{"id":48107,"date":"2025-11-30T05:24:06","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T05:24:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/48107\/"},"modified":"2025-11-30T05:24:06","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T05:24:06","slug":"school-notes-november-30-2025-scranton-times-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/48107\/","title":{"rendered":"School Notes, November 30, 2025 \u2013 Scranton Times-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abington Heights
\n\"Keyan,Keyan, left, and Kiva Patel, Abington Heights (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Clarks Summit Elementary School third graders Kiva and Keyan Patel performed a traditional dance during the Diwali celebration at St. Mary\u2019s Center in Scranton on Nov. 15.<\/p>\n

The event drew approximately 400 attendees who gathered to mark Diwali, the festival of lights that represents the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. The evening featured cultural performances and a dinner served to all guests.<\/p>\n

Keyan said, \u201cI felt happy after performing,\u201d while Kiva said she \u201cfelt nervous and happy because I was in the front during the performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

They both like playing with friends, riding bikes, playing soccer and visiting family in India. After high school, Keyan wants to be a soccer player or engineer and Kiva wants to be a doctor or an artist.<\/p>\n

Blue Ridge
\n\"DevinDevin Ralston, Blue Ridge (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Fourth grader Devin Ralston was recently named Blue Ridge Elementary School Citizen of the Month for Grit. School officials say he never gives up on his classwork and even when a task is challenging, he puts forth the effort needed to reach mastery. They said Devin\u2019s\u00a0determination sets a great example for his classmates.<\/p>\n

His favorite subject is math because his teacher tells funny math jokes and he enjoys multiplication. Devin also enjoys learning about weather in science class. One of his favorite books is \u201cAlvin Ho\u201d by Lenore Look. He has been named a citizen of the month each year throughout elementary school and was even named citizen of the year in first grade.<\/p>\n

When asked how it felt to be chosen as Citizen of the Month, Devin said, \u201cI felt really happy that I can be recognized as a good student.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside of the classroom, he plays basketball for Blue Ridge Basketball Club, soccer for Blue Ridge Youth Soccer and baseball for Blue Ridge Little League. Devin has also wrestled. He enjoys going to P3 Trampoline park, watching movies with his family and reading. After high school, Devin would like to become a doctor because he is interested in science and helping people.<\/p>\n

Carbondale Area
\n\"EmilyEmily Grover, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Emily Grover is currently completing a co-op placement at Geisinger Community Medical Center for inpatient nursing on the orthopedic acute care floor. They help people of all ages and problems from replacements and surgical fires to caring for sick people.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really enjoy it because I enjoy helping people,\u201d Emily said.<\/p>\n

Her activities include student class secretary, student council secretary, SADD, Future Business Leaders of America, math club, Spanish club, library club, mock trial, STEM club, photography club, and food pantry\/Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church picnic volunteer.<\/p>\n

Emily plans on attending college for radiology.<\/p>\n

Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
\n\"KaydenKayden Barnauskas, CTC (Submitted)
\n\"NicholasNicholas Chapman (Submitted)
\n\"JasonJason Olivares, CTC (Submitted)
\n\"JakeJake Kizer, CTC (Submitted)
\n\"NicholasNicholas Suchecki, CTC (Submitted)
\n\"KeeganKeegan Lopez Sanchez, CTC (Submitted)<\/p>\n

School officials are proud to recognize junior and senior plumbing and heating students who have been working diligently on live projects throughout the school. From repairing fixtures to assisting with plumbing-related maintenance, these hands-on tasks allow students to practice technical skills that directly align with their program of study.<\/p>\n

Students are building essential workplace skills \u2014 collaboration, problem-solving, communication and accountability. Working together on real projects helps them understand the importance of teamwork and prepares them for success in the field, officials said.<\/p>\n

School officials said they\u2019re proud of the students\u2019 professionalism, skill and the positive impact they\u2019re making on the school community.<\/p>\n

These students include juniors Kayden Barnauskas from Mid Valley Secondary Center, Nicholas Suchecki from Abington Heights High School, and Keegan Lopez Sanchez and Jason Olivares, both from West Scranton High School, and seniors Nicholas Chapman from Scranton High School and Jake Kizer from West Scranton High School.<\/p>\n

Delaware Valley
\n\"ShaunShaun Cannalley, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Shaun Cannalley was named to the All-Region first team in lacrosse.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has helped me make more friends and just be a better person helping around the school,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Shaun is involved in SAAC, varsity football and lacrosse.<\/p>\n

After graduation, he plans to go down South and major in mechanical engineering.<\/p>\n

Elk Lake
\n\"PiperPiper Stone, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Sixth grader Piper Stone is involved in Interscholastic Equestrian Association for riding English classes and competing. She also maintains good grades while doing this. She recently qualified to advance and show at IEA Regionals located in upstate New York.<\/p>\n

\u201cI say to myself \u2018I can do it,\u2019\u201d Piper stated.<\/p>\n

Her activities include K-kids, band, chorus and art, as well as enjoying baking and loving training and working with animals.<\/p>\n

Piper is thinking of getting a degree in design\/art. She also wants to ride on a college or university equestrian team.<\/p>\n

Forest City Regional
\n\"DominicDominic Vishnefski, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Dominic Vishnefski volunteered at Happy Trails Stables for his senior project, where he did trail rides for customers. He took care of the horse as well. Dom did this all summer after his ninth grade year.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing around the horses and caring for them was the best part of this project,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Dom worked at several jobs and is involved in ski club, Envirothon and art club.<\/p>\n

He plans to attend college for criminology and work in the FBI.<\/p>\n

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

Sixth grader Lucas Griggs recently participated in the national Patriot\u2019s Pen Essay competition sponsored by VFW Post 7069 under the direction of his teacher, Dina Berrios. This year\u2019s theme was, \u201cHow are you showing patriotism and support for our country?\u201d<\/p>\n

His essay has been selected as a winner at the post level and will be moving forward for district judging. There were over 1,300 entrants; only 18 winners were selected to represent District 10 for each contest. The winner among the 18 finalists will move on to the state level.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery surprised,\u201d Lucas said about the honor. \u201cI enjoy writing, but did not think I would be selected for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

His other activities are football, baseball and basketball.<\/p>\n

Mid Valley
\n\"CassiusCassius Gratsy, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Junior Cassius Gratsy has been selected as one of the Mid Valley student representatives for state Sen. Marty Flynn\u2019s Student Ambassador Program.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was very exciting to be selected and I am looking forward to learning more about the legislative process,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Cassius is active with varsity basketball, varsity baseball, is a member of the mock trial team and is also a student representative on the Districts Interconnected Systems Framework Committee.<\/p>\n

He plans on attending college with the goal of becoming a lawyer.<\/p>\n

North Pocono
\n\"HaileyHailey Rocco, North Pocono (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Hailey Rocco will have completed eight AP classes by graduation, and is currently taking AP physics, AP chemistry, AP psychology and AP pre-calculus for her senior year.<\/p>\n

Hailey has had high honors all throughout high school and is a member of the National Honor Society, and the rifle and track teams. She participated in student council all four years of high school, and was the Lackawanna representative for the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils (PASC) her sophomore and junior years.<\/p>\n

Hailey volunteers at Geisinger Community Medical Center as a junior volunteer and program mentor. She also facilitates a Catholic youth conference each year (International Student Leadership Institute). Hailey shadowed a primary care physician and physical therapist this summer. She is currently a food service worker at Geisinger CMC.<\/p>\n

Upon graduation, she hopes to continue her education at the University of Scranton, where she will major in neuroscience on the pre-med track.<\/p>\n

Old Forge
\n\"JacieneJaciene Semedo, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Junior Jaciene Semedo was inducted into the National Honor Society.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am from Cape Verde, located on the west coast of Africa. I speak four languages (Creole, Portuguese, Spanish and English). I learned Creole in my home country at home, I learned Portuguese in school and I also took Spanish,\u201d she said. \u201cl also have some family and friends that speak Spanish. I\u2019ve been in this country for three years since 2022. When I got here I didn\u2019t know any English and I was scared at first but I didn\u2019t let that stop me from running after what I wanted. When I got inducted into the National Honor Society I was so happy and proud of myself knowing I worked hard to accomplish it and shows that my hard work is paying off. I\u2019m grateful for all my teachers, family and friends that helped me achieve this goal and for being so patient with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jaciene has been in a Spanish club since eighth grade and played basketball in ninth grade. She just joined Leo, Aevidum and the yearbook club. Jaciene was also nominated for the student council.<\/p>\n

After high school, she plans on attending college for international business.<\/p>\n

Riverside
\n\"EvanEvan Ritterbeck, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
\n\"JacobJacob Ritterbeck, Riverside (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

The students at Riverside Elementary East School have been busy making snowflakes for the residents at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a nice thing to do because they fought for us,\u201d Jacob Ritterbeck said. His twin brother, Evan, added, \u201cIt\u2019s being respectful for all they did for our country, and it helps make their holidays brighter.\u201d<\/p>\n

At home, the boys enjoy making snow forts and engaging in snowball fights with their friends.<\/p>\n

Scranton Preparatory School
\n\"ColinColin Lewis, left, and Tyler Durst, Scranton Preparatory School (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Freshmen Tyler Durst and Colin Lewis received first place in the doubles division during the Data Science contest at the University of Scranton.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese small steps will lead to even greater achievements in the future, something that Prep will continue to help me with, even as time progresses,\u201d Tyler said.<\/p>\n

Colin added, \u201cstudying pays off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler, who founded the school\u2019s engineering club, plans to major in nuclear engineering and get an associate degree in mechanical engineering. Colin, who enjoys chess, video games and programming, is unsure what he wants to do after high school.<\/p>\n

Valley View
\n\"AydenAyden Tempesta, Valley View (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n

Senior Ayden Tempesta is being recognized at school for his outstanding work as lead photographer for the school newspaper, the Cougar Chronicle.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am absolutely honored by this nomination. Being recognized for my work with photography, easily the thing I experience the most joy in doing, is an absolutely amazing feeling and something I\u2019m very thankful for,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Outside of school, Ayden stays busy capturing photos as the owner of his own photography business, Tempesta Photography. He is also an active member of student council and the Aevidum mental health club.<\/p>\n

After high school, Ayden plans on attending a four-year college for either photography or journalism.<\/p>\n

Wayne Highlands
\n\"AvaAva Theis, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Preston Area School eighth grader Ava Theis had a lead role in the November school play, \u201cPeter Pan Jr.,\u201d playing Captain Hook. The show is her third play while at Preston and is also her favorite, according to school officials. While being Captain Hook, she participates in most of the songs; her favorite to sing is \u201cHook\u2019s Tarantella.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like playing the villain, Captain Hook. It was challenging trying to learn a deeper voice, while using a British accent,\u201d Ava said. \u201cI like acting because I get to be someone else. I get a new perspective from being in someone else\u2019s shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

She is also a cheerleader, a class representative, and a member of the band and chorus. Ava\u00a0would like to go into the medical field after high school.<\/p>\n

Western Wayne
\n\"BrinleyBrinley Jenkins, Western Wayne (Submitted)<\/p>\n

Robert D. Wilson Elementary School fourth grader Brinley Jenkins is consistent with her hard work, daily efforts, kindness and helpfulness to others, according to school officials.\u00a0 She volunteers in the classroom and shows exemplary Wildcat pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m excited, I\u2019m glad to help out,\u201d Brinley said.<\/p>\n

She does vocal lessons, and loves to draw and make paintings. When Brinley grows up, she wants to be an art therapist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Abington Heights Keyan, left, and Kiva Patel, Abington Heights (Submitted) Clarks Summit Elementary School third graders Kiva and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":42153,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[227,182,139,178,180,179],"class_list":{"0":"post-48107","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-scranton","8":"tag-education","9":"tag-local-news","10":"tag-news","11":"tag-scranton","12":"tag-scranton-headlines","13":"tag-scranton-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48107","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=48107"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48107\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}