penn State University.<\/p>\n

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

Alden Ayers, a junior at North Pocono High School in the automotive program, is excelling in the program, according to school officials. He has already obtained his OSHA 10, ASE 609 and Lifting It Right certifications, and will be competing in SkillsUSA in the near future.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe accomplishments and certifications I have achieved at the Career Technology Center have prepared and given me the confidence to be successful in my remaining years in my education as well as my future endeavors,\u201d Alden said.<\/p>\n

He works part time at A&B Automotive in Covington Twp. and is a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts, having been a member for seven years. Additionally, Alden has been competing as an archer for three years. Although only a junior, Alden plans to enlist in the Coast Guard after high school graduation.<\/p>\n

Delaware Valley
\n\"ChrisChris Devaney, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Chris Devaney is serving as student council president.<\/p>\n

He said that being council president \u201callows me to form events and build a stronger sense of community within our high school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chris is a member of National Honor Society, and plays varsity football and varsity lacrosse.<\/p>\n

He plans on attending a four-year university on a pre-physician assistant track.<\/p>\n

Elk Lake
\n\"BrynnBrynn Warriner, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Brynn Warriner is being noticed for her hard work, dedication, kindness and care of others. She serves in the Children\u2019s Ministry at the Bridgewater Elk Lake Church, where the kids love her. She is always willing to jump in and help out whenever needed, school officials said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love working in the kids ministry. Not only do I love hanging out with the kids, but I love leading them to God, and answering their questions brings me joy. I am so thankful to be working in the Bridgewater Kids Ministry,\u201d Brynn said.<\/p>\n

Her activities include soccer, swimming, softball, UPS Program and key club.<\/p>\n

After high school, Brynn plans to major in film production and to continue her career in swimming.<\/p>\n

Forest City Regional<\/p>\n

Isaac Malinowski is doing his senior project with teacher Kelly Shelp in the elementary school, working with students in her class during his lunch period every day. He also attends Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County in Scranton for the creative communications pathway.<\/p>\n

He will graduate in June and be working full time.<\/p>\n

Lakeland
\n\"PeytonPeyton Naniewicz, Lakeland (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Seventh grader Peyton Naniewicz was named Junior High Student of the Month for September. He was described as being \u201ca wonderful student who is a joy to have in class,\u201d always respectful to staff and peers, engaged in lessons, always adds to class discussions, very polite and willing to help others. Peyton\u2019s teachers say he is \u201cextremely friendly and so very kind to everyone he is in contact with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel honored to be noticed by the teachers that voted for me,\u201d he said. \u201cIt makes me feel confident and comfortable around my teachers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peyton plays football, basketball and baseball for Lakeland.<\/p>\n

Mid Valley
\n\"EmilyEmily Porcoro, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Emily Porcoro is serving as president of the art club.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is quite an honor to have such an important role in the club that I have always loved being a part of,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s additional activities include secretary of history club, chorus class librarian, PMEA Chorus, National Honor Society member, select choir, chorus, marching band and concert band.<\/p>\n

She plans to attend a four-year university with the goal of becoming a music educator.<\/p>\n

Old Forge
\n\"OliviaOlivia Fierro, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Junior Olivia Fierro\u2019s most recent accomplishment is scoring fourth in her Keystones Literature Exams as well as receiving her driver\u2019s permit.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so proud of myself for doing so well in the Keystones and I feel so honored to have received this award,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Olivia also believes that \u201copportunities don\u2019t happen, you create them.\u201d<\/p>\n

She is involved in varsity cheerleading, Leo club and French club, as well as serving as a junior adviser for the Junior Devils cheerleaders.<\/p>\n

Olivia hopes to attend a good college and earn her bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n

Riverside
\n\"KaliKali Harrison, Riverside (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Members of Taylor Fire and Rescue demonstrated fire safety techniques to the students at Riverside Elementary West School during October\u2019s National Fire Safety month.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important to stop, drop and roll if you\u2019re ever on fire,\u201d Kali Harrison, grade 2, said. \u201cIt was fun going onto the firetruck with my friends,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Scranton <\/p>\n

The following students at Charles Sumner Elementary School in grades preK to four were named Sumner Stars for September: Jashar Hyppolite, Nia Robinson, A\u2019dor Lovett, Jazmin DeJesus Rolon, Gemma Koehler, Mumin Bruton, Adaline Arce, Ian Montilla Castillo, Seton McGowan, Jakai Williams, Kiyana Smith, Josiah Deschler and Sariah McMillan.<\/p>\n

School officials said the students are respectful, responsible and ready to learn each day. They received the awards from their teachers. The students were excited to be named the Sumner Star.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always wanted to be the Sumner Star,\u201d said Jazmin.<\/p>\n

Jashar said, \u201cI am so happy!\u201d<\/p>\n

School officials said the students are helpful in their classrooms, and they help their peers, teacher and principal.<\/p>\n

Valley View
\n\"CharlieCharlie Wahl, Valley View (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Charlie Wahl has been selected as the school\u2019s senior of the month in English for his outstanding performance in English class.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very appreciative of receiving this nomination because I believe English, words and the act of communication to be the most powerful tool that is accessible to the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

In addition to his academic achievements, Charlie is a dedicated member of the track and field and basketball teams at Valley View, works at Benny\u2019s and participates in the Students Against Destructive Decisions club.<\/p>\n

Upon graduating from high school, he plans to move to Florida and attend a four-year college.<\/p>\n

Wallenpaupack Area
\n\"ShayShay Kuhn, Wallenpaupack Area (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Wallenpaupack South Elementary School fourth grader Shay Kuhn recently came in first place out of all the fourth and fifth grade girls in the school\u2019s annual Red Ribbon Mile Run.<\/p>\n

When asked how she was feeling before the race, she replied, \u201cIt\u2019s in the family. My three older brothers all won this race when they were here, so I was nervous that I was going to break the streak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shay plays soccer with the Wallenpaupack Youth Soccer League on the Girls U12 team as well as U12 indoor, basketball with the Wallenpaupack Girls Biddy Basketball and Riverfront, softball with the Wallenpaupack Area Little League, and previously played flag football, field hockey and gymnastics. She is currently a member of chorus at school and helps in the concession stand for the youth soccer league.<\/p>\n

Wayne Highlands
\n\"ChrisChris Garcia, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Eighth grader Christopher Garcia has creativity and curiosity that inspires those around him, according to school officials. He was one of just 15 eighth graders chosen to represent the middle school in a special gallery exhibition at the Wayne County Public Library, where his artwork was on display throughout October.<\/p>\n

Christopher\u2019s featured piece was a study in analytic cubism and contour line drawing \u2014 a combination that showcases both his technical skill and his thoughtful understanding of art. His work reflects the influence of Picasso\u2019s analytical approach, while maintaining a distinctive personal voice that sets his art apart. Christopher\u2019s curiosity and drive exemplify what it means to be both an artist and a lifelong learner, according to school officials.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was younger, my sister taught me how to draw. I love to create three-dimensional images out of my drawings. My artwork allows me to express myself and relax,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Beyond his achievements in the art room, school officials said Christopher, who may become a carpenter or police officer in the future, is a true \u201cmaker.\u201d For three years, he has been an active member of the Pop-Up Club, an after-school experience run through the Cooperage Project in Honesdale. Through this program, he has explored a wide range of hands-on activities \u2014 from stocking trout in local streams to collaborating with local artists and professionals \u2014 demonstrating his passion for learning, creating and giving back to his community.<\/p>\n

Western Wayne
\n\"MaxynMaxyn Graci, Western Wayne (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Sophomore Maxyn Graci is the captain of the school\u2019s golf team this year and helped his team to have the third most wins in the Lacakwanna League this season. He enjoys leading his team and motivating them all to be the best they can be, according to school officials.<\/p>\n

\u201cI try to know each teammate individually,\u201d Maxyn said. \u00a0\u201cThat way I can connect with them personally when I give motivational advice. I tell them to be in their own world when they play and to stay strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

He started playing golf at the age of 9 and is a very competitive person who likes playing a sport where individual skill is key, school officials said. This past season Maxyn was an individual medalist against Scranton Prep and is proud of that accomplishment. He spends a lot of time working on his golf skills by himself and with coaches, including golf team alumni. In addition, Maxyn is a self-proclaimed avid fan of the varsity football team, especially because his best friend is quarterback. His favorite class in school is biology.<\/p>\n

Maxyn aspires to be a pilot or to go into sales upon graduation. An avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he is an honor roll student who aspires to get a college scholarship for his sport and is looking into attending Pepperdine University or the University of Kansas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Abington Heights Ella Musgrave, Abington Heights (Submitted) Junior Ella Musgrave spearheaded the initiative to establish a Mini-THON at…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":246,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[227,201,182,139,28,178,180,179,2942,1481],"class_list":{"0":"post-22461","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-scranton","8":"tag-education","9":"tag-lackawanna-county","10":"tag-local-news","11":"tag-news","12":"tag-pennsylvania","13":"tag-scranton","14":"tag-scranton-headlines","15":"tag-scranton-news","16":"tag-susquehanna-county","17":"tag-wayne-county"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22461","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=22461"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22461\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}