The 24 outstanding graduating high school seniors honored as Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstars on Monday were urged to use their talents to build up their hometowns.
They received medals at a ceremony at Lackawanna College, Scranton, sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities.
Each high school in the Times-Tribune coverage area is invited to nominate three students. Sixty-six nominations, with the names and schools redacted, were judged by a panel of local college officials.
Keynote speaker Lackawanna College Provost Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D., asked the students to consider the future.
“This recognition proves that you are all extraordinary scholars who will represent Northeastern Pennsylvania well in the next chapter of your life! With this recognition comes responsibility — society needs you!” she said.
The Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars pose for a photograph in the lobby of Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View High School student Kaia Negvesky walk to receive her medal during the Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars Medal Presentation Ceremony in the Peoples Security Bank Theater in Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The 2025 Scholastic Superstars are seated during the Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars Medal Presentation Ceremony in the Peoples Security Bank Theater in Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton High School student Declan Moran is introduced to. receive his medal during the Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars Medal Presentation Ceremony in the Peoples Security Bank Theater in Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The 2025 Scholastic Superstars are seated during the Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars Medal Presentation Ceremony in the Peoples Security Bank Theater in Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Mountain View High School student Chelsea Empet speaks about her accomplishments after being awarded a medal during the Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars Medal Presentation Ceremony in the Peoples Security Bank Theater in Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Delaware Valley High School student Owen Carso speaks about his accomplishments after being awarded a medal during the Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars Medal Presentation Ceremony in the Peoples Security Bank Theater in Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View High School student Gabriella Estadt smiles to the audience during the Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars Medal Presentation Ceremony in the Peoples Security Bank Theater in Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The 2025 Scholastic Superstars stand up to thank the audience at the conclusion of the Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars Medal Presentation Ceremony in the Peoples Security Bank Theater in Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Members of the audience watch the Times-Tribune 2025 Scholastic Superstars Medal Presentation Ceremony in the Peoples Security Bank Theater in Angeli Hall on Lackawanna College campus in Scranton Monday, May 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
North Pocono was one of several schools to have multiple students honored.
“North Pocono’s mission is to educate and challenge our students to reach their maximum potential,” guidance counselor Brook Rosetti said via email. “Christian Segiel, Allison Rocco and Grace Beckish are the embodiment of this mission, and we are extremely proud of everything they have accomplished inside and outside of the classroom. They are truly some of the best North Pocono has to offer and deserving of this prestigious recognition.”
Those who specified their plans are almost entirely headed to four-year college degrees. While there are a marketing major, a history major and future educators, many are pursuing STEM degrees. That includes computer science, aerospace engineering, animal science, neuroscience, chemical engineering, and pre-med.
Of those who listed their future alma maters, several are going to Pennsylvania schools. At least four are headed to Penn State.
The Scholastic Superstars are:
• Grace Beckish, North Pocono High School
• Owen Carso, Delaware Valley High School
• Ella Cohen, Scranton Preparatory School
• Chelsea Empet, Mountain View Junior-Senior High School
• Gabriella Estadt, Valley View High School
• Emily Hanson, Blue Ridge High School
• Lia Hartman, Western Wayne High School
• Matthew Hill, Scranton High School
• Sara Hoban, Abington Heights High School
• Ryleigh Kilmer, Mountain View Junior-Senior High School
• Zachary Kovaleski, Holy Cross High School
• Stephanie Kucharski, Old Forge High School
• Winni Lin, Riverside High School
• Gavin Monahan, Holy Cross High School
• Declan Moran, Scranton High School
• Zarina Mustafina, West Scranton High School
• Kaia Negvesky, Valley View High School
• Ivy Neureuter, Scranton High School
• Adam Paranich, Abington Heights High School
• Maura Pivirotto, Abington Heights High School
• Allison Rocco, North Pocono High School
• Christian Segiel, North Pocono High School
• Austin Shramko, Riverside High School
• Logan Zdaniewicz, Tunkhannock Area High School
Starting Wednesday, The Times-Tribune will publish a biography and photo of one Superstar a day, except Mondays.