School Notes, March 8, 2026

Clarks Summit Elementary first-grader Carmen Forgione pinned his way to the NEL League Youth Wrestling title on Jan. 24, posting a 5-0 record at the West Scranton High School mats. School officials credit his unbeaten season to disciplined preparation, sharp conditioning and an unwavering competitive focus. “We are proud of the discipline and determination he demonstrated throughout the season,” they said.

Third-grader Roman Forgione, Carmen’s older brother, spent the winter on a different kind of stage, performing in a piano recital at Hillside Haven Community Church under instructor Debbie Pyne. Educators praised his dedication and musical growth in front of family and community guests.

Across the district, the arts continue to flourish. Blue Ridge sophomore Clarissa Laude stepped into the role of Briar Rose in the theater department’s weekend production of “Happily Ever Before,” marking her seventh time in the spotlight. Among her favorite past roles are Alice Beneike in “The Addams Family,” Hippolyta in “Hercules” and Alice in “Bye Bye Birdie.” Clarissa values theater for its escape and camaraderie. “You get to step into someone else’s life and not worry about your own problems for a bit,” she said. When not rehearsing, she shoots with the Susky Ridge Youth Shooting Sports Archery Club, volunteers with the Tioga Lions Club and dreams of teaching cosmetology.

Senior Julian Fedorchak earned WVIA Artist of the Week honors after claiming first-chair percussion at the 2025 Marywood Wind Celebration Honors Band and performing with PMEA District 9 ensembles. A member of the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble and Marywood University’s Orchestra and Symphonic Band, Julian will head to Kutztown University to major in music education with a percussion focus.

Mid Valley senior Michael Keller, enrolled in the Career Technology Center’s HVAC program, dominated the SkillsUSA district competition and will represent the school at the April state conference in Hershey. Already OSHA-10, EPA 608 Universal, RLS and Trac Pipe certified, Keller plans to enter the HVAC trade after graduation.

Freshman Gabriella Baker balanced four honors core classes plus an AP course en route to October student-of-the-month recognition. She credits the demanding schedule with widening her social circle and strengthening team relationships while managing duties as field-hockey and girls-basketball manager.

The district’s Bucks Scholars luncheon honored high-achieving students from every grade for the second quarter, listing more than 80 names across grades 7-12.

Seventh grader Makayla Allen will star as the jester Touchstone in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” March 13-14, promising laughs and comic relief. She also plays school and Little League softball and hopes to study English at Binghamton University.

Seniors Jeremiah Requena and Gia Novobilski turned service into senior projects. Requena collected toys and prepared 25-plus hours of meals for Salvation Army families, while Novobilski organized a teddy-bear toss at a basketball game that sent hundreds of stuffed animals to the Children’s Advocacy Center. Gia, a cheerleader and yearbook staffer, will study psychology at Rutgers-New Brunswick.

North Pocono senior James Eckmeder, a CTC smart-systems student, holds CompTIA A+ and multiple TestOut certifications and works IT support for Geisinger Wyoming Valley. He has twice won SkillsUSA district gold and once claimed state gold, advancing to nationals in Georgia last year. He will study computer information technology at Johnson College.

Junior Lourdes Atarigua Nanaula’s 100-word “Stranger Saga” earned publication and she has applied for Geisinger’s competitive summer program as she eyes a future in nursing.

William Prescott Elementary honored 12 January Students of the Month for perseverance, while EverGreen first grader Kevanie Dominique earned praise for creativity, leadership and academic enthusiasm.

In the sciences, freshmen Adithi Velaga and Tyler Durst captured perfect scores and excellence awards at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional meet at Wilkes University, qualifying for the May state finals at Penn State. Tyler, president of the engineering club, plans to study nuclear engineering; Adithi, active in tennis, music and art, aspires to neurosurgery.

Seventh-grade artist Isla Corrigan’s graphic-design billboard promoting Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month currently towers over local traffic, and her origami tree will anchor the Wayne County Arts Alliance student gallery. She will represent the district at the upcoming Middle Grade Music and Art Festival.

Senior Jamie Raider, named English student of the month, balances student-council leadership, National Honor Society, cross-country, track and cheer while coaching junior Cougars. She will double-major in psychology and criminal justice.

From the mats to the stage, from robotics labs to recital halls, students across the region continue to turn classroom lessons into championship moments and community impact.