Coal Region News

North Pocono Middle School issued the following announcement on May 9.

Erin Duggan is the daughter of Gail and Edward Duggan. Erin has been on honor roll throughout her high school career even with a full course load. She is currently taking five AP classes, and by the end of her high school career she will have taken 8 total AP classes. Erin is a member of Science Olympiad, Reading Celebrations, Track and Field, Soccer, and Co-president of the Model UN club. Erin is employed as a Retail Associate at Rite Aid. After High School Erin plans to attend University of California Davis and study Mechanical Engineering and Business Management.

Bruce Haines is the son of Daniel and Kathryn Haines. He has been homeschooled all through grade school. He has always enjoyed the knowledge of school; his favorite subjects are geography, mathematics, and history. This year he is taking Calculus and Physics as well as 2 college courses. In 10th grade he started attending the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County. There he took Networking under Mr. Moran. In 11th grade he competed in SkillsUSA, a national competition and finished 7th in Nationals for IT services. This year he and his 2 teammates will travel to Georgia for Career Pathways Showcase in “Business Management and Administration”. Bruce also earned several certifications in his class at CTC. He currently has Testout's PC Pro, Net PRO, R & S Pro, Comptia's A+ and Net+. He is currently working on his final certification, Cisco's CCNA test. This spring he was nominated and accepted into the National Technical Honor Society at CTC. He has applied to several colleges and will attend Pennsylvania College of Technology in the fall for Cybersecurity or Networking. Bruce has participated in school sports at North Pocono. He ran Cross Country all 6 years and Track and Field for 2. This last season the Cross Country team won districts and competed at States. Outside of school, Bruce loves volleyball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and tennis. This winter Bruce worked at Montage Mountain as a ski instructor. It was an excellent learning experience for him and great fun. He plans to graduate college and get a job in the computer industry, hopefully living in the area.

Paul Richards son of Shannon Ives and Paul Richards. During Paul’s academic career at North Pocono High school he has accomplished and maintained academic courses thus far. During high school Paul has been an active member in Rifle team and has lettered each year. He also has attended 3 years at CTC Lackawanna County in the welding program. During his time at CTC he went to two different competitions one at Lehigh Valley A.W.S in North Hampton college. Paul placed 1st in cutting, receiving the Keystone award for skills and 1st place in welding. Paul also competed at the skills USA district Competition and received 2nd place for welding fabrication. Paul’s second competition was at Kentucky institute where he placed 9th out of more than 200 people. Paul has obtained OSHA 10 certification, 2G GTAW, 3G SMAW, 3G FCAW, and 4G FCAW. Paul is a free-lance welder, welding his way through Lackawanna County and to other areas when in need, he is currently employed at Budget Builders Off Road Fabrication and Welding Shop. Paul’s future plans are endless and we are not crossing any possibility off the list. He strives to be a good person, continues to learn more about his trade daily so one day he can be self-employed. Paul will be attending Kentucky Welding Institute in the fall. He volunteers throughout the community, loves hunting, fishing, riding and hanging out with friends and family.

Megan Rondomanski is the daughter of Kim and Keith Rondomanski. Megan has been attending the Career Technology Center for the past three years in the Illustration and Design Pathway. She is furthering her studies in the arts by taking the AP course provided at CTC. Megan has received high honors throughout high school. She recently placed second in the SkillsUSA State competition for the career pathways showcase. Her focus is in illustration, graphic design, and digital media. In her free time Megan enjoys volunteering at a local animal sanctuary, freelance work, and pet sitting. Currently she is employed at Mendicinos and Spring Hill Laser Services co. After graduation Megan plans on continuing her passion for the arts in freelance work and projects.

Charlie Shaffer is the son of Dennis and Laura Shaffer. Charlie Is taking advantage of all of the opportunities he can at the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County. During his senior year he competed in four welding competitions, placing in all four! His competitions started in December at the SkillsUSA District competition where he placed 1st in individual welding. Charlie then in the beginning of March went to Pennsylvania College of Technology for the SkillsUSA state competition where he placed 2nd. Following this, at the end of March, he went to the American Welding Society welding competition of Lehigh Valley where he placed 2nd. All of these competitions led him to compete in April at Kentucky Welding Institute at their national welding competition where he placed 1st in the Oxy-Fuel cutting competition. Charlie has received his Osha 10, 3g GMAW,SMAW, and FCAW welding certifications. Outside of school, Charlie is employed as a subcontractor welder for several companies. He has also obtained his Class A CDL and is employed at Joseph M Grab Trucking. After graduation Charlie Plans to join the International Union of Operating Engineers.

Alexa Stevens is the daughter of Jeff and Jen Stevens. Alexa has received high honors every quarter throughout her high school career. She is currently taking 3 AP classes and by the end of her high school career she will have taken 5 AP classes along with many accelerated classes. Alexa is a member of Student Council, National Honors Society, and SADD. Alexa began playing soccer and softball when she was 5. She played travel soccer for Abington for a few years and was a 3 year starter for the varsity high school team. She was named Second Team Lackawanna League All-Star for forward for soccer her senior year. She has played travel softball since she was 9 years old and is currently on the Riverfront Rampage. She has been a 4 year starter for the varsity high school team. Alexa was named 1st Team Lackawanna League Coaches All-Stars for shortstop her freshman and junior year. She was also named the Division 2 MVP and made the All Regional Team her junior year. Alexa enjoys working with younger softball players in the community. She is employed by Mr. Yock’s BBQ. Alexa will be attending Kutztown University in the fall. She will be majoring in Biology: Allied Health and will go on to be a Physician Assistant. She will also be playing softball for the Golden Bears.

Hailey Strzelec is the daughter of Jennifer and Jonathan Strzelec. Hailey has taken 3 AP courses throughout high school, including AP Government & Politics, AP World History, and AP Music Theory. Despite a full course load of AP, dual enrollment, and accelerated classes, Hailey has received high honors throughout all four academic years, and is a three year member of National Honor Society. Hailey is also very involved in the Music Department. She has served as a Drum Major, flute section leader, and music librarian for the band. Hailey is a member of the Marching & Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Christmas Band, and Steel Drum Project. Hailey also competes in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association instrumental competitions and has placed first at the district and regional levels for PMEA Band and Orchestra. Hailey additionally qualified for the PMEA All-State Wind Ensemble in 2021 and 2022, and was one of six flute players in the state selected to participate. Hailey participates in the Marywood University Wind Symphony, and is the principal flute player for the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. In her free time, Hailey works part-time as a Dietary Aide at St. Mary’s Villa/Nursing Home. After graduation, Hailey will be majoring in Music Education at the Wells School of Music at West Chester University.

Original source can be found here.