United Way Announces Scholarship Recipient The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike awarded the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to Vanessa Hodges, a 2023 graduate of Forest City Regional High School. The scholarship award was officially presented as part of the 27th Annual Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic to benefit the United Way held at the Country Club of Scranton. The sold-out golf tournament raised over $100,000 for United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. Over $1,500,000 have been raised during the 27 years of this golf outing. “For the past 27 years it has been our honor to welcome Mike back home to Scranton, and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, President and CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. The United Way established the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to assist high school students from Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties, who plan to continue their education in an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four-year degree program. The amount of the one-time scholarship is $6,300 in honor of Mike’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers in 1994. Completing the scholarships 12th year of existence, a total amount of $75,600 in scholarship funds have been distributed to local graduates. To be eligible, candidates must be volunteers in programs funded by the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, have a demonstrated commitment through community service activities and be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties. Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service. “Education is one of our pillars here at the United Way. This scholarship is a prime example of how important a good education along with strong community involvement is in helping ensure Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties continue to Live United. Every year we are amazed at the amount of Hall-of-Fame caliber seniors who apply for this scholarship. The future certainly remains bright here in NEPA,” added Drapek. The 2023 scholarship recipient is Vanessa Hodges, a Forest City Regional High School graduate who will be attending Penn State Scranton to pursue a degree in Business. Vanessa’s community service accomplishments include the American Red Cross Blood Drive, Feed a Friend Program, Toys for Tots, Steamtown Marathon, Teresa’s Angels and her senior project supporting the Annual Forest City Softball Parents Club. Additionally, Vanessa is a member of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, the Yearbook Committee as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she is engaged. The Scholarship Committee noted Vanessa’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at Forest City Regional. “Funding essential programs throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties as well as running our own community outreach programs has led us into our 2nd Century of Service in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Continuously evolving each and every year has been the key to our success. Like the mindset of a Hall-of-Fame Athlete, we set a goal every year and do everything in our power to achieve that goal, just like our homegrown football legend himself, Mike Munchak,” Drapek concluded.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in Welding Courses Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently is enrolling students for their next Fundamentals of Welding course starting on July 13, 2023, and an Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding course starting July 27, 2023. Both classes will be held on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuing-education/ or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. During the Fundamentals of Welding, students will learn the basics of the major welding processes. The Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick) Welding course will teach students equipment set-up, basic techniques and safety for oxy-fuel welding and cutting. In addition, basic metallurgy, welding codes, welding inspection and welding symbols will be discussed.
CTC Offering Welding Courses to Students and Adults The Career Techology Center will be hosting a welding camp for seventh and eight grade students and adults 18 and older. If you are a student interested in registering, click here. If you are an adult interested in registering, click here.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in Maintenance Course Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its next Basic Maintenance course offered on the College’s Scranton campus. The course will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning on July 10, 2023, to August 16, 2023, and cost $500. This 48-hour non-credit certificate course is designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand field of maintenance and repair. Students will learn basic maintenance and repair skills required in the upkeep of building and property systems. Instructional topics include areas such as tools, equipment, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, pest control, weatherization, and painting. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuing-education/, call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu.
Technology Upgrades Modernize Classroom for Penn State Students and Faculty Thanks to a grant from Penn State’s Learning Spaces Leadership Committee and matching funding from the campus, Classroom 112 in the campus’ Gallagher Conference Center has received some impressive new technology upgrades. Penn State Scranton’s Information Technology (IT) department implemented the upgrades in December, which included collaborative worktables, wall-to-wall whiteboards, comfortable chairs, new flooring and short throw projectors with solstice pods at each of the five worktables – which provide an active learning environment with content sharing capabilities for faculty and students. The classroom has also been revamped with whiteboard material surrounding the entire room, which provides the opportunity to share content in a non-technical way. “It’s not a room where students are going to be sitting and listening to a lecture,” said campus Director of Information Technology Marilee Mulvey. “It’s a room that’s designed for students to interact with each other and with their instructors and the technology. It’s all about keeping the students engaged in different ways in the class and with the course materials.” Mulvey mentioned that the idea came from the Teaching and Learning Technology (TLT) Department at University Park. Currently, there are seven total rooms like this at University Park and 14 rooms altogether throughout the Commonwealth campuses, Scranton, Abington, Altoona, Berks, Erie, Greater Allegheny, Great Valley, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill and Wilkes-Barre. “It’s really a brand-new environment for us. We don’t have another classroom like this on the campus,” Mulvey said. New Technology, New Capabilities Thanks to the newly implemented technology, faculty now have new capabilities in this classroom through flexibility in the types of classroom exercises this room supports. “When we are looking at upgrading our classrooms, we want to make sure we are enabling active learning in those rooms because of how powerful that can be for our students,” Mulvey said. “The room provides a new look on possibilities of course materials and concepts.” Faculty members will be able to decide how and when to use the features of the classroom for their course materials. And, faculty can consult with campus Instructional Designer Griff Lewis to brainstorm new ideas for delivering course materials. Both students and instructors can share their content on the screen and across the classroom – creating a visual aspect to the active learning experience. Users must be authenticated to Penn State Scranton’s Wi-Fi for sharing content. “When designing our classrooms, we look at providing an updated space for current students and faculty, and we also look at what our prospective students may be experiencing in high school,” Mulvey said. “That way, when they come to Penn State Scranton, they are comfortable in our learning spaces.” The technology is in tune with three out of the five senses including sight, touch and sound. “Everybody learns in their own unique way,” Mulvey said, explaining how some students like to read, while others prefer to see images or hear things. “This room gives that flexibility for instructors to try to reach different students in their learning styles.” Like faculty, students can share content in a seamless manner due to the room’s design and flexibility. “When we find faculty on our campus who are interested in trying something new, that is the absolute best possible scenario,” Mulvey explained. “We support their courses by providing them with these types of technologies to enhance their teaching and increase engagement with the students.” Because of the room’s flexibility, any academic program can use the classroom’s technology to its full advantage. “I think it’s a terrific room – all of the changes really enhance the overall environment of the classroom,” Mulvey said, adding that, “we’ve had a very positive response from the faculty so far.” In fact, a variety of faculty members from diverse backgrounds including the biology, business, kinesiology, meteorology and physics departments have all taken the opportunity to house their classes within the revamped room this semester or are planning on using it in future semesters.
Johnson College to Hold Instant Enrollment Decision Day Johnson College is hosting an Instant Decision Day for prospective students on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To register to attend, visit johnson.edu. During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective students with an immediate enrollment decision. Students must supply their high school and/or college transcripts. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes a Johnson College application before attending. Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.
Clarks Summit University Students Travel for Professional Intensive Clarks Summit University students traveled to Orlando, FL, after being selected to participate in the Reclaim Today 2023 Professional Writing and Design Intensive. 80 students from nearly 160 member institutions of the Association for Biblical Higher Education across the United States and Canada applied for the program. Three of the final 30 students selected were from CSU. Lydia Peters, of Allentown, PA, and Josh Fowler, of Chillicothe, OH, both participated in the writing portion of the intensive while Sam Ford, of Montrose, PA, participated in the design portion. These students received a three-year contract to submit work to Reclaim Today with the opportunity to have their work published. Part of Our Daily Bread Ministries, Reclaim Today appeals to the Gen Z and Millennial generations by providing biblical truth and encouragement that allow readers to “connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life.” CSU Associate Professor Sarah Scranta was instrumental in assisting the students during the application and travel process for the Intensive. She says the Intensive poured into the lives of young people who will build the content that points people to Christ. Reclaim Today plans to have two more years of the Intensive in partnership with ABHE. Peters, a sophomore Communications-Writing major with a minor in Youth Ministries, has a heart for missions and a desire for her words to encourage and help others. Peters is an editor and a writer for “Vantage Magazine,” a digital magazine for creative expression, career preparation and community interaction, produced by CSU students. She particularly enjoys writing poetry. Scranta said, “Lydia is dependable, flexible and open to challenges in her academic pursuits. She is a careful thinker and highly regarded by her peers.” A sophomore Accelerated Counseling major, Fowler writes to encourage and to provide hope. Fowler writes primarily journalistic nonfiction pieces and devotionals and is a contributing writer for Vantage Magazine. He said, “I love using my writing to help other people. I want for my creative pieces to teach lessons that you do not hear very often. I want my journalistic nonfiction pieces to inspire those who are going through hardship. I want for my devotional pieces to challenge people to grow in their relationship with Christ.” He continued, “the conversation on mental health is growing in popularity, and it is important that the voices involved in the conversation are speaking the truth of the gospel.” Fowler aspires to use his writing and his counseling training “to publish material in the future that would help families and churches grow in their ability to converse on difficult topics like grief, brokenness, sexuality, forgiveness and identity.” He said, “I believe that I can use my skills to ask questions to bring about discussion, which in turn could bring about change.” Scranta said, “[Fowler] is dependable, flexible, willing to take on learning and writing challenges and is a source of encouragement for his peers.” Ford, a junior Communications major with a minor in Pastoral Ministries, believes design is the best way for him to communicate a message of hope to a culture hungry for it. He said, “I really enjoy design, because although it is a very corporate branch of art; it is effective in its reach, as it can be printed onto anything. A painted canvas in an art gallery is beautiful, but we only view it occasionally; whereas a design, printed onto our favorite item, we will see daily. In summary, ‘art communicates.’” Ford works at CSU’s Underground Café. He served as an intern and produced digital designs for Lincoln Lake Baptist Youth Camp. He also designed his residence hall’s apparel. Scranta said, “[Ford’s] sense of humor and creativity contribute to his academic success. He is also a careful thinker who seeks to serve others through his design work.”
Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival Established in 2016 by the Waverly Community House, The Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival is supported by the F. Lammot Belin Arts Foundation and its mission to “build community through the arts.” Dedicated to nurturing emerging and independent filmmakers from Northeast Pennsylvania and around the world, the three-day festival correspondingly promotes cultural awareness and appreciation of film as an art form by exposing local audiences to unique and original cinema. For more information or to purchase tickets for events scheduled April 14 through 16, 2023, visit nepafilmfestival.com. More information on the WVIA Education Student Showcase can be found at wvia.org/studentshowcase WVIA will present three workshops and as well as the winners of the first WVIA Education Student Showcase at the 2023 Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival. The 2023 Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival (NEPAFF) hosted by the Waverly Community House in partnership with WVIA will take place at the Waverly Community House the weekend of April 14th-16th. Feature Documentary Production with Alexander Monelli Producing a feature-length documentary can be an overwhelming process. Learn tricks and tips so you can go out and shoot your own feature with or without a budget – and with or without a crew. Award-winning filmmaker Alexander Monelli has shot, edited, and directed four feature-length documentaries and will provide practical examples of shooting, editing, and what goes into producing a feature film. Presenter bio: Alexander Monelli is a producer/director at WVIA where he creates short and feature-length documentaries (“Agnes 50” and “Roar”). He earned a BFA in Film from Long Island University. Prior to WVIA, he produced the award-winning documentary “At The Drive-in” which opened the 2017 NEPA Film Festival and is now available on Amazon Prime and iTunes. Al resides in Clarks Summit with his wife, Amanda, and daughters, Mila and Nora. Telling the Story with Kelly Dessoye and Kris Hendrickson The tools available to today’s visual storytellers are many, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed before you even click “record”. It all comes down to the story and how you want to tell it. What do you need (and what do you really need) to begin the journey, and how does the story inform your approach, your choice of gear, and your message? Presenter bios: Kelly Dessoye is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and video journalist with over 12 years of experience. With a belief that video is the best way to give stories the dignity and nuance they deserve; she leverages technical skills gleaned from years as a cinematographer and editor in the advertising world with an insatiable curiosity and desire to amplify stories that are pushed to the wayside. Kris Hendrickson began his career directing live television at WYOU-TV in 1989 and, since 1999, has served as a producer, videographer, director, editor, and graphic designer of long-form and short-form content at WVIA. He has been recognized by the Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for his work in the areas of documentary film, series television, live broadcasting, entertainment programs, promotions and digital short-form content. Enhancing Productions with Animation & Graphics with Neil Prisco Think quality animation and graphics are unattainable for the independent filmmaker? Think again as we show you how to enhance your story with special effects on any budget. Whether you are shooting a piece on your phone, or have a crew of 20 people, there are opportunities and options for you. In this workshop we will provide attendees with the resources and information you need to create help you put your imagination on the screen. Presenter bio: Neil Prisco is the Creative Director for WVIA, overseeing the branding, marketing, and overall look of the station. Over his 15-year career he has received multiple awards and nominations for his graphic design work, production, directing, editing, sound design and more. A native of the Hudson valley in New York, Neil graduated received his undergraduate degree in communications from Marywood University. Details and free reservations are available at nepafilmfestival.com
NET Credit Union Accepting Scholarship Applications NET Credit Union is now accepting 2023 Annual Scholarship Applications. NET will award $10,000 in scholarships at our Annual Meeting this spring to two deserving members. NET Credit Union will award one high school senior and one current college/trade school student a $5,000 scholarship each. Please see requirements below: Applicants must be NET Credit Union members.Must have proof of a B average or better and proof of attendance.Must submit a 1,000 word essay with a cover page answering the question below: Banking shouldn’t be difficult at any age. What do you think banking is? How do you manage your money? Is there a different account or benefit you’d wish NET offered that could help improve your banking? Please see full details here: https://www.netcreditunion.com/scholarship/. Please send any questions with subject line “Scholarship Question” to marketing@netcreditunion.com. Deadline to enter is Friday, March 31st, 2023.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in CNC Machining Training In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Johnson College continues to bring CNC Machining training to Luzerne County. Starting March 20, 2023, students will train to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines inside Don’s Machine Shop’s classroom and lab at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston. Open enrollment for this 510-Hour CNC class is going on now. Space is limited. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in various applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. Industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania are currently in need of well-trained CNC machinists. This 510-hour class for beginner-level students includes theory and hands-on learning experiences. The hands-on training, delivered at Don’s Machine Shop, is on some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region. This unique, one-of-a-kind training will help open new career opportunities right away. This relationship truly demonstrates how industry is a Johnson College student’s campus. The cost of the class is $7,500. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
