Military, May 28, 2023

May 27—Medal achievement

Senior Airman Morgan E. Jacoby recently received The Air and Space Achievement Medal for her accomplishments while deployed to the Middle East.

Jacoby distinguished herself by outstanding achievement during her tour. Additionally, her dedication developed five additional security system operators. Her diligence ensured a 100% pass rate increasing mission-critical certifications.

Finally, Jacoby helped coordinate joint security between another United States military branch and foreign forces. Her efforts contributed to the unit earning Air Forces Central's Best Large Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron for 2021. The distinctive accomplishments of Jacoby reflect credit upon herself and the Air Force.

Jacoby is a daughter of Jennifer and D.J. Quinter, of Port Carbon, and Kenneth Jacoby, of Reading. Her grandparents are Mary and John Flanagan, of Port Carbon, and Fern and Ken Jacoby, of Schuylkill Haven. The airman is a 2019 graduate of Nativity BVM High School.

Academy nod

Abigail Kuzio, a gifted student and athlete at North Schuylkill High School, has always found the United States Air Force Academy at the top of her list when searching for a career in the prestigious field of aerospace engineering program.

Kuzio, a daughter of Jennifer Zigner and Stephen Kuzio, admires her uncle, Senior Master Sgt. Bruce Bitting, who is currently in the Air Force, and that attraction led her to her next step in life beyond high school, to become a part of this elite academic institution. Her official appointment came via a personal call from U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, Jackson Twp., and she will be a part of the Class of 2027.

Kuzio is the first North Schuylkill student to attend the academy in Colorado Springs, and only the second female North Schuylkill graduate to attend a service academy — the last being Cmdr. Christina Rejent Carino, a 2008 U.S. Naval Academy graduate.

The academy's motto, "Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do" has been a part of Kuzio's approach throughout her academic and scholastic career while attending the North Schuylkill School District. A member of the National Honor Societies in English and Social Studies, as well as Math National Honors, she is ranked sixth in this year's graduating class. Kuzio has also participated and lettered in her athletic endeavors as a member of the cross country and softball teams for four years. Both teams captured championships in 2019 and 2021.

She was also an active participant at school in Friends Forever, Student Council, SADD, Teens Against Tobacco and Aevidum. A Frackville resident, she is a volunteer member of Englewood Fire Company and a member of St. Michael Church in Frackville.

Kuzio will report to the Air Force Academy in June to begin her studies in her chosen field to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. She is also looking forward to being commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation.