Abington Heights
Junior Mason Lenahan was assistant director of the school musical, “The Sound of Music.” He also played a vital role in the alterations and costume designs.
“I loved being in a position to work with such an incredibly talented team,” Mason said. “All of the adults were great in assisting me throughout the musical. It was a great experience to see the show’s evolution and the feedback from everyone was great. I am a huge fan of musicals, especially the classics. There isn’t really anything more classical than ‘The Sound of Music.’”
His other activities are Interact Club, volunteering at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter and mock trial, and he loves creating art that he sells on Etsy. Mason would like to attend college and pursue law.
Blue Ridge
Senior Hope Treadway was awarded the Suzanne Bennici Susquehanna County Band Scholarship at the county festival in November. The scholarship is given to two county seniors with plans to continue their musical careers after high school.
Hope recently had an original poem published in the 2024 poetry collection called “Gifted” by the America Library of Poetry. Her poem, “Don’t Be Afraid to Speak,” is about having many people shut out your voice. Hope wrote it to encourage people who feel that way, as she experienced it before finding her voice through music.
On her recent achievements and upcoming graduation, Hope said, “It’s a rush. I don’t know how to explain it, but it feels good that I’ve accomplished so many things.”
She plays percussion in the school band and has also played guitar for five years. Hope continues to take lessons and write songs, and is working on recording some of them. She has also performed at recitals and school events. Outside of school and music, Hope is a member of American Legion Post 357 Auxiliary, where she helps with planning and hosting events.
Upon graduation, Hope plans to attend SUNY Broome to study music production. She would like to pursue a career as a performer and music producer.
Carbondale Area
Junior Mason Nepa placed fourth in the Future Business Leaders of America State Competition and qualified for the National FBLA Competition.
“FBLA States was a very rewarding and educational experience. This year, I, along with one other CAHS student, placed in the top 10 in our respective events. It is a very rewarding feeling to qualify for nationals and to bring some recognition back to Carbondale Area,” he said.
Mason’s activities include FBLA, mock trial, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and baseball.
He plans on attending college to major in education to teach history at the high school level.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
Jayla Bilinsky, a senior at Lakeland High School in the digital communications design program, has been multitasking various projects and a part-time job and handling it with impressive skill, according to school officials.
Following last year’s district wins in both graphic design and digital cinema, and placing third at states in the media and design competition, she’s preparing her logo and PSA video for this year’s state competition at Elizabethtown College. She recently competed in digital cinema at the SkillsUSA Competition in Hershey.
“In addition to these competitions, she’s completing her AP portfolio and consistently finishing her class assignments. Her capacity to excel in both team projects and individual endeavors clearly showcases her versatility and dedication,” digital communications instructor Paul Georgetti said.
Jayla, who will be going to Johnson College for welding fabrication, was also CTC Student of the Month in February.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to attend CTC and meet so many amazing new people along the way, especially Mr. Georgetti, whose support has helped me grow tremendously,” she said. “Throughout my time here, I’ve faced many challenges and embraced opportunities that have allowed me to apply and showcase what I’ve learned.”
Delaware Valley
Junior Kate Prior achieved a wrestling record of 50-16 overall, is a 2025 district champion, placed third in the state, wrestler of the year, Powerade – second place, a two-time champ at Battle on the Delaware, Keystone State champ and Coal Cracker third place.
“Wrestling has made me stronger mentally and physically. Being on the team for the last two years has given me amazing friends and memories,” she said.
Kate also plays Rafter Club volleyball, varsity volleyball and varsity wrestling.
Dunmore
Five Dunmore students participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ District 9 Chorus Fest held at Honesdale High School on April 1. Juliet Renard, Zoey Schlittler, Ashlynn Blackwell and Allison Polster, all eighth graders, and Rhys Otto, grade 9, worked with a guest conductor to rehearse a set of music and concluded the day with a concert for friends and family.
Elk Lake
Senior Killian Overfield is doing an internship with the IT department at the school. He has helped out the cafeteria and other areas with IT troubles on numerous occasions.
“It has been an honor working as an intern for Elk Lake School District’s IT department. There are many great people here to learn from and I recommend anyone interested in the technology industry to pick up an internship as well. It is a valuable experience to have, and looks very good on your resume,” he said.
Killian will attend Johnson College in the fall for computer information technology.
Forest City Regional
Senior Mea Mott worked with the junior drama club (grades 4-6) for her senior project. She managed backstage with students and helped kids with their lines, moving set pieces, and ran team bonding activities with the junior drama members. They had two performances of “Rainbow Fish” in the winter.
“Getting to see the kids grow and realize their own potential, not just in theater but interpersonally as well, was very rewarding,” Mea said.
Her activities include dance at DRSD, National Honor Society, Spanish club, Aevidum, chamber and jazz choir, ski club, cross country and “Including You” club.
Mea plans to attend Santa Fe College to study theater education, and ancient history and mythology as well.
Lackawanna Trail
Third grader Dane Schaffer recently competed at the Middle Atlantic Wrestling Association’s North District Championships, held at Athens Area High School on March 29. He placed fourth overall to qualify for the regional championships, held April 26 and 27 at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
“I was happy that I made it and we are going to camp while we are at the fairgrounds,” Dane said.
His other activities are flag football, hunting and fishing.
Lakeland
Seniors Marley Bodnar and Noah Kutchmanich were recently recognized by the Lakeland School Board as outstanding seniors of the month.
“This was something that helped me feel like all of my hard work has been recognized,” Marley said. “Our board even remembered that I was recognized at CTC, so that made me feel extra special.”
Noah said the honor “makes me feel like everything I’ve been working toward the last few years was worth it.”
“Sometimes I dread getting up and going to school, but this shows me that all of the hard work is paying off,” he said.
Marley, who is also in the cosmetology program at the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, is student ambassador president at CTC, and involved in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, National Honor Society, the Student Mentor Program, Unified TRIBE and Unified Track and Field. She plans to enter the workforce as a level 1 stylist at Shiloh Salon and Spa.
Noah, who participates in basketball, FBLA, track and field, and SADD, plans to attend the University of Scranton for finance.
Montrose Area
Senior Isabella Gulbin was recently chosen as the winner of a WVIA Great Teachers Scholarship. She received a $500 scholarship after submitting an essay about a teacher, Dan Cherney, who left a lasting impression on her.
“I’m so grateful for all of the amazing teachers I’ve had throughout my high school years at Montrose. Mr. Cherney has made a lasting impact that I will carry on with me into college. This accomplishment was more him than it was me,” Isabella said.
Her activities include student council, senior class secretary, SADD club president, treasurer of key club, treasurer of AP club, volleyball, basketball cheerleading, scholastic bowl and line dancing.
Isabella will attend the University of Central Florida for a degree in secondary education.
North Pocono
Amaya Monacelli achieved high honors throughout high school and is currently ranked in the top 20 students in her class. She serves as a member of the Minithon club, the SADD club, student council, captain of the girls lacrosse team, captain of the girls basketball team and a member of the girls tennis team.
Amaya volunteers as a coach for the True Lacrosse organization’s youth teams, and also volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. She is currently employed by Caboose Ice Cream and Snacks, along with Kelly’s Pub and Eatery.
After graduation, Amaya will attend Central Connecticut State University to play lacrosse and study nursing. She intends to earn her nurse practitioner’s license and help patients suffering with chronic diseases.
Old Forge
Seventh grader Chiara Johnson’s key accomplishment as a peer mentor to the autistic support students was getting to know them and include them in different activities.
“We really had a lot of fun. We had a pizza party, read stories to students from first to second grade about autism awareness and watched a movie. It was rewarding to help the autistic support classes during Autism Awareness Week. Not only did I learn more about autism, but I was able to help others become more aware of autism,” Chiara said.
Her activities at school include junior high cheerleader, basketball team and student council. She also volunteers at her church and plays AAU for Wyoming Valley Clutch.
Chiara plans on furthering her education in college after she graduates.
Riverside
The students were paid a visit by former teacher and Voice of the Vikings David Adomiak, who came in to teach them a lesson about the geography of the states of the four final teams in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“I learned that all four states (Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Alabama) grow cotton. It’s because they are in a warmer climate. I didn’t have a favorite team, but Florida was the most interesting state,” said June Singleman, grade 6, who added, “I liked our team competition and Mr. Adomiak made it fun.” The Florida Gators won the championship.
Valley View
Senior Zachary Miller has been selected as senior of the month in physical education.
“I have enjoyed gym since I started school. I am very thankful for this award,” he said.
In his spare time, Zachary enjoys playing baseball.
Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career as a contractor after graduating from high school, focusing on hands-on work and gaining real-world experience.
Wallenpaupack Area
Wallenpaupack North Intermediate School fifth grader Rudolph Ubel is a Boy Scout who is hoping to one day earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He has recently visited the Everhart Museum in Scranton while working toward his badges in scholarship and mining.
“When earning a merit badge, you learn more about that activity,” Rudolph said.
In addition to Scouts, his other activities are student council, Special Art, soccer and baseball, and he is an ambassador at the school.
Wayne Highlands
Honesdale High School senior Phoenix Matthys earned a Gold Key Award for photography in the Scholastic Art Awards. He was honored with the award after judging over 400 artwork submissions from 40 schools across 15 counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. Awards are on exhibit in the Everhart Museum. Of the 400 entries, 118 were honored and exhibited and 21 were honored with a Gold Key Award, and these entries went on to be judged nationally.
“Winning the Gold Key means a lot to me,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to get my work out there for people to see. I want people to recognize the amazing things I can do with just a camera. I hope I have many opportunities to win more rewards and for my work to be seen in the future.”
Phoenix’s main hobby is taking pictures, which he has loved doing for many years and continues to enjoy doing whenever he can. After high school, he plans to attend college for HVAC as well as learn more about photography.
Western Wayne
EverGreen Elementary School first grader Lunarae Gilpin is not only a great first grade student but also an award-winning dancer, according to school officials. She is a member of the Prima Elite Academy of Dance and recently participated in dance competitions where she placed first overall in her solo, duo and group routines. Lunarae has been dancing for four years and practices four days a week.
“I feel proud about my winning in my competition,” she said. “Dance is really fun and my favorite thing is playing with my friends. I like our teachers a lot — they are very nice and help us a lot.”
Lunarae would like to be a dance teacher on the weekends and a third grade teacher on the weekdays.
