School Notes 3/16/25

Abington Heights

Clarks Summit Elementary School third grader Giovanni Naro participated in the 2025 Regional Wrestling Qualifier for Keystone State Championships at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center on March 9.

With his performance, he secured a spot at the Keystone State Championships, which took place at Penn State University this weekend. Giovanni competed against wrestlers from all over Pennsylvania. He has been wrestling for Summit Wrestling Club for four years.

“I was super happy and it felt great qualifying for states,” Giovanni said.

He also plays basketball, football and lacrosse. Giovanni also enjoys playing with his best friends, being outside and playing, and riding scooters with his siblings. When he grows up, he wants to be a veterinarian because he loves dogs and helping animals and people.

Blue Ridge

Fourth grader Dawson Ford was recently recognized as a Blue Ridge Elementary School Citizen of the Month. He is known as being kind, hardworking and always willing to take on a challenge. Dawson’s favorite subject to study in school is math because he likes finding many different ways to solve problems, according to school officials.

When asked how he felt about being named Citizen of the Month, Dawson said, “It felt pretty good. I was excited that it happened in my birthday month.”

He is involved in Blue Ridge Youth Soccer and loves playing football at recess. Dawson’s hobbies include video games, bike riding and going fishing. He also enjoys reading, his favorite series being “Dog Man.” After finishing high school, Dawson would like to go to trade school and work in a stone quarry.

Carbondale Area

Sophomore Riley Brennan attended the Aevidum club field trip to Lakeland High School.

“Going on this trip made me more aware of mental health. I realized that there are many people who struggle with mental health. Everyone there was friendly and welcoming. It made me happy to know that there are people who are there for me without me even knowing it,” she said.

Riley’s activities include National Honor Society, cheerleading and babysitting.

She plans on studying nursing in college.

Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County

Daniel Considine, a sophomore at Western Wayne High School in the automotive program, actively assists in giving tours to prospective automotive program students and does an excellent job, school officials said. He has obtained his OSHA10 and Lifting it Right certifications. While in the auto program, he has maintained an A average.

In his free time, Daniel enjoys fishing, hunting, repairing vehicles for family and friends, and working on his family-owned farm. After high school, he aspires to work in an automotive diesel repair business as well as join the United States Marine Corps.

Delaware Valley

Junior Mike Iuzzolino has been selected for The Times-Tribune All-Region team (defensive back) and The Times-Tribune LFC Division 1 First Team (running back/defensive back). In addition, he is a three-time student of the month winner and NPF LFC Division 1 all-star first team (running back) / second team (defensive back).

“Specifically, sports have brought me many friendships as well as taught me many foundational lessons and values,” Mike said.

His activities include football, lacrosse, student council, Student Athletic Advisory Committee and National Honor Society.

Dunmore

The following students were recognized for being students of the month for February: Myra Sleboda, grade 7; Isaiah Ortiz, grade 8; Kate Kennedy, grade 9; Brianna Hendricks, grade 10; Marchelin Lionan, grade 11; and Molly Donahoe, grade 12.

These students were selected by their teachers. The students are considered under the following criteria: displays excellent character, follows rules and expectations, maintains good attendance, displays a positive attitude toward learning, participates in class, demonstrates full effort and works to their potential, and acts a positive role model for fellow students.

Elk Lake

Freshman Jayson Crawford is a member of the Aevidum club, which promotes mental health awareness and works to create a positive school climate for the district. Jayson is a dedicated member who attends every Aevidum meeting each month. Recently, he was also the first member to reach out and volunteer his time to complete an initiative for Random Acts of Kindness Week. He took charge and made sure the gifts were completed for all students.

“I have had a lot of accomplishments this year, but this one definitely stands out above the rest,” Jayson said.

He is involved in theater, drawing, painting and reading.

After high school, Jayson plans on continuing his theater career and researching psychology.

Forest City Regional

Senior Abygale Plevyak worked on the Forest City Regional golf team tournament for her senior project. Kyreek Johnson, golf coach, and other family members assisted Abygale with the tournament and the planning. The funds raised at this tournament last October at Memorial Links in Waymart went to support the school’s golf team. Over $1,000 was raised for the team.

“The best part about this project was that I was able to give back to a sport that I am so passionate about,” Abygale said.

Her activities include National Honor Society, student council, Future Business Leaders of America, golf team, Carbondale Dance Academy and math tutoring.

Abygale plans on attending the University of Pittsburgh for biological sciences/pre-med.

Lackawanna Trail

Eighth grader Cidney Schaffer earned second place at the PJW Junior High State Championship in Johnstown the weekend of March 1. Additionally, she participated on the Pennsylvania Women’s National Wrestling Team, which went on to secure their seventh consecutive national title.

“I would like to thank my dad, Butch Schaffer, and all my coaches for pushing me in wrestling room everyday,” Cidney said.

She also participates in softball, and loves hunting and fishing with her family. Cidney would like to go to college and continue to wrestle. Eventually, she would like to become a wrestling coach somewhere.

Lakeland

Seniors Gabrielle Turner and Evan Berlinski were recently recognized by the Lakeland School Board as outstanding seniors of the month.

“This makes me feel like I’m doing things the right way,” Gabrielle said. “It’s nice to know that my hard work is recognized.”

Evan said it feels good to be noticed for his hard work.

“I’ve been dedicated for my whole school career, and it’s nice to know that there are benefits to that outside the classroom too,” he said.

Gabrielle, who plans to attend college to become a physician assistant, is involved in basketball and football cheer, is the senior class treasurer, public relations officer in the National Honor Society, treasurer of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Unified TRIBE, Unified Track and Field, Mu Alpha Theta Math National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Student Mentor Program and Aevidum.

Evan, whose activities include soccer, treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, treasurer of FBLA, student council treasurer and Region H Conference co-chair, National Honor Society and Scholastic Bowl, plans to attend Elizabethtown College to study computer science and play soccer.

Mid Valley

Senior Coralis Velez is a Scholastic Arts Silver Key and honorable mention recipient.

“I am honored to get this award because getting an award is a really special moment. It shows all the hard work and effort paid off. It feels great to be recognized. This honor is something to be proud of, plus it’s a great motivation to keep pushing forward, and I want to thank everyone who supported me along the way,” she said.

Coralis will be attending Empire Beauty School after graduation and hopes to express herself through hairstyles and makeup looks.

North Pocono

Mya Bell has achieved honor roll status every quarter her entire high school career. While attending CTC she has earned many certifications such as OSHA 10, OSHA 30 and all ladder certifications. She won the SkillsUSA district competition in masonry and will be competing in the SkillsUSA state competition held in Hershey in April.

After graduation, Mya plans to go right into the workforce in construction.

Old Forge

Sophomore Malisha Acosta-Cruz had one of her poems published in an edition of Young Writers.

“If I’m being honest, I had turned my poem in for the extra credit, so I really didn’t expect it to actually be published. I feel honored to have my writings published. It was a nice surprise. Thank you for this opportunity,” she said.

Malisha is active in cheer, drama club, chorus, Leo club and Spanish club.

She hopes to attend Brown College and major in psychology.

Riverside

Students in Ashley Trolio’s fifth grade ELA Reading Competition Team at Riverside Elementary East participated in the annual NEIU Reading Competition. Out of 26 local schools, they placed fourth. They move onto regionals at the end of March.

“I was a little nervous at first, but felt proud after it was over,” Reeyan Magar said.

“It was a team effort, which made it so much fun and supportive,” Madelyn O’Hora said.

“Mrs. Trolio also made us feel less nervous,” Reeyan added.

Scranton

The following fourth grade students at McNichols Educational Plaza received high academic achievement in the second quarter of the 2024-25 school year: Liam Canales, Issaic Clemens, Gabby Beauvais, Luan Cepeda, Noah Fuentes, Jade Heredia, Isabel Moesses Amoro, Keily Griffin, Rosa Hernandez-Perez, Matthew Munoz Bermudez, Ryan Kolcharno, Kelcie Lucke, Joselyn Pomaquiza Mayancela, Jaxon McLane, Jayceon McMillan, Nora Rachko, Isaac Mullen, Elian Ovalles-Pena, Alexander Salazar, Ashly Saldivar, Sophia Peguero, Mason Sawkulich, Janan Sayfulleyeva, Jayden Rivera-Paniagua, Dylan Encarnacion and Josue Saldivar.

Valley View

Grayson Mauro has been selected as senior of the month in English.

“It is an honor to be selected for this award. I am grateful for my English teachers who helped me to develop critical reading and writing skills that will benefit me in the future,” he said.

In addition to his hard work in the classroom, Grayson is active in the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, student council, scholastic team and the golf team, showing his dedication both academically and outside the classroom.

Upon graduation from high school, Grayson plans to attend a four-year college to study political science or business, with the goal of attending law school.

Wallenpaupack Area

Wallenpaupack North Intermediate School third grader Lucian Sliva has received an orange belt in karate.

“I got my orange belt,” he said. “I felt happy.”

Lucian has participated in Twin Dragons Karate for six years. He has also participated in Western Wayne Wildcat Adaptive Soccer for three years, has taken dance classes for two years at Milford Dance Connections, Challenger Baseball for four years, Abilities21 Bowling League and completed “I Can Shine Bike Camp” last year. Lucian can ride a two-wheel bike and loves to go to Penguins hockey games, swim, go to water parks, and watch and cheer on his brother at wrestling matches.

Wayne Highlands

Stourbridge Primary Center second grader Brynn Griffis participates in gymnastics at United Sports Academy in Scranton and recently competed at a meet at Kalahari Resort.

She took part in the floor exercise, the double mini and trampoline events, receiving a sixth-place medal in the double mini and a first-place medal on the trampoline.

“I was a little bit surprised that I won first place in trampoline,” Brynn said. “I love to do trampoline routines. It is so much fun. I was proud of myself.”

She mentioned that she likes the challenge of trying to complete back handsprings. Brynn also said she likes the stretches at the beginning of practice and tumbling on the floor.

“I love to learn gymnastics,” she said.

Brynn, who wants to be an Olympic gymnast, also attends dance classes and plays softball. She likes to go skiing and snowboarding, and really enjoys sledding with her neighborhood friends. Brynn loves math and writing at school, even writing stories on the weekends.

Western Wayne

Seventh grader Cayden Clever is recognized by his teachers as being exceptionally kind to others.

“I like to treat others nicely because I like to have many friends,” he said.

Cayden’s favorite class is math as he enjoys solving math problems on the board and collaborating with his friends to come up with correct answers. He was a member of the Pop-up Club and student council in sixth grade. This year Cayden is a triple sport middle school athlete, participating in wrestling, football and track. He loves being active and working at his sports to improve his skills. Cayden’s favorite sport is wrestling because he not only likes to work with friends who are teammates, but he also enjoys going against them on the mat.

Cayden looks forward to continuing his journey as a student athlete next year and in high school. His future aspirations at the moment are to become a police officer like his cousin. School officials said Cayden is interested in this career path because he wants to keep people safe and work to reform criminals to a better life’s path through his work.