The Forest City Regional School District sixth grade chorus beautifully sang the National Anthem after the Pledge of Allegiance opening the meeting of the School Board Director’s on March 13th. During this regular monthly meeting many students were recognized for their achievements.
Elementary Principal Mr. Brian Kelly introduced the students who received the “Super Sixth Grader” honors for the months of February and March.
Olivia Casper received the honor for the month of February. Mr. Kelly stated Olivia is driven, excelling in academics, has an outgoing personality, and is kind and helpful to others. She is an honor roll student, a member of the basketball team, junior member of the HS Drama Club and participates in the Elementary Drama Cub.
Hunter Langman received the honor for the month of March. Hunter is a bright and kind-hearted young man Mr. Kelly stated. He’s an avid sportsman who recently obtained his hunting license, and was recently recognized for reeling in the largest registered brown trout for the Greater NY State Lakes at twelve pounds, thirteen ounces. Hunter enjoys baseball, basketball, soccer and spending time in his family’s woodshop.
High School Principal Dr. Michael Elia presented to the Board the students who received the “Student of the Month” honor for the months of January, February and March.
Kayla Jonas, the Student of the Month for January was described as an extremely high achieving student that is hard working, determined, compassionate and caring. Dr. Elia stated Kayla achieved a straight “A” on her term paper this year that she is very proud of. She has a deep love of Science, and plans to attend college studying to be a Vesicular Technician. Kayla currently works as a dietitian aide at Wayne Memorial Hospital, and on her family’s pig farm where she has taken care of many pig litters. She has worked eight years in the 4H program, two years in FBLA and CHOPS, is an active member in student council for six years, and received both regular and high honors in her high school years.
Emily Lewis, the Student of the Month for February was described as the most positive student in the FCRSD. Dr. Elia said she has the ability to make others feel comfortable, not judged, to feel excited and positive when they are with her. Emily has been on the high honor roll, and honor roll all of her high school years. She is the secretary of the National Honor Society, the President of the Yearbook, active member of Student Council for four years, two years in CHOPS, a member for four years in FBLA, Environ-thon Vice-President, member of the Prom Committee, two year captain of the softball team, and a volunteer with the food pantry and Steamtown Marathon. Emily will be attending Chatham University majoring in Biology, taking an integrated program where she will receive a Master’s Degree upon completion. She plans on becoming a Physical Therapist.
Riley Peterson, the Student of the Month for March was described as a confident, compassionate, caring and friendly person who truly cares about other people and has been a part of the positive culture change at FCRSD. Dr. Elia stated Riley’s goal this year was to make high honors, and he’s proud to announce he reached his goal. Riley currently works at Wayne Woodland Manor as an activities aid, and participates in his local youth group. He plans on attending Lackawanna College, majoring in Human Services, specializing in medical assistance.
Gabriella Loomis, the Student of the Month for March was described as caring, determined, compassionate, strong-willed, and hardworking. Gabby, as she likes to be called, stated it is so important to be kind to all people because you never know what they are going through. Dr. Elia also shared Gabby’s advise to all underclassman, which is to do your best every day, don’t let a bad day or two define your week, or your year, and that it is just better to shrug off things that don’t matter and focus on the things that do matter. Gabby has excelled in her culinary arts program at CTC, has poured her passion into cooking, and is inspired to attend college in Canada where she can learn the professional craft of a butcher. She is currently working at Jenny’s Café where she is working on her cooking skills.
Ryan Kellerer, the Student of the Month for March is determined, adventurous, motivated, and passionate stated Dr. Elia. Ryan has been on the high honor roll, and honor roll all four years of high school. In addition, Ryan is the Vice President of the National Honor Society, the President of the Drama Club since seventh grade, active member of FBLA, member of student council, and volunteered for the Steamtown Marathon, and Salvation Army food pantry committees. Ryan is the lead in the spring production of Shrek the Musical, playing Shrek. He was chosen as one of twenty-two students in the region to work with Senator John Blake as a student Ambassador. He will work with Senator Blake and his team to learn about how local government works and has additional opportunities to spend time in Harrisburg watching and participating in local Pennsylvania government. Ryan plans on attending Villanova University to major in Political Science. He would like to attend law school in the future, and possibly pursue a career in politics.
Superintendent Jessica Aquilina said she would like to recognize two students who chose Coaches vs. Cancer as their senior project. Superintendent Aquilina stated the school has participated in Coaches vs. Cancer, it’s not a new program, but never before have they raised over three thousand dollars! George Marak-O’Connor, and Jerrad Non worked diligently together to provide multiple projects to raise the funds and she congratulated them on their success.
Superintendent Aquilina thanked Dr. Elia for all his work in helping to achieve the high academic SAT Scores. She also wished Ms. Kopa the best of luck in her retirement; the Board previously accepted her resignation at this meeting.
Superintendent Aquilina stated commencement will be on June 15th for 2017, but in the new calendar, commencement is noted for June 2018. She said they couldn’t set a date until they know when the children will be returning to school in in the fall, due to construction. As of Monday, March 13th there are four more snow days left. Superintendent Aquilina stated if they need to use them, they would add Good Friday as a snow make-up day. She will keep everyone informed.
