Community

Mary Theresa Condosta, a junior at Scranton Preparatory School, has been accepted as a Diocesan Scholar and will attend Marywood University for the summer 2009 session. This prestigious program is offered only to seniors or second semester juniors in Catholic high schools who have demonstrated maturity of character, academic excellence and leadership potential. Condosta is the daughter of James and Maureen Condosta, Exeter.

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Ackerman

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Pileggi

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Bhumi Patel, a student at Crestwood High School, has been selected as the Outstanding Student of the Year. Patel, the daughter of Bharat and Madhu Patel, Mountain Top, is the president of the Spanish National Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society. She enjoys science, Spanish and mathematics classes and has been involved with the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, the Science Olympiad and Envirothon. She is a member of the Math and Chemistry Clubs and the treasurer of the Spanish Club. She has also written for the school newspaper. Patel had a paid internship at Wilkes University this year doing research in the science department. She enjoys scrapbooking, taking pictures, reading, and watching movies with her family. She also has a part-time job at Dunkin Donuts. Patel plans on attending Wilkes University and medical school, pursuing a doctorate in biology. She intends to become a pediatrician. She has three siblings, Niki, Nimi and Hari. A book will be donated to the Marian Sutherland Kirby Library in her honor.

Leigh Anne Knauer, Harveys Lake, has been recognized by The United States Achievement Academy as a United States National Honor Student Award winner. Knauer, a student at Lake-Lehman High School, will appear in the academy’s official yearbook. She is the daughter of Gary and Laurie Knauer, Harveys Lake, and the granddaughter of James Drury, Harveys Lake; the late Dorothy Drury; and the late Benjamin and Genevieve Knauer.

John K. Oplinger, Wapwallopen, has been selected for membership in The National Society of High School Scholars. Oplinger is a student at Crestwood High School. The society recognizes top scholars and invites only those students who have achieved superior academic excellence.

Alexis Pileggi, daughter of Steve and Irene Pileggi, Kingston, was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, Bear Creek Community Charter School Chapter. Alexis was also recognized by the United States Achievement Academy as a student of excellence in mathematics. She will appear in the United States Achievement Academy’s Official Yearbook which is published nationally.

Rachel Ackerman, Hazleton, a rising sophomore at Penn State University Park, has been selected as a member of the 30-student inaugural class of the Presidential Leadership Academy, a selective leadership development program established through a $5 million gift to the university from alumni Edward R. and Helen S. Hintz. The purpose of the academy is to create well-rounded graduates with special preparation to become critical thinkers in business, political and social communities. Through participation in the academy, student leaders will engage in curricular, extra-curricular and travel opportunities that encourage comprehensive and inclusive thinking. The program is overseen by the president of the university. Ackerman, a music education major with a voice emphasis, also earned Dean’s List for the spring semester. She was a member of the select choirs, Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, the American Choral Directors’ Association, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and the secretary of the student chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She was elected vice-president of the Concert Choir for 2009-10. Rachel is also employed by the Faith United Church of Christ as the soprano section leader and soloist and cantors at Holy Rosary RC Church. She will be working this summer as the soprano counselor and assistant music librarian at the Performing Arts Institute at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston. Ackerman, a 2008 Wyoming Seminary graduate, also attended Bishop Hafey High School. She also was the winner of the 2008 Times-Leader Best & Brightest in the music category. She is the daughter of John and Margi Ackerman, Hazleton, and the granddaughter of Mary Ackerman, Hazleton, and Helen Varenda, West Hazleton.