Presidential scholars hail from NEPA
Outstanding students from Northeast Pennsylvania are among those attending the University of Scranton on four-year, full-tuition presidential scholarships.
The exceptional students who have been awarded the scholarships include Margaret Capooci of Jessup, Daniel Clark Jr. and John Clark of Scranton, Norman Frederick Jr. of Pittston, Christopher Musto of Pittston, Vhalla Otarod of Clarks Summit and Cecilia Strauch of Factoryville,
Margaret, who has not yet declared a major, was salutatorian of her graduating class at Valley View High School. A Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar, she also was a member of the National Honor Society, co-editor of her yearbook's club section, secretary of the math honor society and class treasurer. She participated in Scholastic Team and varsity soccer.
Daniel graduated as salutatorian from Scranton High School and is a National Merit Commended Scholar. He placed second in the university's Kane Physics Competition in 2012 and participated in his high school's Scholastic Bowl, math, PennServe and Spanish clubs. Daniel volunteers with the American Diabetes Association and the Multiple Sclerosis Association. The future mathematics major's twin brother, John, was valedictorian at Scranton High and received honors as a national, state and AP scholar with distinction. John participated in the Scholastic Bowl club, math, PennServe and Spanish clubs and also volunteers with the American Diabetes Association, the Multiple Sclerosis Association and Shopping for Seniors community service program.
National Merit Scholar semifinalist and biology major and pre-med program member, Norman, who hails from Pittston, graduated from Scranton Preparatory School and received first place on the ACS regional chemistry exam. During Norman's time at Prep, he was president of National Honor Society, captain of the Scholastic Bowl club and participated in track and field, football, and math and German clubs. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Lexington, Va., and led a book drive at Holy Rosary School, Duryea.
Christopher, also a National Merit Commended Scholar, was valedictorian at Pittston Area. He is majoring in biology. A Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar, he received honors as an AP Scholar and member of the National Society for High School Scholars. Christopher was captain of his high school's varsity soccer team and lettered in varsity track and football. In addition, Christopher was president of National Honor Society and the advanced math club, and won a gold medal in the Science Olympiad. During youth soccer games, Christopher can be found as a referee on the field. He also volunteered for Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Toys for Tots.
Vhalla is a National Merit finalist and graduate of Scranton Prep. Vhalla was founder and president of Prep's history club, secretary of the Prep political union and a writer for the Cavalier Chronicle. An English major at the university, she participated in a service trip to Virginia to work with Habitat for Humanity.
Cecilia, Lackawanna Trail's 2012 salutatorian, is a National Merit Scholar semifinalist. Cecilia was a member of the National Honor Society, served as the woodwind captain for the marching band and participated in the Spanish honor society and ski club. As an active community volunteer, Cecilia gave her time to food and clothing drives through the Interact club and youth group. Cecilia is majoring in biology with a minor in Spanish.
Brownies take shelter
The domesticated jungle at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter was paid a visit by Brownies.
The girls in Brownie Troop 50838 from Archbald celebrated the Girl Scouts' 100th anniversary by donating 100 items and spent some time with the animals at the shelter.
Troop 50838 members, including Haley Bronson, Nicole, Rachel and Melissa Chiricos, leader; Julia Falls, Elizabeth Hubal, Ryley Jervis, Mariah Lyon, Hailey O'Leary, Paige Redman, Kalyssa Shedd, Carina Sutton, Natalie and Danielle Sweeney, assistant leader; and Sophia Williams, brought the donated items they collected to the center. The Brownies' donation came from friends and family to help feed and keep the animals at the shelter happy and healthy.
High notes
Members of Mary, Mother of God Parish Youth Group from North Scranton traveled to Maryland's Eastern Shore to help developmentally challenged kids.
Members of the youth group who helped tutor, joined in activities and prepared meals at the Benedictine School in Maryland, include Liz Babinski, Gabby Baran, Megan Bogansky, Fallon Cooper, the Rev. Cyril Edwards, chaperone; Galicia Hynosky, Lynn Jastremsky, chaperone; Kelly Maloney, Brianna Nocchi, Victoria Siess and Megan Wilkinson.
The teens and chaperones also donated their time to St. Martin's Ministries, a program that serves food baskets to needy families and migrant workers.