Latest news with #ScholasticSuperstars
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scholastic Superstars: Matthew Vecolitis, Tamaqua
What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? Being selected to 5 different honor societies and being the Tamaqua Class of 2025 Treasurer, because they are accomplishments that are a reflection of the hard work and dedication I have put in. What were your most rewarding school or community activities? Participating in the St. Luke's Miners Mentorship program and winning one of the scholarships in the program, because it was an opportunity that I was presented with and it paid off as I was rewarded. Also winning the 2024 Schuylkill League Baseball Championship, because our team reached our goal after working hard all season. Matthew Vecolitis (SUBMITTED) What do you do in your spare time? I love to play and watch sports. What are your plans after high school graduation? I plan to attend Lebanon Valley College to major in Physical Therapy. I chose this path because of my interest in sports and the health sciences. What do you see yourself doing and where do you see yourself living in 15 years? I see myself working as a Physical Therapist with a sports team, and living somewhere in the eastern region of the United States. Whom do you most admire and why? My parents because they are great people and excellent role models, and I admire how they have raised my brother and I to be the best person we can be. In a sentence, what is your philosophy of life? To always take advantage of your opportunities and give your best effort because they will not always be around forever. Finish this sentence: The most interesting thing about me is … My knowledge of sports A little about Matthew Hometown: Nesquehoning, PA Parents: Anthony and Linda Vecolitis Some Honors Include: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society, Math National Honors Society, English National Honors Society Activities: Class Treasurer, Student Government, Schuylkill Youth Conference, FBLA, St. Luke's Mentorship Program Athletics: Basketball and Baseball Community Service: Youth Sports Camps, Tamaqua Little League, Helps organize the community Safe Trick-or-Treat night His Nominator Said 'As a top-performing student, a dedicated athlete, and an engaged leader in his school and community, he exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded and inspiring young man … He dedicates his time to volunteering with youth programs, mentoring and inspiring younger children, and serving as a positive role model. His ability to connect with and uplift others reflects his genuine care for his community and desire to make a lasting impact.' Fifteen students were chosen by judges from the community to represent the most accomplished of Schuylkill County's graduating classes as part of the Republican Herald's annual Scholastic Superstars.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Scholastic Superstars: Sage Smeltz, Williams Valley
What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? I am most proud of earning a presidential scholarship to Lycoming because it displays the hard work I have done through the years. I am also proud of winning the first ever girls basketball district championship at Williams Valley because my team made history. What were your most rewarding school or community activities? My most rewarding school activity is being a part of the Teacher Intern Program. Through this program I attend the elementary school everyday to help teachers with grading and other things and help students with their learning. This activity is rewarding because I can see and help students succeed firsthand. Sage Smeltz (SUBMITTED) What do you do in your spare time? I like to read, watch movies, listen to music, and go on walks What are your plans after high school graduation? My plans after high school are to attend Lycoming College to study history and religious studies. I chose this path because I felt it fit best for me and I love learning about history and religious studies. What do you see yourself doing and where do you see yourself living in 15 years? I see myself being a college professor wherever there is a demand for professors. Whom do you most admire and why? I admire my sister the most because she is the hardest worker I know, and one of the best people I know. In a sentence, what is your philosophy of life? Give your all, you only get one chance. Finish this sentence: The most interesting thing about me is … I went to Poland, Czechia, and Germany on a school trip during the summer. A little about Sage Hometown: Tower City, PA Parents: Sally and Greg Smeltz Some Honors Include: National Honor Society (President), FBLA National Honor Society, Football Scholar Athlete (First Girl in Schuylkill County), VFW Academic Award Activities: Senior Class President, Student Council President, FBLA, Musical, Travel Club, Big Vikes Little Vikes Athletics: Football, Soccer, Basketball (Captain), Softball (Captain) Community Service: Bible School Helper, Bell Choir, Usher, Greeter, Reader at Trinity United Church of Christ; Nadine Miller Foundation; Miles for Michael; Youth Sports Camps; Food Drives Her Nominator Said 'Everything she does, she approaches with enthusiasm and dedication, always giving 110%. Yet, she remains humble and kind, never seeking attention for her achievements. She is a true leader, inspiring those around her to strive for their own goals and personal growth …She is loyal to her family, school, and friends while remaining open to new ideas and experiences.' Fifteen students were chosen by judges from the community to represent the most accomplished of Schuylkill County's graduating classes as part of the Republican Herald's annual Scholastic Superstars.
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
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Photos: Scholastic Superstars receive medals
READ ABOUT THE CEREMONY: Scholastic Superstars: Schuylkill County's best and brightest This photo gallery includes images of each student honored in the Republican Herald's Scholastic Superstar event.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
24 students honored in Scholastic Superstars program
The Times-Tribune recognized 24 graduating high school seniors for their outstanding work in the classroom and community during its Scholastic Superstars program on Monday evening at Lackawanna College in Scranton. It has been a Times-Tribune tradition for three decades. Students received a medal while their parents and guests applauded during the ceremony sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities. Larry Holeva, executive editor of The Times-Tribune, presented the awards. Each high school in the Times-Tribune coverage area is invited to nominate up to three seniors. After the names of students and schools and other identifying information is removed, the winners were voted on by judges from local colleges. The winners are: • Grace Beckish, North Pocono High School • Owen Carso, Delaware Valley High School. • Ella Cohen, Scranton Preparatory School • Chelsea Empet, Mountain View Junior/Senior High School • Gabriella Estadt, Valley View High School • Emily Hanson, Blue Ridge High School • Lia Hartman, Western Wayne High School • Matthew Hill, Scranton High School • Sara Hoban, Abington Heights High School • Ryleigh Kilmer, Mountain View Junior/Senior High School • Zachary Kovaleski, Holy Cross High School • Stephanie Kucharski, Old Forge High School • Winni Lin, Riverside High School • Gavin Monahan, Holy Cross High School • Declan Moran, Scranton High School • Zarina Mustafina, West Scranton High School • Kaia Negvesky, West Scranton High School • Ivy Neureuter, Scranton High School • Adam Paranich, Abington Heights High School • Maura Pivirotto, Abington Heights High School • Allison Rocco, North Pocono High School • Christian Segiel, North Pocono High School • Austin Shramko, Riverside High School • Logan Zdaniewicz, Tunkhannock Area High School This year's judges were Lois K. Draina, Ph.D., retired dean, Marywood University; Aaron Mattern, senior regional director of enrollment management, Penn State Hazleton, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre; and Joseph M. Roback, associate vice president, admissions and enrollment, University of Scranton. Additional coverage can be found at and will appear in print Wednesday. Starting Wednesday, The Times-Tribune will publish a biography and photo of one Superstar a day, excepting Mondays.
