Even after dominating the competition in Lincoln-Douglas Debate all season and winning a State Championship, Elk Lake senior Austin Cohen had wanted to do something he had not done in his previous three years: advance to elimination rounds at the National Catholic Forensics League’s Grand National Tournament in Philadelphia over Memorial Day Weekend.

Cohen advanced through all of the elimination rounds and won the NCFL National Championship in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.

On Saturday, Cohen competed against 215 of the top debaters in the country at a grueling five round tournament. At the end of the day, Cohen had compiled a four win and one loss record.

As a result of his record, he was seeded 20th in the Double-Octo Final Round Bracket, which seeded the top 32 debaters in the field.

Pictured are EL Forensics Director - Keith Brosious; Austin Cohen – NCFL LD Debate National Champion; EL Assistant Coach – Dr. Kurt Liebegott.

In his Doubl-Octo round, Cohen dominated 13th seeded John McKay from Chaminade HS in New York and won a 3-0 decision.

Cohen faced stiffer completion in Octo Finals from Brian Shouse from Reservoir HS in Baltimore, MD and scratched out a 2-1 decision.

The Quarter-Final round was a cross-state rivalry debate against Zane Stiles from Pittsburgh Central Catholic HS. Once again, Cohen won a 2-1 decision and advanced to Semi Finals.

In the Semi Final round, Cohen soundly defeated Christopher Zhang, from Westford Academy in Boston, on a 4-1 decision.

That would set up a Final between Cohen and Sophia Caldera from Walt Whitman HS in Washington D.C. in front of a crowd of several hundred judges and debaters. In a close debate, Cohen won a 3-2 victory and the National Championship in LD Debate.

“I don’t think that this has sunk in. I simply don’t have words to express how ecstatic I am at this moment,” explained an overjoyed Keith Brosious, Elk Lake Forensics Director.

The magnitude of this accomplishment is tremendous. According to EL Forensics Director Keith Brosious there were schools at the tournament that were 10 times larger than Elk Lake and private schools with unlimited resources for their programs. To be able to compete at that level is unheard of in the debate community.

“Austin is an incredibly committed and dedicated debater. He has put more hours into preparing and practicing for debate over the past six years than any other debater,” commented Brosious.

For the season, Cohen’s record is 87-4. He has won every tournament that he has competed in all season.

He will finish out his competitive debate career at the National Forensics League’s National Championship in Birmingham, AL on June 16-22.

Pictured are Kayleen Conklin, Gwen MacConnell, Garrett Mansfield, Evin Davies, Caleb Folk, Corbin French.

On Thursday, May 16th KayLeen Conklin, Evin Davies, Kaleb Folk, Garret Mansfield, Gwen MacConnell and Corbin French participated in the NPCTM math contest at Marywood University. The students were accompanied by their math teacher, Mrs. Sue Graham.

Each of the students was placed on a different team with students from other schools. The teams consisted of groups of either 5th & 6th graders or 7th & 8th graders. They participated in four activities: a group set of questions, an individual set of questions, a group set of questions on an announced topic and a relay race. Mrs. Graham served as a coach to a team of students.

After lunch, there was an awards ceremony. KayLeen Conklin was on the winning 5th/6th grade team and received a medal. Congratulations to all who participated.

The Elk Lake Educational Support Personnel Association was proud to present awards to 2013 Elk Lake Seniors at the Senior Awards Assembly held at Elk Lake on Monday, May 13th.

Pictured (l-r) are: Sarah Shuren, Jason Vermeulen, Kellie Grosvenor, Kirsten Hollister, Jackie Clark, Miranda Silfee, and Tim Marbaker, Absent from photo Vanessa Smith.

“Good Ambassador” awards were presented to Kirsten Hollister, Tim Marbaker, Sarah Shuren, Vanessa Smith and Jason Vermeulen. These students were choosen by the support staff because of the positive way they represent the Elk Lake School. Each student received $50.00.

The Eugene Hitchcock Memorial Award was presented to a student who has been active in community service. The recipient of this award in the amount of $400.00 was Miranda Silfee.

Jackie Clark was awarded the Earl Churchill Memorial Award. Jackie was chosen for her willingness to help various youth groups in their activities.

A $400.00 ELESPA Scholarship was awarded to Kellie Grosvenor. This is given to a student who is a dedicated student and is pursuing a college education.

Bill Kelley of Taylor Rental and BX3 Oilfield Supply in South Montrose and Tunkhannock recently donated $1000 to the Elk Lake VIP Scholarship.

Pictured is Alan Oakley accepting on behalf of ELEA.  The 2013 winners of the $500 cash award are Meagan Bush and Jason Vermeulen.

The Dean of Students, Frank M. Zauhar Ph.D, at the College of Liberal Arts and Science for Marywood University is pleased to announce that Erin K. Salinkas has earned placement on the University’s Spring 2013, semester Dean’s List.

Erin K. Salinkas

Erin is a 2011 graduate of Blue Ridge High School and is enrolled in Marywood University’s 3 + 1 Biology/Chiropractic program. She will have earned a 4 year Bachelor of Science degree in Biology a year early, before moving on as a graduate student to study Chiropractics in Seneca Falls, New York.

She is the daughter of John and Judi Salinkas, New Milford, Pa.

Pictured are Mrs. Renee Hare, Erik Burgh and Mr. Jack Keihl

There was a total of over $5000.00 raised for the Tony Bistocchi Scholarship fund. It was a near sell out event for our community. Thanks to everyone who assisted in any way to help make the senior project a success. The community had a wonderful time and it helped raise a nice start up for the scholarship. Tony passed away one year ago on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

Two graduating seniors were selected to receive the 1st annual Susquehanna County Democrat Committee Award.

Students were selected from the six High Schools within Susquehanna County.  The award was based on community involvement/volunteer projects, school (extra-curricular) clubs and activities, course content, and their plans future endeavors. This will include furthering their education in a 2 or 4 year college program, or a Technical /apprentice program.

Pictured from Elk Lake School District are - Matthew Horvath and presenter Robert McNamara.

Matt will attend Gettysburg College and is the son of Jeff and Laura Horvath , Meshoppen, Pa.

Pictured from Mountain View School District are - Owen Flannery and presenter Robert McNamara.

Owen will attend Temple University and is the son of Edward and Edlyn Flannery, Hop Bottom, Pa.

The two $500 awards were presented by Robert McNamara, Chairman of the Susquehanna County Democrat Party, on May 22, 2013 at each student’s home school district.

Mountain View Jr/Sr High School A Capella Choir sang sang the Star Spangled Banner to begin the services after the Memorial Day parade in Montrose on May 27, 2013.

Pictured (l-r) are: Caitlyn Tague, Alexa Suchnick, Hayley Maloney, Caroline Miller, Stephanie Virbitsky, Laura Moser, Lucas Jodon, Peter Maloney, Benjamin Maitland, Jacob Baranski, and Andrew Adams. Not pictured is Mark Fontana.

Mountain View Senior, Matt Shipsky is currently participating in the Northern Tier Industry and Education Consortium (NTIEC) Youth Apprenticeship Program. He is employed by Ace Robbins in Tunkhannock, PA. Matt started the program in April of last year. According to his Educational Coordinator, Marleen Butler, "Matt is doing very well integrating his academics with his on the job training".

Pictured are Matt Shipsky, Mountain View Senior and Jerry Parkhurst of Ace Robbins.

Matt is working towards a certification in HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and learning the electrical components involved in the heating and air conditioning systems. His mentor, Jerry Parkhurst works closely with Matt to assure that he is learning and gaining experience. Marleen noted, "Ace-Robbins is to be commended for their approach to helping our young people get a chance to see what they want to do with their lives".

Matt and his mentor also attended an energy career day to talk to students about the opportunities that Youth Apprenticeship offers. Matt's future plan is to attend a Technical School to major in HVAC.

To learn more about how you can become part of the Youth Apprenticeship Program, please contact NTIEC at (570) 278-5038 or your guidance counselor.

On Thursday, May 16, 2013, second grade students from Blue Ridge Elementary visited Susquehanna Community Elementary to meet their penpals. At the beginning of the year the students in these second grade classes are matched up with a penpal. They write back and forth with one another throughout the year and each May the students get to meet at one of the schools.

Pictured are Noah Martin from Blue Ridge Elementary and Brandon Donahue from Susquehanna Community Elementary meeting for the first time during Blue Ridge and Susquehanna Penpal Day.”

This year Susquehanna was the host and students were able to tour the school, have a picnic outside, and enjoy a magic show by Jeremy the Illusionist. In its thirteenth year, this has proven to be a great way for students to work on writing, communication, and interpersonal skills. Thank you to Susquehanna Community Elementary for allowing us to visit!

Ryen C. Carney, Dimock, PA 18816, son of Christopher and Jennifer Carney of Dimock, PA, and a 2009 graduate of Elk Lake H S, graduated Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science on May 19, 2013.

Dr. Alice M. Davis, Administrative Director of the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center (SCCTC), is proud to announce the following SCCTC’s “Students of the Month” for April, 2013.

Pictured (l-r) are: Troy Maby, Tyler Perkins, Samantha Neville, Rhiannon Davis, Justin Kemp, Summer Nolder, Lainie O’Rourke, Dawn Gagneau, Drew Nunemacher, Anthony Pasquali, Jamon Cennamo, David Fox, Jared Brooks, Zach Sigirci, Eddie Voorhees, Scott Carson, Dr. Alice M. Davis and Zack VanWinkle.

The following are local Misericordia University students who applied and were eligible to participate in the spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2013: Jennifer Kaye Fifth, Gibson, Business Administration, BS; Brandy L. Lindsey, Harford, Health Care Management, BS; Carissa Ann Stonier, New Milford, English, BA; Leann M. Terpstra, Susquehanna, Nursing, BSN.

Pictured (l-r) are: standing - Kyra Powell, Gail Wnorowski (teacher), Hunter Renwick, Garrett Mansfield, Eric Peters; seated - Charlie Randall.

Blue Ridge Middle School students Eric Peters, Garrett Mansfield, Charlie Randall, Hunter Renwick, and Kyra Powell recently participated in a global research project on the topic of digital citizenship.

The students created an action project based on their research and presented messages to the 5th and 6th grade student body about safety, respect, and responsibly while using technology to shape learning.  Afterward, the 5th and 6th graders were charged with practicing good digital citizenship and they signed a pledge to do so.

Claire Williams O’Neil (1928-1980) was a teacher in the Susquehanna Community School District for over twenty years. Because of her dedication to education and the community, the Claire Williams O’Neil Foundation, a non-profit institution that sponsors educational and charitable initiatives on a community level, awards this scholarship to reflect her belief in the importance of education, both to the individual and to the community. The Scholarship is awarded to a Susquehanna Community High School student who has achieved a cumulative average of 90% at the end of eleventh grade, and who also possesses a sincere desire to pursue high quality university studies with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the community. The student can be awarded anything up to about $80,000 for four years. To date, this award has totaled over $435,000.

 The Claire Williams O’Neil Scholarship has created an incentive for all seniors in our small, rural, and economically disadvantaged school district to look well beyond the typical college options by applying to America’s best colleges and universities.

 This year, two seniors were awarded this scholarship in the amount of $40,000 each: Melissa Kukowski and Raymond Polak.

Melissa is the daughter of John and Donna Kukowski. During her high school career at Susquehanna, Melissa participated in a variety of sports and activities such as National Honor Society, Yearbook Committee, Scholastic Bowl Team, Cross-country, Track & Field, Volleyball, Student Council and Spanish Club. She also did volunteer work by donating her time and effort at the Montrose Animal Shelter, and by helping with the boy’s basketball team for two years. Melissa plans on furthering her education at the University of Pittsburg majoring in Neuroscience.

 Raymond is the son of Raymond and Laurie Polak. Throughout high school, Raymond participated in the National Honor Society, Pump Club, Scholastic Bowl Team, and Mocha Moose. Raymond is also a very talented musician both in and outside of school. Ray has also received a Character award by his teachers for his positive attitude towards school and outstanding personality. Raymond also volunteered with the Parent Involvement Committee. Ray plans on attending Penn State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Tiffany Fancher, a resident of Kingsley, Pa. and majoring in Biology was among 1,852 students from Tennessee State University who were named to the Spring, 2013 Dean's List.

The honor list names all students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in 12 or more semester hours taken for a letter grade during the spring semester.