Abington Heights
As vice president of the Interact club, junior Mary O’Brien helped plan the second annual Thanksgiving Dinner to benefit refugees at First Presbyterian Church.
Helping plan the dinner is just one example of the service work Mary participates in for Abington Heights and the surrounding community.
Mary also spends Sunday afternoons teaching English to refugees from the Congo, Sudan, Honduras and Mexico. She interns at Immigration Services, where she teaches and assists with social work and legal work. She dances and is a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church.
After graduation, she plans to study international relations at a university in Washington, D.C., and then pursue a degree in law, concentrating on immigration law.
— KATHLEEN BOLUS
kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;
@kbolusTT on Twitter
Blue Ridge
Andrew Kowalewski , 12, has been in 4-H for six years and belongs to the Born to Show 4-H Club in Susquehanna County.
Andrew has shown dairy heifers, market steers, swine and market lambs. He received two Grand Champion awards, two Grand Champion Homebred awards and the Reserve Grand Champion award for his lambs. This year, Andrew won Reserve Champion Showman at the Harford Fair with his lambs. He won the Junior All Pennsylvania Honorable Mention award for showing his spring calf at a variety of shows in Pennsylvania.
He is planning on showing market lambs at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg in January. Andrew works very hard in school and is an honor roll student.
“I hope to someday show at the World Dairy Expo,” Andrew said.
The seventh grader plays basketball and baseball, runs cross country and enjoys skiing. He has been chosen as student of the month several times.
— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
rtomkavage
@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9100 x5365;
@rtomkavage on Twitter
Carbondale Area
As secretary of the student council, Connor Eibach looks forward to making wonderful memories with his peers.
“These friends will go off in many different directions after we graduate, so I’m hoping to make the most of the time we have left together as a class,” he said.
The senior said it’s going to be a big year that includes lots of planning and preparing for the future.
“I want to be sure to enjoy the present moment as well,” he said.
— KATHLEEN BOLUS
kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;
@kbolusTT on Twitter
Career Technology Center
Health occupations students are organizing and conducting two blood drives at the school.
Student organizers include Jostin Hidalgo, Monica Brunson, Alexandra Ruiz and Charlene Dixon from Scranton High; Lashanda Jones and Hallie Bannon from West Scranton High; Emma Ziminskas and Haylie Popovich from Valley View; and Victoria Simpson from North Pocono.
The students received training on protocols, confidentiality and safety measures and will be completely responsible for the blood drives, the first of which is scheduled for this week.
— SARAH HOFIUS HALL
shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;
@hofiushallTT on Twitter
Delaware Valley
Skyler Padgett is a standout athlete who recently signed to play Division 1 field hockey at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The senior is a member of the varsity lacrosse team and plays forward/midfield.
She was the team MVP in 2018 and 2019; second team All-State in 2018; BRC 13 Female Athlete of the Week in 2018; team captain in 2019; and a member of MAX field hockey’s class of 2020 Watch List.
She is also a member of Teens Against Tobacco Use, National Art Honor Society and a United Way Day of Caring volunteer.
She plans to major in health and physical education after graduation.
— KATHLEEN BOLUS
kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;
@kbolusTT on Twitter
Dunmore
As an officer of the Dunmore High School Health Careers Club, senior Emma Lalli was also an organizer of the club’s holiday card project.
Emma and the club members made holiday cards with messages for soldiers serving at Fort Riley in Kansas. They thanked the soldiers for their hard work, dedication, service and sacrifice.
Members of the club will soon mail out 100 cards.
“This project means a great deal to me because I know many people who serve, and I can’t imagine not spending the holidays with my loved ones,” Emma said.
Emma is also a member of the French club, TACT club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Earth club, service club, yearbook and National Honor Society.
After graduation, Emma plans to attend college to become a nurse.
—KATHLEEN BOLUS
kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;
@kbolusTT on Twitter
Forest City Regional
Senior Faith Ursich shadowed Honesdale attorney Nick Barna for her senior project, spending 30 hours observing court procedures, office work on cases, meetings with clients and learning about paperwork needed for proceedings.
“I know now that I want to pursue a career in law,” Faith said.
She is a member of the volleyball and track teams, and is active in CHOPS, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Spanish club, archery, church service work and student council.
Faith plans on studying economics and political science in college.
— LISA ZACCAGNINO
lzaccagnino
@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9130
Lackawanna Trail
Senior Alec Jones is shadowing dentist Dr. Herman Spera for six weeks to learn about the industry, his training and career path.
“The internship confirmed to me that I would enjoy a career in dentistry and helped me chart a course for preparing for a career in the field,” he said. “I would definitely recommend an in-depth internship experience to other students who are interested in specialized careers.”
Spera’s office is in Montrose. The program was made possible by the Northern Tier Industry and Education Consortium in collaboration with Lackawanna Trail’s College and Career Readiness initiative.
Alec is a member of the cross country and track and field teams; he is a trumpet player in the band, concert band treasurer and the senior class treasurer.
After graduation, Alec plans to attend Penn State University or another four-year college to major in chemistry or biology.
— KATHLEEN BOLUS
kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;
@kbolusTT on Twitter
Lakeland
Kate Basalyga placed first in Lackawanna County’s Drug and Alcohol Prevention billboard contest.
Artwork by the Scott Elementary fourth grader features a school bus and play area outside a school. It appeared on a billboard this summer.
“I spent a lot of time adding details to my work,” she said. “I wanted to show a whole outside happy school area.”
She also plays softball and soccer and dances.
— KATHLEEN BOLUS
kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;
@kbolusTT on Twitter
Mid Valley
Antonio Ortiz called his four year on the high school football team “the best years ... of my life.”
The senior is also a member of the drama club and played the Wizard in the school’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” He also dances at Kelly Patrick’s Dance Studio.
After graduation, Antonio plans to get an electrician apprenticeship and work his way into the Scranton Electrical Union.
— KATHLEEN BOLUS
kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;
@kbolusTT on Twitter
NativityMiguel School of Scranton
Eighth grader Angie Vasquez Larreynaga was selected as October’s student of the month.
She has been a student at the school since sixth grade. During this school year particularly, Angie has demonstrated perseverance, which is among the core values of the school, as well as being more accountable for herself and her work, according to school officials.
She uses her free time at school to meet with her teachers and discuss the topics she finds challenging. She reviews material for upcoming assessments during her recess period.
“NativityMiguel has become my family for the time that I have been here. I wouldn’t have received this award without God’s help,” Angie sald.
She is involved in Reading Olympics and cross country, and would like to study to be a pediatrician or a lawyer.
— LISA ZACCAGNINO
lzaccagnino
@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9130
North Pocono
Junior Hallie Washko is enrolled in five Advanced Placement courses and participates in multiple extracurricular activities.
“I’ve done nothing more than work toward the dreams of an 11-year-old girl who read ‘Harry Potter’ and dreamed of being like Hermione Granger,” Hallie said. “As I’ve gotten older, my dreams have grown with me ... I have realized what it takes to achieve them and I’ve been working ever since. It has not been easy, but it has been worth it.”
Hallie is involved with the rifle team, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership and the National Honor Society. She is also working toward her gold award in Girl Scouts. Hallie babysits weekly and loves to write and read in her spare time. In her fourth year of learning Spanish, she is also learning three other languages when she has free time.
“I plan on double majoring in journalism and creative writing with a minor in an undecided language, and I also plan on traveling around Europe once I graduate college,” she said.
— SARAH HOFIUS HALL
shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;
@hofiushallTT on Twitter
Old Forge
Sophomore Nick Zamerowski will have one of his photos published in the King’s College literary and fine arts magazine, The Scop, next month. His photo is called “Moosic Today.”
“This honor came as a surprise because I really enjoy doing what I do and I never win anything so doing something for fun and having it published is such a big honor,” Nick said.
Nick is involved with the school newspaper, Leo club, trout club, science and math club and yearbook club. He is also the promotional secretary of the Spanish club.
— SARAH HOFIUS HALL
shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;
@hofiushallTT on Twitter
Riverside
Second grader Patrick Lavelle participated in Riverside Elementary West’s Feed a Friend program sponsored by WNEP-TV.
He helped his classmates fill the collection can.
“It made me feel good because we helped people who cannot afford food for Thanksgiving,” said Patrick.
— KATHLEEN BOLUS
kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;
@kbolusTT on Twitter
Scranton
West Scranton Intermediate School honored several students for the month of October.
Ryan Boyce and Camryn Roche were scholars of the month for the subject of science, and Kydasia Deas was named student of the month for the characteristic of dedication.
“Science is my favorite subject. I am happy to be scholar of the month for my favorite subject,” Ryan said.
All three students are involved in extracurricular activities, including drama club, student council, basketball and track and field.
— SARAH HOFIUS HALL
shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;
@hofiushallTT on Twitter
Scranton Prep
Senior Maggie Flynn is a commended student in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship program.
“It’s an honor to be recognized nationally among so many outstanding students,” Maggie said. “I definitely attribute my success to my teachers who encouraged and supported me throughout my high school career.”
Maggie participates in basketball, softball, dean’s team and St. Joseph of Arimathea funeral ministry program. She also volunteers at the annual summer picnic of St. Patrick’s Church in West Scranton and with the nonprofit Ten Apples. She hopes to study biochemistry at a Jesuit college.
— SARAH HOFIUS HALL
shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;
@hofiushallTT on Twitter
Susquehanna Community
Kim Swartz , 17, was sworn in as a junior councilwoman in Susquehanna borough.
“As a student, it is a great opportunity for me to get involved with the community more and give back,” Kim said. “I am very humbled to be given this opportunity to represent the youth of the Susquehanna Borough and give my input on issues.”
She will also be attending and presenting at the Pennsylvania Association of Student Council State Conference.
“I am very passionate when it comes to student council and leadership,” she said. “Being able to present a workshop to delegates at the conference is exciting and gives myself a chance to help build future leaders.”
The junior is involved with varsity football cheerleading, student council, PASC Region H Board, Susquehanna County 4-H, Susquehanna County 4-H County Council and the Mentor-Mentee program. She is also a volunteer for the school’s children’s produce market.
She plans to attend college and study political science and law.
— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
rtomkavage
@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9100 x5365;
@rtomkavage on Twitter
Valley View
Alex Powell is senior of the month for November in technology education.
“Valley View STEM program offers so many opportunities to focus and learn about different aspects of technology,” he said. “It has helped solidify my goals of pursuing engineering in the future. I am honored to have been chosen senior of the month.”
The award is sponsored by the Valley View Student Council and the Blakely/Peckville Lions Club.
Alex is a member of Boy Scout Troop 41 and recently earned his Eagle Scout rank, the highest in scouting. He has studied piano for six years at the Alling Studio of Music and studies guitar under the instruction of Neil Nicastro.
He’s played soccer since he was 5 and was keeper for the varsity soccer team. He enjoys baseball, hunting, fishing, snowboarding and all outdoor activities.
He plans to pursue a degree in mechatronics engineering at a local college and eventually work in the field of robotics.
— KATHLEEN BOLUS
kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;
@kbolusTT on Twitter
Wallenpaupack Area
Kady Hanor , 10, placed first in the Veterans Day essay contest hosted by American Legion Post 859. Last year, Kady came in third in the essay contest.
“Veterans Day is important to me because veterans risked their lives to save us and they spent time away from their families,” Kady said.
At school, Kady is in her second year as a member of chorus and she was elected to the student council this year. Outside of school, the fifth grader participates in soccer, softball, and Girl Scouts.
— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
rtomkavage
@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9100 x5365;
@rtomkavage on Twitter
Wayne Highlands
Miranda Fritz, 17, is co-chair of 2019-10 Future Business Leaders of America community service project: Dress for Success Care Closet at Honesdale High School.
The closet provides dress clothes and hygiene products to needy students for major events such as graduation, interviews and field trips.
“Knowing that I can make a positive impact on others lives inspires me to want to help people through a career in medicine,” Miranda said.
The senior is treasurer of the class of 2020, treasurer of the HHS Student Council, vice president of the Interact Club-Junior Rotary, president of the buddy program, track and field statistician and boys soccer manager.
She is involved with PJAS, Science Olympiad, FBLA, chamber choir, Envirothon, math tutoring, the American Math contest and Math Madness competition, Marywood Math contest and St. John’s Youth Group. She is an altar server and Rails to Trails Committee student representative.
She plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a pre-med degree in biology.
— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
rtomkavage
@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9100 x5365;
@rtomkavage on Twitter
Western Wayne
Jadyn Rosetti is a representative to the Robert D. Wilson Elementary School Student Advisory Council.
Jadyn, 10, is looking forward to working with everyone in the building, adults and students.
The advisory council and kindness club recently made sugar cookies for all students to enjoy at a PBIS event.
After school, Jadyn is currently busy with Wildcat biddy basketball.
Jadyn, a fifth grader, is looking forward to science classes in middle school and high school.
He enjoys free time and vacation with family and friends.
— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
rtomkavage
@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9100 x5365;
@rtomkavage on Twitter