Latest news with #PennStateSchuylkill
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scholastic Superstars: Schuylkill County's best and brightest
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Mia Artz had been told there was little chance of getting into an Ivy League university, given that she attended a high school that graduated only about 70 students a year. Still, the Tri-Valley High School student set her academic sights high, and was accepted to Brown University. Tri-Valley's Mia Artz speaks during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Though she has chosen a different path, and will attend The University of Pittsburgh in the fall, Mia hopes her acceptance to a prestigious school like Brown will inspire other students. 'I want those with big dreams at small schools to know that anything is possible through hard work and a persistent belief in what you offer the world,' she said Wednesday in accepting a Scholastic Superstar Medal at Penn State-Schuylkill campus. 'I want to show the kids that come after me that they can do great things and achieve their dreams.' Mia was one of 15 outstanding scholars from Schuylkill County high schools whose academic achievements were recognized at the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars ceremony in the John E. Morgan Auditorium. Corey Scherer, Penn State Schuylkill interim chancellor, welcomed the students and their families. 'This honor is not just for what you did in the classroom, but for the things you do in the community that make you role models for other students,' he said. 'I'm excited for you all in terms of what's going to happen from here on out.' Terry Purcell, president of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill and LVHN Northwest Region, said the superstars are among the best Schuylkill has to offer. 'It goes to show that hard work pays off,' Purcell said. 'Your futures are bright, and we wish you well.' Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, part of Jefferson Health, was the prime sponsor of Scholastic Superstars. Ryan Sharp, Pottsville Republican Herald news editor and Scholastic Superstars coordinator, introduced each of the award recipients. Larry Holeva, executive editor of the Scranton Times-Tribune, Citizens' Voice and Hazleton Standard-Speaker, and Purcell presented the Scholastic Superstar medals. PROUD MOMENTS In his introduction, Sharp said he had no doubt the students would make the world a better place. 'They're all straight-A students, but they have all been called to serve in some capacity,' he said. 'They've already served their home communities, and will move on to serve the state as doctors, the courts as lawyers and their country in the military.' After receiving their medals, students explained what scholastic accomplishments or community service projects they were most proud of. Samuel Spolski, who received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award and was captain of Nativity's football team, said he was inspired to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Nativity's Nolan Daynorowicz, recipient of the president's award for educational excellence, plans to attend Penn State University and major in nuclear engineering. Inspired by his parents, both of whom are teachers, Pine Grove's Shane Hall will attend Penn State Schuylkill Campus and major in education. * Tri-Valley's Mia Artz speaks during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Tamaqua's Bradyn Brothers speaks during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Nativity BVM's Miranda Burkot accepts her award during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * North Schuylkill's Joseph Campbell IV takes a photo with Terry Purcell, President of Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill, during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * North Schuylkill's Christopher Dambrosia speaks during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Natvity BVM's Nolan Daynorowicz answers a question during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Pine Grove's Alexander Dubbs answers a question during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Pine Grove's Shane Hall explains his desire to be an educator during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Mahanoy Area's Victor Hanley shakes hands with Terry Purcell, President of Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill, during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Schuylkill Haven's Anna Schaeffer answers a question during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Williams Valley's Sage Smeltz answers a question during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Nativity BVM's Samuel Spolski answers a question during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Blue Mountain's Leah Walasavage speaks on stage during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Front row: Leah Walasavage, Bradyn Brothers, Miranda Burkot, Nolan Daynorowicz, Samuel Spolski, Mia Artz and Joseph Campbell. Back row: Anna Schaeffer, Christopher Dambrosia, Victor Hanley, Alexander Dubbs, Shane Hall and Sage Smeltz. The Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony took place at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Show Caption 1 of 14 Tri-Valley's Mia Artz speaks during the Republican Herald Scholastic Superstars medal ceremony at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Expand SEE FULL PHOTO GALLERY: Scholastic Superstars receive medals Bradyn Brothers, Tamaqua's Scholastic Superstar, said she plans to attend Auburn University and major in engineering. 'I've been able to get a well-balanced education,' she said, 'not just because of my core classes but also because of my music classes.' Anna Schaeffer, Schuylkill Haven's female scholar-athlete and recipient of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award, spoke of plans to major in political science and become a lawyer. Sage Smeltz, Schuylkill County's first female football scholar-athlete and senior class president at Williams Valley, will pursue a double major in history and religious studies at Lycoming College. Blue Mountain's Leah Walasavage, tennis team captain and a student-teacher at an Orwigsburg dance studio, has enrolled in the 3+1 masters program in accounting at Quinnipiac University. North Schuylkill's Christopher Dambrosia's explanation of why he's attending Carnegie Mellon University to major in business analytics elicited laughter from the audience. 'I like math,' he said, 'and I like money.' Miranda Burkot, a member of the Spanish Honor Society at Nativity BVM High School, cited a hygiene drive for the Servants To All homeless shelter in Pottsville as her most rewarding community service event.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arnold Delin Award recognizes commitment to diversity
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Twelve high school students were recognized Tuesday for their efforts to promote diversity, understanding and acceptance of others in their schools and communities. The 23rd Arnold Delin Awards, hosted by the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, were held in the John E. Morgan Auditorium at Penn State Schuylkill. The event was attended by about 40 people, including IU representatives, parents and school administrators who served as facilitators for each winning student. The award — named after the late community leader and activist Arnold Delin — is presented annually to students who participate in Schuylkill County Youth Conference activities and whose actions promote an appreciation of diversity and inclusion in the community. Delin, president of the Oheb Zedeck Synagogue Center in Pottsville and the regional chairman of the Anti-Defamation League, died in Orwigsburg in 2015 at age 89. The presentation was preceded by remarks from Delin's wife, Dolores, who spoke about the importance of diversity and the work that diversity clubs do in schools. 'Diversity made America,' she said. ' … If we didn't have diversity, if we didn't have difference in our country, we'd be a very uninteresting population.' Dolores Delin speaks during the annual Arnold Delin Awards at Penn State Schuylkill, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) She also urged people to do their due diligence on the upcoming election, which she said is a very important one since it features many contested races for local school board members. 'Take time to understand who these people are,' Delin said, 'and make sure you make good choices because they influence what goes on in the school. They influence your children.' In a rare occurrence for the award show, Delin's comments touched on political topics. She expressed disappointment in President Donald Trump's recent dismissal of several members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum board. She also referenced the president's order to cut diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Pennsylvania schools. Delin also took a moment to recognize the parents of the award recipients. 'They're not what they are today if it had not been for the seed that you planted in your home before they got to the schools, so congratulations to you,' she said. The Arnold Delin Award went to a high school junior or senior from 12 county schools. Each award winner received a backpack — with a symbol of the program — and a $500 award intended for postsecondary education expenses. Any recipient attending Penn State Schuylkill is also eligible for a $500 matching scholarship award. Before the award winners were recognized, the IU showed a presentation displaying projects and activities that the students and their diversity clubs spearheaded after participating in this year's Youth Conference. Scott Delin, Arnold and Dolores' son, said the symbol on the backpacks represents how the students make a difference. Scott, a Pottsville Area alumnus, said he remembers his father's deep commitment to social causes. 'I remember growing up, the late-night calls my father would get about some issues that were happening,' Scott Delin said. ' 'Oh, my child was excluded from this,' or 'We can't get into this club.' He'd drop whatever he did to go out and help them. So he made a difference, and you're making a difference. Hopefully, this will set you apart and people will recognize all that you do for your peers.' Also at the event, Annie Milewski, director of curriculum at IU 29, recognized the contributions of special programs assistant Theresa Kozura, who will retire this year. Kozura said she will miss working with the Delins on the program and hearing about students' accomplishments. * Annie Milewski speaks during the annual Arnold Delin Awards at Penn State Schuylkill, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Mahanoy Area's Ally Bet sings the national anthem during the annual Arnold Delin Awards at Penn State Schuylkill, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Show Caption 1 of 2 Annie Milewski speaks during the annual Arnold Delin Awards at Penn State Schuylkill, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Expand Ally Bet, a student at Mahanoy Area Junior/Senior High School, opened the event with a performance of the national anthem and concluded it with 'God Bless America.' The recipients of this year's Arnold Delin Awards and their schools are: * Maura Dagon, Blue Mountain * Aidan Milkovits, Marian Catholic * Rebecca Zula, Minersville Area * Brody Sophy, Nativity BVM * Molly Reed, North Schuylkill * Allison Fisher, Pine Grove Area * Jaeda Powell, Pottsville Area * Brenda Holguin, Schuylkill Haven Area * Angelique Zamudio Carmen, Shenandoah Valley * Danika Samler, Schuylkill Technology Center * Lindsey Gerhard, Tamaqua Area * Mia Artz, Tri-Valley
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania senator asked child ‘pornography' question during civics competition
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. (WHTM) — A Pennsylvania State Senator is apologizing after posing a pornography question to a sixth grade girl during a civics competition. On Wednesday, a local National Civics Bee competition was held at Penn State Schuylkill in Schuylkill Haven, giving students in grades 6-8 a chance to 'flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes.' According to the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce website, these student competitors came to discuss a variety of essay topics. Rapper Azealia Banks says she regrets Trump vote However, one student's topic of Book Banning drew a bit of controversy, not because of her topic, but because of a question asked by one of the participating judges, who happens to be a State Senator. According to a Facebook post by the mother of the girl whose essay was about book banning, State Sen. David Argall (R-Carbon/Luzerne/Schuylkill) asked the sixth grader if it was 'appropriate to give pornographic magazines to kindergarteners.' The mother says her daughter asked what the senator meant, seemingly because the young girl did not know what pornography was. Argall, the mother says, then responded by telling the young girl that pornography was 'naked pictures of people.' 'This discussion has no place at the Civics Bee,' the mother shared online. 'I am further appalled and furious that I now have to explain pornography to my fourth grader who was there to cheer on her sister.' Facebook sending out $40 payments to users over 'Like button' issue In response to the incident, Argall told abc27 news the following: During last night's local round of the National Civics Bee, I posed a question as a volunteer judge to a participant that was not age-appropriate for this setting. I apologize to the young lady, her family, and all the participants who worked hard to get to this point, with excellent presentations by the students who submitted entries on book bans and many other important subjects. I was attempting to ask if some books and magazines are not appropriate for some age groups, a subject which has received considerable attention in the general assembly in recent years. In hindsight, my obvious mistake was in citing an example that was itself not appropriate for this age group, a mistake which I will not make again. State Senator Argall The next round of the Civics Bee will be held in Harrisburg. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Students flex civics knowledge at local round of National Civics Bee
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Several of the region's brightest young citizens demonstrated their civics knowledge and community service Wednesday at the Schuylkill County chapter of the National Civics Bee, hosted by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. The event — the first-ever Schuylkill County edition of the civics bee — brought together 18 local students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades to compete in two rounds of multiple-choice quizzes, followed by a panel of questions for the top five contestants. The event was held at Penn State Schuylkill's John E. Morgan Auditorium. The students were selected based on essays they had submitted to the Civics Bee on a topic of their choice, exploring community service projects they wanted to undertake. Those essays were read by National Civics Bee judges across the country. The local event consisted of two initial rounds of multiple-choice questions on topics related to the federal government, citizenship and history. Audience members also had the chance to participate by joining on their phones. Topics included the role of the Federal Bureau of Intelligence, the president's cabinet, the role of the president and the Senate in the treaty ratification process, the Little Rock Nine, and the impact of U.S. Supreme Court decisions like Marbury v. Madison (1803) and Munn v. Illinois (1877). The five students with the highest cumulative scores — out of 20 questions — advanced to a third round and answered questions from a panel of judges on the essays they had submitted to the Civics Bee. The top three students received cash awards and trophies: 1st place: Aaron K., Tamaqua Area — $1,000 prize2nd place: Mihir P., St. Ignatius Loyola — $500 prize3rd place: Mary A., North Schuylkill — $250 prize The three will advance to the state level of the competition om Harrisburg on June 13. The first-place winner from that round will be invited to compete in the national championship this fall in Washington, D.C. * The three winners include Mary A., Aaron K. and Mihir P. during the local finals in the National Civics Bee competition held at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Mary claimed third, Mihir second and Aaron first. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * State Representative Jamie Barton speaks before the local finals in the National Civics Bee competition held at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Ava K., Schuylkill Haven, answers a question on her tablet during the local finals in the National Civics Bee competition held at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * A question is projected onto a screen during the local finals in the National Civics Bee competition held at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Mihir P., St. Ignatius Loyola, does a double fist pump after answering a question during the local finals in the National Civics Bee competition held at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Student competiros listen as questions are asked during the local finals in the National Civics Bee competition held at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Mary A., North Schuylkill, looks down at her tablet during the local finals in the National Civics Bee competition held at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Robert S. Carl Jr. calls out a question during the local finals in the National Civics Bee competition held at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Show Caption 1 of 8 The three winners include Mary A., Aaron K. and Mihir P. during the local finals in the National Civics Bee competition held at Penn State Schuylkill, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Mary claimed third, Mihir second and Aaron first. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Expand SEE THE FULL PHOTO GALLERY: The local finals for the National Civics Bee Aaron, whose essay topic was inclusive recreation, told the judges that he wants to work with local educators, leaders and community members to build inclusive sensory equipment for his old elementary school playground. He said he was inspired by his brother, who has autism. He stressed the importance of recess as a time to unwind and relax, and said it's crucial to have good equipment for it. '(My brother) has definitely needed a lot of care and attention, especially in a school setting,' Aaron said, 'and I think that this project could really benefit people like him.' Mihir P. talked about his proposal for an outdoor lighting project, which he said would improve safety, reduce crime and improve physical and mental well-being. When asked about how some property owners would object to having lights installed near their homes, Mihir pointed out it could raise the value of their homes due to the enhanced safety and, additionally, some sort of compensation could be provided to them. 'This will be a collaboration between local authorities, energy companies and residents, while honoring civic virtues,' Mihir said. Mary A.'s essay focused on book banning. She proposed raising awareness to protect access to books by writing, getting the word out and collaborating with librarians, politicians and school boards. 'All students deserve the right to read (books) by people like them,' she said, 'and authors, they deserve to have their voices heard.' The other students who made the final round were Aaron E., of Blue Mountain, whose topic was public safety; and Ava K., of Schuylkill Haven Area, whose topic was homelessness and poverty. Other entries from the local finalists included topics such as fighting blight, better life for strays, student mental health and lead contamination. The judges were state Sen. David G. Argall (R-29); Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess; Evelyn Datte, district coordinator at the office of Congressman Dan Meuser (R-9); Maureen Donovan, board member of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership; and Thomas Teles, human resources manager at the Walmart Distribution Center in Schuylkill County. While 20 finalists had originally been selected for the event, two dropped out on short notice, and there was not enough time to replace those students, according to chamber President and CEO Robert S. Carl Jr., the event's emcee. Per National Civic Bee policy, students were identified at the event only by their first name and last initial, along with the school district they attend. According to the competition rules, one of the finalists — Mihir P., who attends St. Ignatius Loyola in Berks County — was allowed to take part in any county civics bee of his choice, Carl said. Carl congratulated the students and their parents, and advised them to remember the importance of the government and their education. 'Government never was intended to have a ping pong match of one side against another,' Carl said. 'It was created to be able to work in partnership to better be able to work together and make the right decisions, most importantly, on behalf of the people that elected officials serve.' The event also included remarks from Cory Scherer, interim chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill; state Rep. Jamie Barton, R-124; Mike Shaner, vice president of lending at Hidden River Credit Union, which sponsored the monetary awards; and Jim Cooksey, president of the Rotary Club of Pottsville, which sponsored the trophies. The National Civics Bee is hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The state and local rounds of the bee are held in partnership with the U.S. Chamber, the PA Chamber of Business and Industry and local chambers of commerce across Pennsylvania.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania State Senator asked child 'pornography' question during National Civics Bee competition
SCHUYKILL HAVEN, Pa. (WHTM) — A Pennsylvania State Senator is apologizing after posing a pornogrpahy question to a 6th grade girl during a civics competition. On Wednesday, April 16, a local National Civics Bee competition was held at Penn State Schuylkill in Schuylkill Haven, giving students in grades 6th through 8th a chance to 'flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now According to the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce website, these student competitors came to discuss a variety of essay topics. However, one student's topic of Book Banning drew a bit of controversy, not because of her topic, but because of a question asked by one of the participating judges, who happens to be a State Senator. According to a Facebook post by the mother of the girl whose essay was about book banning, State Sen. David Argall (R-Carbon/Luzerne/Schuylkill) asked the 6th grade girl if it was 'appropriate to give pornographic magazines to kindergarteners.' The mother says her daughter asked what the State Senator meant, seemingly because the young girl did not know what pornography was. Argall, the mother says, then responded by telling the young girl that pornography was 'naked pictures of people.' 'This discussion has no place at the Civics Bee,' the mother shared online. 'I am further appalled and furious that I now have to explain pornography to my 4th grader who was there to cheer on her sister.' In response to the incident, Argall told abc27 news the following: During last night's local round of the National Civics Bee, I posed a question as a volunteer judge to a participant that was not age-appropriate for this setting. I apologize to the young lady, her family, and all the participants who worked hard to get to this point, with excellent presentations by the students who submitted entries on book bans and many other important subjects. I was attempting to ask if some books and magazines are not appropriate for some age groups, a subject which has received considerable attention in the General Assembly in recent years. In hindsight, my obvious mistake was in citing an example that was itself not appropriate for this age group, a mistake which I will not make again. State Senator Argall The next round of the Civics Bee will be held in Harrisburg. abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
