Abington Heights
Kajin Bonnewell, Abington Heights (Submitted)
Eighth grader Kajin Bonnewell recently was selected as winner of this year’s WVIA Education Writer’s Contest. She created a short story titled “The Strongest of All,” which won the award.
Kajin said she was very shocked to hear she won, and was overjoyed with happiness and excitement as she loves reading and writing.
She is a member of the Abington Heights Dance Front and loves to read and write. After high school, Kaijin wants to attend college and aspires to be an editor for a news organization or book company.
Blue Ridge
Christian Osterhout, Blue Ridge (Submitted)
Seventh grader Christian Osterhout was recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. In order to become a member, he had to meet academic standards, engage in active community service, display leadership and have honorable character. Christian’s favorite thing to learn about is history as he enjoys stories about the past and seeing what things were like many years ago.
On becoming a NJHS member, he said, “it feels good.”
“It’s a milestone I have wanted to complete since I heard of it,” Christian said.
He is on the Blue Ridge cross country and track and field teams, is a member of middle school student council and plays percussion in the school band. Christian is also a Boy Scout and enjoys helping the community. Some of his hobbies include skiing, running, playing video games, watching sports, and playing drums and bass guitar.
After high school, Christian wants to go to college and study to become a lawyer. He is interested in helping people defend themselves in court.
Carbondale Area
Hong Tran, Carbondale Area (SUBMITTED)
Senior Hong Tran was elected as president of the National Honor Society and inducted with new members at a ceremony held April 1.
“I feel proud as the National Honor Society president seeing how many outstanding students we have consistently volunteering to help the community,” she said.
Hong’s activities include secretary of Future Teachers Club (peer tutoring), Mock Trial captain, student council, math club, Pa. Junior Academy of Science, Future Business Leaders of America, library club, SADD, science and technology club, astronomy club, medical careers club, Scholastic Bowl, French club and physics club.
She plans on continuing her education at Temple University to earn a PharmD to become a pharmacist.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Aidrianna Setzer, CTC (Submitted)
Aidrianna Setzer, a senior at Mid Valley High School in the medical assistant program, has worked hard to achieve her academic and personal goals and has the tools to be successful in her future endeavors, according to school officials.
Adrianna has steadily improved since her sophomore year and consistently achieves excellent grades, they added. She has earned the privilege of participating in a cooperative education work experience at Northeast Rehab, where she uses her skills and knowledge in a learning work-based environment. While in the program, she has achieved the following certifications: OSHA 10, BLS Healthcare Provider and Mandatory Reporter. Aidrianna will be eligible to sit for the NHA Medical Assistant Certification Exam in May. Along with her professional skill set, Aidrianna is kind, compassionate and caring, all qualities that will make her an excellent health care provider, school officials said.
“I love my co-op experience — I’m learning new things every day and gaining invaluable experience,” she said. “I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved. The past three years have been a roller coaster, but this year, I finally feel certain about my path. I feel like myself again, and that confidence has truly come through. Yes, it has been challenging, but I kept pushing to reach the goals I set for myself. I’m so grateful for this opportunity! Applying and staying at CTC was one of the best decisions I made — I wouldn’t have had these incredible opportunities if I didn’t.”
Aidrianna has been accepted to and plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to pursue a degree in surgical technology.
Delaware Valley
Dominick Agron, Delaware Valley (SUBMITTED)
Junior Dominick Agron is currently No. 1 in the junior class rankings and was also selected as math peer tutor of the year during his sophomore year.
“It is very gratifying as a tutor to see others succeed that I helped. It also helps me understand the concepts better too. Because of Model UN, I am a better debater, I am more organized and articulate. I have also learned patience and time management,” he said.
Dominick is a member of Model UN, rifle club, pit band for musicals at three different schools and a math peer tutor.
Dunmore
Four sixth grade students from Dunmore Elementary Center participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators District 9 Chorus Fest held at Honesdale High School on April 1. Connor Kapp, Reilly Urbina, Scarlett Vullo and Kerry Dickel worked with a guest conductor to rehearse a set of music and concluded the day with a concert for friends and family.
Elk Lake
Carly Gill, Elk Lake (SUBMITTED)
Junior Carly Gill is the elementary yearbook editor. She is also active in band and student council. Carly is a member of the National Honor Society and junior class officer. You can see her on the sidelines during basketball games cheering for the Warriors.
“Being an elementary yearbook editor has taught me key aspects that I will need down the road such as time management, leadership skills, public speaking, etc. With being an editor, I feel that I have greatly strengthened in these aspects, especially being a leader. The two years I have been an elementary editor better prepared me to have the larger role of high school book editor,” she said.
Carly’s activities include cheerleading, student council, prom steering, National Honor Society (vice president), treasurer of the junior class and elementary yearbook editor.
She plans on attending college to become a physician’s assistant.
Forest City Regional
Madalyn Foster, Forest City Regional (SUBMITTED)
Senior Madalyn Foster worked on a painting project for Forest City borough that involved painting stop signs and street signs that had been faded. Maddy was part of a group of students who did this service project. She also volunteered at the concession stand for our sports events.
“I liked seeing the students from other schools and talking to them while working the concession stand,” she said.
Maddy’s activities include art club, basketball, chorus and band.
She plans on attending Empire Beauty School to finish up her licensure hours and take her boards in cosmetology.
Lackawanna Trail
Liam Hibson, Lackawanna Trail (Submitted)
Fifth grader Liam Hibson recently wrestled at the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Association’s North District Championships, held March 29 at Athens Area High School. His performance allowed him to qualify for the North Regional Championships that will be held April 26-27 at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
“I was really happy to compete at this tournament and am excited to compete against other wrestlers,” Liam said.
His other activity is football and he would like to become an NFL player when he’s older.
Lakeland
Elijah Boguski, Lakeland (Submitted)
Sophomore Elijah Boguski was recently recognized as senior high student of the month. His teachers described him as someone who “excels in class, strives to go beyond requirements, utilizes his time wisely and has shown leadership by encouraging others to get involved.”
“I felt very honored to be chosen as student of the month,” he said. “It goes to show how much work we put into being overall good students, so to know my teachers see that is really awesome.”
Elijah’s activities are chess club, chess team, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and bowling league. He also loves to go to the YMCA.
As for his plans after high school, Elijah said, “It changes all the time, but right now I would like to go to medical school.”
Mid Valley
Emily Porcoro, Mid Valley (SUBMITTED)
Junior Emily Porcoro was honored for outstanding academic achievement in the study of mathematics and science.
“I am extremely excited and honored to have been nominated for and chosen to receive such a prestigious award,” she said.
Emily’s activities include chorus, select choir, PMEA District and Regional Chorus, marching band, art club, history club, PBIS club and National Honor Society.
She plans on furthering her education in college after she graduates.
Old Forge
Zoey Carcione, Old Forge (SUBMITTED)
Sixth grader Zoey Carcione was selected as one of the sixth grade Devil Pride winners for the month of February. This is the first time since entering middle school that she has received this award.
“I feel very rewarded and proud to receive this award because my teachers notice how hard I work and how responsible I am. As this year is almost over, I am looking forward to high school and even though I am nervous, I feel prepared,” Zoey said.
She believes you shouldn’t give up on something just because you failed one time.
Zoey is involved in basketball and softball.
Riverside
Charlie Stone, Riverside (SUBMITTED)
The students in the district celebrated World Autism Day by wearing yellow. April 2 is set aside to raise awareness to promote autism acceptance.
“I really think it’s important to treat other kids with autism in a special way,” Charlie Stone, a second grader at Riverside Elementary West, said.
She added, “Just by playing with them on the playground and having fun can be a way to do this.”
Valley View
Kayla Belles, Valley View (SUBMITTED)
Kayla Belles was chosen as senior of the month for physical education.
“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. I would like to thank Mr. Munley for all of the advice and motivation that led me to get here,” she said.
When Kayla is not focusing on her academics, she enjoys working out in her free time.
She will attend Lackawanna College for nursing after high school.
Wallenpaupack Area
Mia Rivera, Wallenpaupack Area (Submitted)
Wallenpaupack South Elementary School fourth grader Mia Rivera is a member of Rebels Elite Cheer and is heading to Orlando, Florida, this to compete in the All-Star Worlds cheerleading competition.
She has been cheerleading since she was 4 years old and said she enjoys it so much because, “All the people there are so nice to me, including the coaches, and we feel like family.”
“Everyone was so nice when I first started and made me feel like everyone was going to have my back,” Mia added.
She also plays soccer and softball, and is a part of the school’s drama club, chorus and the reading relay team. Mia placed third this year in the school’s annual red ribbon mile run.
Wayne Highlands
Xander Wilcox, Wayne Highlands (Submitted)
Damascus School eighth grader Xander Wilcox participated in the Supervisor for a Day program along with Mason Diehl, Kenley Roberts, Ava Matz and Ben Iloff on March 17. He was nominated to be the chairman at the evening township meeting.
Throughout the day, the students visited multiple businesses in Damascus Twp. Xander’s favorite businesses were Grain to Glory Flag Co. and Boyce. He appreciates that anyone from the township can participate in and attend the township meetings.
“Any kid who gets the opportunity to attend the program should take it,” Xander said. “It is a great learning experience.”
He is involved in football, basketball, and track and field, is a homeroom representative, and enjoys hunting and fishing. After high school, Xander plans to become an officer in the military, then work in law enforcement in his hometown.
Western Wayne
Ella Yedinak, Western Wayne (Submitted)
EverGreen Elementary School second grader Ella Yedinak is a hardworking student who gives her best daily in the classroom, according to school officials. They said her excitement for learning can brighten anyone’s day.
When Ella is not in school or participating in her extracurricular activities, she loves to help her family. Her parents own Streamside Maple, and Ella enjoys helping place labels on the jars for the homemade maple syrup her family makes. Her favorite part in helping her family is smelling the delicious maple syrup being made.
“Work sometimes is hard, but you can do it,” Ella said.
Her activities are cheerleading, basketball and Lynnette’s Twirlerettes.