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PLAINS TWP. — Several area students received financial help Monday as they journey to college at the 30th annual Head Start scholarship luncheon.

It was held at The Woodlands Inn, on the exact day the original dinner was held 50 years prior.

“Happy Birthday, Head Start,” said Lori Nocito, chairperson of the Head Start board of directors.

Nocito noted 12 students from Luzerne and Wyoming counties were receiving a combined $16,500 in scholarship money.

She also highlighted some of the students’ activities, including firefighting and volunteering at Head Start centers.

“If you want a job done … give it to a busy person,” Nocito said. “They get it done.”

One lucky recipient, Ryan Casterline, of Luzerne, attends Wyoming Valley West High School. He is looking forward to going to Penn State Worthington-Scranton in the fall.

“I’m honored … I’m looking at a $14,500 tuition,” Casterline, 18, said.

The students who were awarded scholarships were former Head Start students themselves. Lauren Barnes, Head Start community advocate, said the students don’t have to be locals. But they had to go through a Head Start program at some point in their youth.

Casterline, 18, remembers learning about the alphabet, counting and drawing during his pre-school Head Start days.

Speaking at the event in front of close to 300 people was former scholarship winner Dr. Andrea Saksek. Saksek, a veterinarian, said the Head Start program fostered her love of reading and books and “allowed her to blossom, personally and professionally.”

Saksek credits Head Start with allowing her the chance to make her dream come true.

“You are the only one who stands in your way,” she told the 11 scholarship beneficiaries. “You should be involved in your passion.”

Casterline’s passion is space. That’s why he is majoring in aerospace engineering.

“I’ve loved space for a long as I can remember,” he said, noting he wants to design airplanes.

All of the scholarships are provided through private sponsors, including local businesses and community organizations.

During the luncheon, over 30 staffers were recognized for their service to Head Start. Meanwhile, the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department, the Geisinger Medical Mobile Lab, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, the Hi-Lites Moto Club and Ms. Christine Ferrato, of the Greater Nanticoke Family Center Program, were recognized as 2017 Outstanding Community Partners.

Dr. Andrea Saksek was the keynote speaker at the Head Start anniversary luncheon Monday. Saksek herself went to Head Start as a child.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_TTL052317Head-Start1.jpg.optimal.jpgDr. Andrea Saksek was the keynote speaker at the Head Start anniversary luncheon Monday. Saksek herself went to Head Start as a child. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

By Melanie Mizenko

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Reach Melanie Mizenko at 570-991-6116 or on Twitter @TL_MMizenko