11-02-2025
Busy teenager getting it all done at Hazleton Area
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local teenager is making an impact both in and out of the classroom. He's not only trying to make himself a better student, but he's also working on improving the lives of those around him.
28/22 introduces to the impressive high school junior in this week's Here's To You Kid.
Mateo Feola has called Hazleton Area High School his educational home since 2022. If you asked him if he has a favorite subject, he would tell you the following.
'Yes, history. I took AP history last year and I have competed in the U.S. History Bowl,' said Mateo.
Hitting the books is not all Mateo is doing at Hazleton Area. He is the president of his school's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club.
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'My main goal has been to increase membership. Since my freshman year, FBLA has tripled in numbers going from 50 members to over 150,' Mateo stated.
Hazleton Area Computer Science, Business Teacher, and his FBLA advisor Victoria Cozlek credits Mateo with helping club members on such projects as power points and public speaking events.
'So he'll work with them individually, and it's not only about his success in the club, but making sure that each of the members have the opportunities they need to succeed, and he builds them up,' Cozlek said.
Mateo's role in FBLA led him to get involved in various community service projects.
One is called 'Smiles For Abby,' a non-profit formed in 2024 that donates care packages to young adults newly diagnosed with cancer.
'And we feel that the cause is an amazing cause, and we are just trying to spread a little good in our community,' Mateo added.
Another way Mateo is trying to spread a little good is by serving on the student council.
'The big thing about Mateo is everything he does is genuine,' said Jason Turri, a Hazleton Area Biology Teacher and Student Council Advisor.
Turri says Mateo has been an active Student Council member since freshman year.
'He's been involved in many of our projects, our service projects always volunteering ideas and brainstorming ideas with all of our members,' Turri continued.
Mateo has also volunteered in Hazleton Area's after-school tutoring program to help students in need succeed. He has also gained a reputation for spreading positive vibes.
'He acknowledges those people that make a difference whether it's his classmates, whether it's his teachers. You can always expect Mateo to point out the positive,' Turri added.
'We do have a lot of good people here in the Hazleton Area and they're what makes the Hazleton area community so special,' Mateo explained.
As for what the future holds in store, Turri says 'The possibilities are endless for Mateo.'
Mateo was also elected president of Hazleton Area's class of 2026 when he is a senior.
He is also a member of the school's tennis and golf teams and serves on the City of Hazleton's Junior Council.
Here's to you, Mateo.
If you have a kid you think should be featured on Heres To You Kid!, send in a nomination online.
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