Somerset County students recognized
North Star Central pays it forward
North Star Central Elementary School’s AmeriCorp teacher, Hannah Lepley, did a service project to pay it forward as a thank you to first responders. Classes wrote thank you cards to the first responders at the Boswell Volunteer Fire Department, Boswell Police officer, and the Somerset County PA State Police. Donation request forms were sent home with all elementary students asking for items such as cases of water, snacks and cleaning supplies. Lepley also did presentations throughout the building about volunteerism and how the students can serve in their communities.
“We received an overwhelming amount of support for this service project benefiting our first responders," Hannah Lepley said. "The cards and donations far exceeded my expectations. It just goes to show the awesome support we have. And it wouldn’t have been possible without our staff, community and students.”
Renee Lepley, elementary principal said, “The service project was a huge success. Hannah did an amazing job organizing and was very passionate about the project. I think it’s very important to teach our students and instill the value of community service by encouraging them to give to and help others.”
Hetz at Jaycees
Justin Wayne Hetz, son of Jesse and Melissa Hetz, Somerset, was selected to represent Somerset Area High School at the Somerset Jaycees during February. Hetz is an honors student who participates in Scholastic Quiz Team, National Honor Society and Spanish Club. He received the Woodmen Life American History Award, Spanish III award and Mu Alpha Theta certificate.
Hetz is a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church and works as an attendant for Seven Springs and Hidden Valley. He plans to attend a four year university to study management and marketing. His hobbies include video games, hanging out with friends, and collecting pop culture items and historical objects.
Musicians at district orchestra
Meyersdale Area High School students were selected to participate and perform in the 2023 District 4 and 6 Orchestra Festival. Laura Boyce and Jen Brown were chosen through an audition process for the Jan. 26-28 festival. This is the first time in several years that MAHS had representation at this event.
Laura Boyce, a senior, is the daughter of Rebecca and David Boyce. Boyce plays both the oboe and the clarinet, but played the oboe for district orchestra. Boyce is the 2023 Senior Class President, NHS vice president and MAHS Girl of the Year. She is a member of the marching, concert and jazz bands and has participated in district/region band and chorus, in addition to district orchestra. She is also a member of the musical cast, student council and track and field team.
Jen Brown, also a senior, is the daughter of Karen and Charlie Brown. She plays the clarinet. An Honors student, Brown is a member of the concert, marching and jazz bands. She is a member of National Honor Society, a student tutor and serves as vice president of Envirothon. Following high school, Brown plans to attend a four-year university.
Jeffrey Telford was the guest conductor. He is the chairman of the Department of Music at Grove City College where he also serves as the director of orchestral activities and professor of music. His orchestras have performed at state and national conferences and have recorded multiple albums available on several streaming services.
Berlin January students
Weaver is Soroptimist student
Somerset Area High School's Kaylin Nicole Weaver was selected as the Soroptimist International of Somerset student. She is the daughter of Kimberly and Ryan Weaver, Friedens. She is in the honors/AP course at Somerset, where she participates in the Interact Club, SADD, Junior Class officers, French Club, French Honor Society, FFA, varsity cross country and track and field.
Weaver is the 2021-22 sophomore class secretary, 2021-22 4-H Horse and Rider Club secretary, Junior Class secretary, Interact Club historian and SADD treasurer. She's received five varsity letters, the Varsity "S" Award and is listed on highest honors on the honor roll. She is a member of the 4-H and Somerset County Saddle Club. Weaver volunteers at the Somerset County Food Bank and clean up projects around Somerset.
After graduating from high school, Weaver plans to attend the University of Tennessee to major in pre-veterinary medicine and later go to veterinary school for veterinary medicine. Her hobbies include barrel racing, running, working at May's Country Kennels and Embracing the Passion Horse Farm.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Meyersdale Area School District is hosting the 2023 book fair March 6-10. The theme for this year’s event is “Bolder, Prouder and Stronger.” Media Specialist Stacy Kucenic, event organizer, said she is excited about the book fair and the positive impact it has on readers of all ages.
“It starts with a choice: What do I want to read? And since being empowered to choose their own books is a milestone opportunity to identify and express their own voice, kids also leave the Book Fair as bolder, prouder, and stronger individuals,” she said. “This is one of our very favorite events and the benefits for our students and school district are immeasurable. Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly.”
Books will be available for all levels of readers. Students will be assigned days to shop at the book fair throughout the week. Information will be sent home with students. The Media Center will host a Family Night from 3-6 p.m. March 8.
Shade coloring winners
Talent show
The 2023 Meyersdale Area Elementary School talent show, “Kaleidoscope of Talent” will be presented to the public at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17, at the high school auditorium. Jill Luster will serve as the emcee of the evening’s festivities. There is no fee to attend but donations will be accepted.
The 2023 Kaleidoscope of Talent is sponsored by the Meyersdale Area Educational Boosters and will feature students in kindergarten through fifth grade. More than 50 students will be showcasing their talent and skills. According to director Amy McKenzie, 37 acts will be performed during the Kaleidoscope, including singing, dancing, cheering, ballet, clogging, Hoverboard tricks, hip hop, an art demonstration, a couple of comedy acts and more. Each participant will be performing a talent no more than two minutes in length. All presentations have been reviewed and will be suitable for all audiences. This is not a contest, acts will not be judged. This is an opportunity for students to share and showcase their individual talents in a positive and supportive environment.
Berlin Forensics
Valentine's Day cards
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: North Star, Maple Ridge students reach out. Others honored for work
