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 $900,000.

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, Rachel Serfilippi and Alyssa Hubal have been named the recipients of the CWO Scholarship, in the amount of $40,000 each.

Rachel Serfilippi

Rachel is the daughter of Steve and Laurie Serfilippi. Rachel is an active member of the Envirothon, and has a strong passion for wildlife and the environment. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Chorus, Band, track and field, and the drama club. She plans on furthering her education at Paul Smith’s College where she will major in Wildlife Biology.

Alyssa Hubal

Alyssa is the daughter of George and Nina Hubal. Alyssa has also been very active throughout her high school career by participating in a variety of sports and activities such as basketball, softball, and football cheerleading. She is a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Student Mentor Program, Envirothon Club and Yearbook Club. She was also our recipient for HOBY during her 10th grade year, and was WVIA Scholar of the Year during her senior year. Alyssa plans on furthering her education at Loyola University where she will study Biology with an emphasis on PreMed.

Jordon Rafferty

Jordon Rafferty has been awarded the 2016 scholarship in the amount of $10,000. Jordon is the son of Melanie Mahoney and step-son of Heath Mahoney. He is the son of Patrick Rafferty Jr. Jordon is also the grandson of Deborah Peterson.

Jordon plans on furthering his education at Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas majoring in Natural Gas Compression Technology.

On May 12th, Susquehanna Community High School held its annual Career Day. Over 55 people from the community participated in the event. A wide range of careers were represented this year, such as aviation management, natural gas industry, medical field, construction management, engineering, law enforcement, military, and many others. The career representatives brought props such as a 4 foot bridge model, physical and occupational therapy equipment, powerpoint presentations and brochures. Students in grades 6-12 participated in the event.

This event would not happen without the participation and support from the community and the school looks forward to having another successful Career Day next May

Lindsay Darrow, a sophomore with a major in Commercial Design from Hallstead, Pa., was recently presented with the Lycoming College Alfred Kohler Studio Artist Award at the college's annual Honors Convocation in April.

The Alfred Kohler Studio Artist Award is given annually to a deserving art studio major for the purchase of supplies based upon meritorious achievement through a portfolio review.

Timothy McNamara of Montrose, PA has received a BA degree from Lasell College. The achievement was announced during commencement exercises on the Newton, MA campus in May 15, 2016. McNamara majored in Environmental Studies.

Kristin Macdonald of Susquehanna, PA , Graduated on Saturday, May 21st, 2016 with a MS Degree in Organizational Management