The following students at Blue Ridge Elementary are Citizens of the Month for the November, 2015 school year.
Pictured (l-r) are: first row - Briana Kelly, Matthew Mackenzie, Gavin Morris, Journey Wojtkowski, Melodie Bloomer, Ethan Colwell, Gavin Wilber; second row - Trista Laude, Patrick Mullen, Siena Fritsky, Tyler Bianchi, Samantha Griffin; third row - Scarlett Osterhout, Jaydon Barile, Addison Welch, Dawson Stepniak, Emily Hanson; fourth row: Ronnie Phillips, Carson Gallagher, Aiden Glasgow, Stephanie Smith. Absent from photo: Rose Birtch, Rogelio Martinez-Garcia, Miguel Resendiz, Leina Fritsky.
The Elk Lake Forensics team was led by two seniors, one experienced and one at his first tournament in debate, at the Scranton Catholic Forensics League Tournament held at Wallenpaupack HS on December 5.
EL Forensics Team Place-winners at Scranton CFL Tournament: Zach Boatman – 4th Place in Novice LD Debate; Mika Smith – 3rd Place in Varsity LD Debate.
Senior Mika Smith continued her winning ways this season by compiling a 3 win and 1 loss record in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate by defeating debaters from Abington Heights and Holy Redeemer HS. Her only loss came to Patrick Zhu, the eventual champion, from Danville HS.
Elk Lake’s other senior, Zach Boatman, placed fourth in Novice LD Debate in his first tournament ever in the event.
“This is a very good start to league competition this year,” commented EL Forensics Director Keith Brosious.
The team will have traveled to suburban Philadelphia on December 12 to compete at the prestigious LaSalle Forum Tournament.
SCCTC Carpentry and Cabinetmaking program shows off some of the engraved Adirondack chairs made for the PSBA
The Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center’s Carpentry and Cabinetmaking program was contracted by the Pennsylvania School Board Association to build 30 Adirondack chairs for an upcoming event.
On a recent visit to the SCCTC, Mr. Nathan Mains, PSBA Executive Director, was very impressed with the work being produced by these students. The students even engraved the chairs with PSBA and SCCTC and made them folding for easy storage. Dr. Alice M. Davis, SCCTC Executive Director stated, “I am always impressed with not only the finished product, but the willingness of our students to go above and beyond whatever the project.”
The students and faculty of the SCCTC conducted fundraisers throughout the school year and donated the proceeds to the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Kenneth Bondurant accepted the check on behalf of the Boy Scouts from the SCCTC Executive Director Dr. Alice M. Davis.
Mr. Kenneth Bondurant and Dr. Alice M. Davis
In a thank you letter received by Dr. Davis from Mr. Bondurant, he stated, “You, the staff, students and faculty of the SCCTC have supported our scouting programs for many years and your efforts are greatly appreciated.” Dr. Davis stated, “The Boy Scouts of America prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them values that build character and confidence; the faculty and administration of the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center know that these values are key to a successful educational environment. We are proud to support such an important, relevant organization.”
Once again, Susquehanna County Career and Technology students have done their school proud at the District Skills USA competitions held at Johnson College on December 2 and Luzerne County Community College on December 4, 2015. Executive Director Alice M. Davis attended the competition to support the students. She stated, “It was a privilege to watch our students compete against such talented competitors. I am so pleased at the results of the competition, but I am not surprised at the fantastic showing. Our students always exceed our expectations.”
Skills USA Advisors Susan Birtch and Bruce Castelli announced the results of the competition: Gold medals went to James Heft, Architectural Drafting; Jordan Clark, Cabinetmaking; Dawson Smales, Carpentry; Mary Roloson, Cosmetology; Bethany Yarrison, Cosmetology; Mariah Najarian, Customer Service; Casey Kelly, Building Construction; Jonathan Nemeth, Building Construction; Trevor Mills, Plumbing; Kenny Brittingham, Prepared Speech; Macy Wega, Job Demonstration; Kierra Merritt, Job Demonstration; Emmillie Miller, Job Interview; Seth Tewksbury, Technical Drafting; Schae Thomas, Welding Sculpture. Silver medals went to Mike Pelicci, Collision Repair; Dalton Levene, Power Equipment; Noah Cobb, Related Technical Math; Alyssa Sickler, Teamworks; Joe McLeer, Teamworks; Matthew Loch, Teamworks; Paul Freeman, Teamworks; Sarah Walter, Baking; Allison Hampton, Culinary; Taylor Goff, First Aid/CPR and Taylor Davis, Medical Terminology. Bronze medals were won by Nicholas Darling, Auto Specialization; Joseph Sandfort, Carpentry; Tallia Isenberg, Cosmetology; Gina Hall, Esthetics; Kenny Hughes, Welding; Garrett Jenkins, Autobody Refinishing; Jonathan Baltzley, Fire Fighting; Mariah Canfield, Medical Terminology.
All gold medal winners will compete at the state competition in Hershey in April 2016.
C. J. Mallery
C. J. Mallery
C.J. Mallery is a senior at Susquehanna Community High School. He was born October, 2 1996 and has participated in the football program for six years. His parents are Dana and Carl Mallery. C.J. Mallery’s future plans are undecided between entering the workforce or going to school for sports management.
His most influential person throughout his high school career is his mother. She is his most influential person because she is always there for him and doing anything she can do to better him. No matter how hard he made things on himself and on her she always tried to get the better out of it and a lesson learned. She has always worked very hard at work and even harder at home.
His favorite quote is from the movie Talladega Nights, “if you’re not first you're last.” When C.J. was in high school he and David Baker watched Talladega Nights just about every night. When things would get quiet or awkward they would just start saying lines from that movie. They would break the ice with quotes from that movie and make jokes with that movie.
His most memorable moment is the football game against Old Forge in 9th grade. They had to go to Old Forge for the game and lost 50 to 0, but after the game there was a falling out. Both the teams were in the middle of the field fighting and the fans were jumping the fence and running to the middle of the field to join in. That day he knew that the guys on his team were more like family then they were friends.
Donna Jo Decker by Alyssa Sweeney
Donna Jo Decker
Donna Jo Decker, born on May 2nd 1998, is the daughter of Marika Moore and Mike Decker. She is the younger sister of Shane Stanton and the older sister of Megan and Mackenzie Decker. She has attended Susquehanna Community School District for 8 years. Donna Jo, known as Dj, enjoys sports, friends, and lending a helping hand around the school. Dj has been involved in football cheerleading for three years, basketball for eight years, track for two years, cross country for two years, softball for three years and was athlete of the month. She was also involved in Student Council for three years and was the chair of homecoming.
Dj’s favorite memory is practicing powderpuff with all of her pals. Her favorite quote is “Happiness is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to deal with them.” Her advice for younger grades is “never be afraid to try something new because if you don’t like it you’ll be right where you started before.” Her favorite class throughout high school was French class with Mrs. Weiss. Her favorite elective was Food and Nutrition with Mrs. Rossi because we cooked a lot. Dj never leaves the house without her iphone, keys, a belt, emergency make-up bag, and food. She will never forget the time when she spilt water on herself and Mashawna Hargett went around telling people she peed her pants.
Donna Jo plans on attending Suny Broome Community College for two years and then transferring as needed. She plans on getting her bachelor's degree for a pediatric nurse. Donna Jo wanted to become a pediatric nurse because she would enjoy making kids feel better and earning love and trust from children and their families.
David Baker III
David Baker III
David Baker III born on May 4th, 1998 is the son of David Baker Jr. and Wendy Roe. He is the younger brother of Brooklynne Baker and the older brother of Dawson, Daniel, and Averi Baker. He has been enrolled in Susquehanna school district for 8 years. David participates in football and has participated since 9th grade. David enjoys hanging out with friends, riding his ATV, and hunting. After high school David plans on either attending college or joining the military.
David’s favorite memory of high school is coaching the girls of the senior class for their powderpuff game for homecoming. His favorite quote is “If you’re not first, you’re last,”~Ricky Bobby. His advice for younger grades is don’t take anything for granted, you never know how your life can change in no time at all. His favorite class throughout high school was over at Susquehanna County Career and Technology center in Mr. Gazzillo’s class for his Plumbing, Heating and Electrical course. His favorite elective throughout school was Wood shop with Mr. Matis because it was hands on schooling. David never leaves his house without his wallet, Iphone, or his keys. He will never forget the time that he transferred back to Susquehanna from the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center.
David plans on attending a 4 year college in the business field to hopefully own his own business one day, attending Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas, or going into the Army to be a heavy machine mechanic.
Haley Aldrich
Haley L. Aldrich is the daughter of Elaine and Michael Aldrich, and the sister of Jordan and Dylan Aldrich. Born on April 2, 1998, she has lived her whole life in the town of Susquehanna. Since Kindergarten, she has attended Susquehanna Community Schools. During her time at Susquehanna, she has participated in many sports and activities. Softball, basketball, and cheerleading fill up her school year, and she occasionally plays softball in the summer. To go along with her sports, she has a favorite quote, “Don’t practice until you get it right, practice until you can’t get it wrong.” She also participated in Student Council and the Mentor program.
When asked what she likes to do in her free time, she responded, “I love hanging out with my friends.” The most influential person in her life is her mother, Elaine Aldrich. From the time she was born her mother has nurtured her, advised her, and pushed her to be the best that she can be. Haley says, “My mom is my all time best friend. I’d be lost without her, literally.” If she were to advise her underclassmen of anything, it would be to live in the moment, don’t take things for granted, and don’t sweat the small stuff. After high school, Haley plans to attend college where she will obtain a RPA-C (Registered Physician Assistant - Certified).
Jordon Jonathan Rafferty
Jordon Jonathan Rafferty was born on June 25, 1998. He was born in Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. His mother is Melanie Mahoney, his father is Patrick Rafferty and his step-father is Heath Mahoney. Jordon goes and visits his dad just about every other weekend. Jordon was actively involved in playing soccer and he had done so for most of his life. He stopped playing soccer his senior year. Jordon had won most improved player on the team two years ago.
Jordon was involved in chess club last year and is involved with RC car club this year. Jordon said his most influential person is Chef Gordon Ramsay because he is an amazing chef and Jordan wants to be as good as he is. Jordon’s future plans are to attend college for culinary school. His favorite quote is from the movie Forrest Gump “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Jordon’s most influential experience was when he moved to Susquehanna from Philadelphia in first grade, because it was a new experience for him and not everything new is always bad.
Nicole Sherman
Nicole Sherman is the daughter of Penny and Eddie Greene, and Mark Sherman. Born on February 2, 1998, Nicole has been widely active in school and the community throughout her four years of high school.
Nicole’s activities include Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball Cheerleading, being a member of the Mentee/Mentor program, Leo Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Student Council, Culture Club, Theater/Drama Club, attending the HOBY leadership program, Envirothon, and the class of 2016’s class treasurer and vice president. She also participated in the NEIU Reading Competition and was a part of Prom Committee.
Her awards include achieving High Honors throughout her years of high school, student of the month, and being a member of National Honor Society. Nicole’s future plans are to attend college.
When asked who the most influential person to her was, Nicole stated that it was Emma Watson, because she admires everything she stands for. Along with this, Nicole shared her most influential experience, which was her People to People Leadership Ambassador Program in Los Angeles, California for Film and the Arts. She chose this as her most influential experience because it “opened me up to incredible experiences and helped to guide me to my future plans. I also met so many amazing individuals who I know will be lifelong friends”.
Nicole hopes to be successful in her future and says that her favorite quote, “Set goals or you’ll work for someone who does” inspires her to do so.
