{"id":29253,"date":"2025-11-09T13:18:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T13:18:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/29253\/"},"modified":"2025-11-09T13:18:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T13:18:14","slug":"school-notes-november-9-2025-scranton-times-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/29253\/","title":{"rendered":"School Notes, November 9, 2025 \u2013 Scranton Times-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abington Heights
\n\"KennedyKennedy Williams, Abington Heights (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Newton Ransom Elementary School fourth grader Kennedy Williams and her C-team Junior Comets cheer squad recently took part in the All County Conference cheerleading competition. The squad placed second for their hello cheer, third for their response cheer and third for their dance routine, placing in every category.<\/p>\n

Kennedy said she was extremely happy and excited, especially with the second-place finish for the squad\u2019s hello cheer.<\/p>\n

Kennedy, who also participates in dance, softball and basketball, said she really enjoys working with makeup and hopes to one day be a cosmetologist.<\/p>\n

Blue Ridge
\n\"EllaElla Woodruff, Blue Ridge (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Sophomore Ella Woodruff performed with the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble on Oct. 19 at Marywood University and participated in the Susquehanna County Band Festival at Mountain View High School on Nov. 5.<\/p>\n

She has been playing the flute for five years and during that time has performed at County Band for four years, Band Fest for three years, the Marywood Junior Wind Band Celebration, the Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 9 Jazz Fest, and is auditioning for PMEA District 9 Band.<\/p>\n

When asked what she likes about performing with bands outside of school, Ella said, \u201cI enjoy making new friends and playing more challenging music.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to playing the flute, she competes on the cross country and track and field teams, and was recently recognized as the Most Improved Female Runner at the end-of-season cross country banquet. Ella, who aspires to attend Penn State University and pursue a career as a veterinarian, serves as sophomore class secretary and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, student council, Leo club and Future Farmers of America.<\/p>\n

Carbondale Area
\n\"MaureenMaureen Newcomb, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Maureen Newcomb was named Figured Law Firm Scholar Athlete of the Week.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy working hard on and off the field, I was given the honor of being named Scholar Athlete of the Week,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Maureen\u2019s activities include softball, basketball, soccer (captain of all sports), Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, Future Business Leaders of America, yearbook\/photography club, science and technology club, Spanish club, library club, physics club, student council, history club, National Honor Society, academic honors and Students Against Destructive Decisions.<\/p>\n

She plans on attending college to obtain a degree in radiologic technology.<\/p>\n

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

Makenna Kubilus, a junior at Scranton High School in the cosmetology program, has demonstrated outstanding academic excellence in the program, according to school officials. She finished her sophomore year with an impressive 99% overall grade, earning the Academic Excellence Award through the school\u2019s UGI partners in the Challenge Program.<\/p>\n

School officials say McKenna is a dedicated, hardworking student who consistently leads by example. This year, she earned the role of student ambassador and continues to support her peers, always willing to help others and contribute as a strong team player. Her teachers say they are incredibly proud of Makenna\u2019s accomplishments and commitment to her success.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud and excited to have my hard work acknowledged,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

In addition to being a student ambassador, Makenna, who plans to earn licensure before graduation and work in the industry as a hairstylist, also takes part in recreational tennis and community service trips through the cosmetology program.<\/p>\n

Delaware Valley
\n\"AlyssaAlyssa Zimmer, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Alyssa Zimmer is community news editor for the Del.Aware and co-author of a children\u2019s book, \u201cI Dreamt Somebunny Else Brought Easter Joy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a lot of fun working with my dad,\u201d she said. \u201cI came up with the story, and he wrote it. It was a creative story that we came up with eating dinner at a pizza place. I asked the question, \u2018Why is the Easter Bunny a rabbit?\u2019\u2009\u201d<\/p>\n

Alyssa also has a black belt in karate and loves to bake and write.<\/p>\n

She plans on majoring in food science at a four-year college, possibly Penn State.<\/p>\n

Dunmore
\n\"RileyRiley Orzel, Dunmore (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Riley Orzel, president of the Students Against Destructive Decisions club, helped coordinate activities for Red Ribbon Week.<\/p>\n

Presentations throughout the district included one for the sixth grade students about making good decisions, a district attorney\u2019s office presentation to middle school students about the dangers of drugs, selling red ribbons and bracelets, and giving a donation to the Community Intervention Center of Scranton.<\/p>\n

Other officers involved were Kassidy Jezworski, Jayden Kura and Madison Stavisky.<\/p>\n

Elk Lake
\n\"AnthonyAnthony Repoley, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Junior Anthony Repoley has been making tables, cabinets, cutting boards and other wood items and selling them at local craft fairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will never be good at something unless you try it over and over again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Anthony\u2019s activities include archery, ski club, hunting, dirt bike riding and fishing.<\/p>\n

Anthony added, \u201cMy plans after high school are to get more into business and make a living by doing woodworking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Forest City Regional
\n\"JadahJadah Shaw, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

For her senior project, Jadah Shaw, grade 12, is working with a fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Glynn, in the school during her lunch periods. She helps the kids focus on their assignments and other activities and reading. She does two hours a week.<\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoy working with kids and someday hope to be teacher,\u201d Jadah said.<\/p>\n

Her activities include cheerleading, Future Business Leaders of America, student council and yearbook.<\/p>\n

Jadah plans on attending college for education and would like to become an elementary school teacher.<\/p>\n

Lackawanna Trail
\n\"LucasLucas Evans, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Senior Lucas Evans is the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship.<\/p>\n

He provided the following quote related to his accomplishment: \u201cThe question isn\u2019t who is going to let me; it\u2019s who is going to stop me.\u201d \u2014 Ayn Rand<\/p>\n

Lucas, who participates in varsity football, Ironman Club and the 1,000 Pound Club, plans to enlist in the Army to become an Army Ranger and get his medic training. Upon completing his service, he plans to attend college to study environmental science.<\/p>\n

Mid Valley
\n\"CarsonCarson Beck, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Carson Beck is a member of the soccer team that recently participated in districts.<\/p>\n

\u201cAttending districts is a steppingstone in the right direction for the future of our soccer team. It gives the opportunity for students to participate in something that can help grow their achievements academically and on the field,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Carson is a member of the student council and boys varsity tennis team and also works at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n

He hopes to attend college and study engineering.<\/p>\n

Old Forge
\n\"MariahMariah Alers, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Fifth grader Mariah Alers had the opportunity to visit Africa (Uganda) on a mission trip with her family, pastor and a total of seven members.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur mission was to sign off the title of land to the Africans so they can use the land to farm on. I also had the chance to play with some of the kids and learn what they do in their schools. The kids also taught me how to make jewelry and key chains, which they make and sell at their market,\u201d Mariah said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was my second experience visiting Africa. I also was able to visit Ireland, where we spoke to the country\u2019s people on farming. The cultures are so much different than ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

She went on to say how much she learned from the people in those countries and how much she appreciated the experience.<\/p>\n

Riverside
\n\"LennoxLennox Montiero, Riverside (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Riverside Elementary East is collecting nonperishable food items for the annual Thanksgiving food drive. A list of a variety of suggested food items has been sent home, and each grade level is competing to bring in the most. The winning grade will be rewarded with free dress-down days on Thursdays and Fridays in December.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to help out because it\u2019s for the people who have less,\u201d third grader Lennox Montiero said. He added, \u201cMy favorite Thanksgiving food is mashed potatoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valley View
\n\"PetarPetar Neshkov, Valley View (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Petar Neshkov has been recognized as the senior of the month for his outstanding achievement in social studies.<\/p>\n

\u201cPersonally, I believe social studies are at the core of understanding how society operates and can improve. This is essential, because without advancement, the world is set to mirror the mistakes of the past,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

When Petar isn\u2019t focused on his academics, he stays actively involved in cross country, the National Honor Society and the math honor society.<\/p>\n

Upon graduation from high school, he intends to return to his home country of Bulgaria, where he will study medicine and work toward a medical degree.<\/p>\n

Wayne Highlands
\n\"IsabellaIsabella Yerkes, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Damascus School seventh grader Isabella Yerkes is an avid crocheter, a skill she learned from her grandmother. She enjoys crocheting gifts for friends and family, and has made granny squares, plushies, koozies, flowers and cat sweaters.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy favorite thing about giving people the things I make is seeing their smile when I hand them the project,\u201d Isabella said.<\/p>\n

She is also involved in cheerleading, theater and hunting, and her plans after high school include studying psychology in college and eventually becoming a therapist.<\/p>\n

Western Wayne
\n\"GiavannaGiavanna Leggio, Western Wayne (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Seventh grader Giavanna Leggio is a kind, compassionate leader who is being recognized for her continued efforts in the service of helping her middle school classmates, school officials said.<\/p>\n

In the first few weeks of school, her teachers noted that she was extremely helpful to the sixth graders in helping them navigate the middle school building. The middle school also got a new bell schedule this year, and Giavanna caught on to the changes quickly, making an effort to help students in her grade learn their schedules.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like to see people struggle,\u201d she said. \u201cI like to help out when I know that I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giavanna is active in sports, playing soccer, softball and basketball. In addition, she is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, CATS Club and Aevidum. Giavanna\u2019s favorite class is science because she loves learning about the Earth and atoms.<\/p>\n

She aspires to be a federal prosecutor after high school as she really enjoys advocating for others, even now, and wants to develop those skills as an adult. Giavanna said she thinks it is important to listen to others and understand their needs in an effort to take action to get people justice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Abington Heights Kennedy Williams, Abington Heights (Submitted) Newton Ransom Elementary School fourth grader Kennedy Williams and her C-team…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":29254,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[227,201,182,139,28,4399,178,180,179,1481],"class_list":{"0":"post-29253","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-pike-county","14":"tag-scranton","15":"tag-scranton-headlines","16":"tag-scranton-news","17":"tag-wayne-county"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29253","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=29253"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29253\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29253"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}