Nearly 50 students, representing eight area high schools competed in the annual Computer Programming Contest hosted by The University of Scranton's Computing Sciences Department this spring. During the competition, 17 teams of two or three students each used their programming language to solve computer-programming problems.

A team of students from Scranton Preparatory School won the competition.

Montrose High School students participating in the Contest (l-r) were: Montrose students Noah Millard, Donovan Oliver, Caleb Reyes, Zach Oleniacz and Luther Campbell; and Sean McTiernan, Scranton, a sophomore at The University of Scranton majoring in computer science.

Forest City Regional students participating in the Contest (l-r) were: Jeffrey Earle, coach; Forest City students Riley O'Neill, Joshua Loysch, Matthew Giles, Cameron Brucher and Matthew Tighe; and Sean McTiernan, Scranton, a sophomore at The University of Scranton majoring in computer science.

The Natural Gas Technology Scholarship is sponsored by the Claire Williams O'Neil Foundation, and is fully funded by Bluestone Gathering (a unit of DTE Energy Company). This is the fifth year awarding this scholarship to a Susquehanna senior who plans on attending Lackawanna College in the fall, majoring in the Natural Gas and Petroleum Program. To date, this program has awarded a total of $40,000 to students of Susquehanna Community.

Lucas Marco, recipient of the 2018 Claire Williams O'Neil Natural Gas Technology Scholarship

Lucas Marco, son of Nick and Kim Marco, of Susquehanna, PA, has been awarded the 2018 scholarship in the amount of $10,000. Lucas has been a member of the cross country team throughout his high school career at Susquehanna Community. During his senior year, he attended the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center studying welding. Lucas plans on furthering his education at Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas, majoring in Petroleum and Natural Gas Technology.

Pictured (l-r) are Blue Ridge Elementary School Citizens of the Month for April, 2018: front row - Connor Wright, Brock Webster, Keegan Glasgow, Sophia Farrell, Juliette Osterhout, Jason Snyder, Olivia Ross, Christian Osterhout, Ella Hepler, Melia Mess; back row - Clarissa Laude, Aiden Kelsey, Landon Bishop, Joanna Micklo, Tyler Carvin, Liam Templeton, Esther Davis, Tyler Williams, Alexa Magistro. Absent from photo Archer Lane, Logan Johnson, Nova Luce, Kyna McDonald, Nevaeh Perrington.

The Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) presented the Lauretta Woodson Award at the Blue Ridge School Board meeting on Monday, May 7, 2018. Receiving recognition were Mrs. Nancy Burkett, high school science teacher, and Mrs. Betty Cook, Life Skills instructional aide. Presenting the awards were PASR members Mr. John Manchester and Mrs. Ellen Holdredge.

The award was named for Dr. Lauretta Woodson who was a prominent Pennsylvania educator and an active member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR). She left a bequest to honor those who have exhibited creativity, initiative, and productivity relative to the learning process and growth of children and who have had a positive influence on the learning process.

Pictured (l-r) are: John Manchester, Betty Cook, Nancy Burkett, Ellen Holdredge

Mrs. Nancy Burkett has taught at Blue Ridge for more than 26 years in the science field. Her passion for biological sciences has inspired countless Blue Ridge students to move on to further study in fields ranging from medicine to environmental science. She is also co-advisor of the geo-caching club. Mrs. Burkett has treated students with kindness, understanding, and a genuine concern for their education and well being.

Receiving the Woodson Award for the support staff was Mrs. Betty Cook. She works in the middle school/high school Life Skills program where she goes beyond the required daily duties and provides support to students and staff. Currently she works with Mrs. Bennett's class who reports that "Mrs. Cook is able to pick up where the teacher leaves off, is proactive, thinks ahead and makes learning easier for the students."

Both Mrs. Burkett and Mrs. Cook exemplify the goals of the Woodson Award. Each received a framed certificate and a restaurant gift card. As Mrs. Burkett is retiring, she was also presented with a one year membership in the Susquehanna Chapter of PASR. Both women are dedicated individuals who have had positive influences on the students in the Blue Ridge School District.

The Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) was pleased to honor them with these awards.

Mr. Bronson Stone, Superintendent of the Susquehanna Community School District, announces the following "Students of the Month" for April, 2018 in Grades Kindergarten, First, Second and Third. Pictured above (l-r) are: front row - Waylin Seidel, Carson Conklin, Leah Kennerup, Molly Gordon, Garrison Stec, Aubree Hennessey, Rory Dandois; back row - Randy Carvin, Trinity Groover, Ashton Norris, Jordan Burke, Catalina Alfonso, Isabella Piasecki, Kadence Magliulo-Morris, Mr. Stone. Absent from photo was - Izzy Ruckle.

And for grades 4-6 ...

Pictured above (l-r) are: front row - Cassandra Moser, Kendall Groover, Christopher Pearson, Henry Chilewski, Jake Sgroi, Linden Baker; back row - Ashlee Sanchez Salinas, Kaleb Norton, Christopher Eger, Gavin Kingston, Ariana Houser, Mr. Stone.

Dr. Alice M. Davis, Executive Director of the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center, and Mrs. Lisa Smith, FBLA Adviser, are pleased to announce that five members of the SCCTC chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America attended the 2018 Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference April 9th – 11th at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Pictured (l-r) are: SCCTC Executive Director Dr. Alice M. Davis, Dawson Smales, Brooke Arnold, Madison Sickler, Rose Warner, Joe Swart, Instructor, Lisa Smith

During the conference, the SCCTC students competed against representatives from other Pennsylvania chapters for top honors in: Accounting I, Brooke Arnold; Accounting II, Rose Warner; Electronic Career Portfolio, Madison Sickler; and Insurance and Risk Management, Joe Swart and Dawson Smales. In addition to competing, the students attended various workshops related to leadership, business, and character development.

Congratulations to the following students for winning awards at the FBLA State Competition. Madison Sickler, 1st Place, Electronic Career Portfolio Presentation; Brooke Arnold, 4th Place, Accounting I; and Rose Warner, 6th Place, Accounting II. Special congratulations are extended to Madison Sickler and Brooke Arnold as they have qualified to represent Pennsylvania at the FBLA National Competition to be held in Baltimore, Maryland in June.

Dr. Alice M. Davis, SCCTC Executive Director stated, "Mrs. Smith and I couldn't be prouder of these exemplary students. Their representation of the SCCTC at this competition was exceptional."

At the Awards Ceremony, the Alzheimer's Association, recipient of this year's State Project, was given a monetary contribution to be used toward the organization's programs in Pennsylvania.  Other highlights of the conference include individual, chapter and team competitive events relating to business skills and leadership.

The Future Business Leaders of America is a national career and technical student organization whose mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. The members of the SCCTC chapter are a part of the Pennsylvania membership of approximately 13,900 in nearly 299 schools.

Pictured (l-r) are: Mr. Bronson Stone, Susquehanna High School, receiving a new Matthews bow for the school's archery program from Al Cuevas President of the Wilson F. Moore Memorial chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation. A big Thank You was extended to Mr. Cuevas and the Wilson F. Moore Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation for their donation.

Pictured (l-r) are the April, 2018 Blue Ridge Middle School Students of the Month: front row - Jamare Minton, Katie Gordon; back row - Stephanie Smith, Isabelle Edwards, Jesse DeLouisa, Josh Benedict.

Elk Lake High School Principal Brian Mallery has announced the April, 2018 Students of the Month for grades seven through twelve. Pictured above (l-r) are: front row - Justin Ely, Veronica Jimenez, Vanessa Molina, Clarence Roe, Kimberly Mosier, Abby Pettyjohn, Lexxus Crisman, Annalease Franklin, Azi Hall, Allison Fourney, Caitlyn Brown; back row - Jake Adams, Erick Skinner, Codi Bomboy, Logan Pitcher, Desirae Ridall, Augustus Brown, Dan McGee, Jake Werle, Nicholas Cussins, Tyler Fegley, Kyle Bradish, Jaden Baker, Deborah Lamoreaux, Sam Burns, High School Principal Mr. Brian Mallery. Absent from photo was Mindy Maginley.

Pictured is Danielle Goff, Blue Ridge High School Athlete of the Month for April, 2018.

Anna Konstas of Montrose received a doctor of medicine (MD) degree at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine's (GCSOM) commencement ceremony May 6, 2018.

Konstas will now begin a residency in Family Medicine at Guthrie/Robert Packer Hosp-PA.

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 at least 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 an amount up to $80,000 for four years. To date, this award has totaled over $969,000.

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.

Kaylin Trynoski, 2018 recipient of the Claire Williams O'Neil Scholarship

This year, Kaylin Trynoski has been named the recipient of the CWO Scholarship, in the amount of $40,000.

Kaylin is the daughter of Jim and Karen Trynoski, of Thompson, PA. Kaylin has been an active member of Susquehanna Community High School by participating in a variety of sports and clubs. She played on the basketball team for four years; Volleyball for three years; and track and field for three years. Aside from athletics, Kaylin was a member of the National Honor Society, Envirothon Team, Yearbook club, Scholastic Bowl team, and a student mentor. Kaylin is outgoing and has a strong sense of determination to be successful.

Kaylin plans on attending Binghamton University in the fall, studying Economics. She plans on studying under the Harpur Fast Track MBA program, an accelerated degree program in economics, where she will receive her master's degree in five years.

A total of 1,205 students received degrees from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania at separate commencement exercises for undergraduate and graduate students on May 4 and May 5.

Local students receiving the honor were as follows.

Amber Dubanowitz, of Susquehanna, received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders.

Jesse Roeske, of Kingsley, received a Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Space Science.

Anja Whitehead, of Susquehanna, received a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Technologies.

In an effort to instill school pride and have students take ownership of the day to day functionality of the Career and Technology Center, the SCCTC began a Student Ambassador Program this year. The program was created to give the student body a platform to express its voice. The Student Ambassadors were nominated, reviewed and selected for induction based on instructor review and recommendation, academic and attendance review, citizenship and involvement in outside activities.

Pictured (l-r) are morning session Student Ambassadors: seated - Jade Lee, Tessa Merritt, Brooke Deacon, Taylor Howey, Jenice Taluba; standing - Mr. James Baker, Hope Bruzgulis, Cierra Demarest, Searra Muller, Keith Martin, Dominick Filer David Jenner, Chloe Haskins, Executive Director Dr. Alice M. Davis. Missing from photo: Andryannah DeLong and Katlynn Pitcher.

The mission of the Student Ambassador Program is to provide SCCTC with student leaders who participate in an official capacity at special events throughout the year and serve as liaisons for the student body. This program brings together students from various programs of study (shop areas) and the seven sending school districts. The goal is to enrich and enhance leadership and communication skills, educate potential students and the public of the opportunities available at the SCCTC, and serve as mentors for our current student body. These students must represent the school with pride, integrity and distinction.

Pictured (l-r) are afternoon session Student Ambassadors: seated - Joseph Kildare, Hailey Andrews, Kaci Hubbs; standing - Mr. James Baker, Mrs. Jaclyn Litwin, Keyara Kinne, Shelby Funk, Elizabeth Hendrickson, Dr. Alice M. Davis.

The Ambassadors will assist with recruitment of new students; conduct tours for students, families and business and industry; participate in open houses, career fairs, community service projects and fundraisers; and train future student ambassadors. The most important part of their responsibilities will be assisting fellow students and if they are in need, referring them to the appropriate personnel, counselor and/or administrator. Their goal will be to make the Career Center more student-friendly and accessible.

The following local students achieved the Dean's List at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee for the Spring 2018 semester. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

Qualifying for the honor were: Cayli Allen of New Milford; Meghan Spellman of Montrose.

Approximately 30 percent of Belmont's 8,080 students qualified for the Spring, 2018 Dean's List. Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns said, "This achievement for the spring semester indicates that these students have placed a high priority on their work at Belmont and have invested time and energy in their studies. It is our strong belief that consistent application in this manner will reap great benefits, which will equip them for a lifetime of learning and growing."