'I’m proud of our kids putting in the time to do really important work'
Close to 200 students packed into the Quakertown Community High School cafeteria this morning, listened intently to a dynamic speaker, and then braved the bitter cold in various parts of Bucks County to serve their fellow citizens.
The district’s first Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service - following a year of planning - was a fulfilling moment for those working to make a positive impact and inspire young people to do the same.
“I’m really proud you’re not just using the day to stimulate the economy,” said Rev. Dr. Gregory James Edwards, an MLK scholar and keynote speaker who described himself as a “radical truth teller.” The reverend praised the efforts of teacher Rachel Girman, school psychologist Kevin Kelly and others for their “vision and tireless efforts” in helping to make this day of service happen. Mrs. Girman, advisor to Model UN and Mini-THON, organized several meetings with teachers, administrators and students and was a central figure in the MLK Day of Service accomplishment.
“Talk is cheap, actions speak louder than words,” Dr. Edwards said. “That’s why you’re all out here today. … Don’t quote (MLK’s) words and not be devoted to his work.”
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The event received a great deal of media attention. Here are the stories by Channel 69 news, WHYY and The Intelligencer.
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8th graders making 9th grade class choices
"When you walk out of this building in June, you will be officially 9th graders, and the next four years at the high school will fly by fast," he said. "Please make sure you have a plan."
High School Principal David Finnerty, counselor Patti Sabol and several teachers also addressed 8th graders in an assembly. Please click here for the link to that presentation.
Melvin Schissler, 95, flew 25 missions in a B-17 bomber
On Tuesday, Mr. Schissler, 95, visited Quakertown Community High School, to speak with students about his years in the Air Force during World War II. He flew 25 missions over Europe as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 bomber, known as the “Flying Fortress” for its weaponry.
A ball turret was a Plexiglas sphere set in what is often described as the belly of the B-17. It included two 50- caliber machine guns. The man who inhabited the space would be shorter than average to fit and revolve in the turret.
Students in U.S. History and AP U.S. History classes had several questions for the veteran, both during and after his 45-minute presentation in the Performing Arts Center. “They have to know what we went through at their age,” Mr. Schissler said.
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Megan Jackson named UBCTS student of the month
Baking and Pastry Arts student Megan Jackson has been recognized by the Joint Operating Committee as student of the month for January, 2019, at the Upper Bucks County Technical School.
The JOC is made up of representatives of the Quakertown Community, Palisades and Pennridge school districts and the UBCTS administration. Quakertown Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner is the Superintendent of Record for the UBCTS. “We are very proud of Megan’s many accomplishments,” Dr. Harner said. “She has proven to be an exceptional student, and has shown outstanding leadership skills.”
Megan has done exceptionally well during her four years at UBCTS, earning First honors every year. She is a member of the National Honor Society at QCHS, a member of the National Technical Honor Society at UBCTS, and president of SkillsUSA.
In the photos, Megan is congratulated by Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner, and UBCTS Director Jeff Sweda presents Megan her plaque.
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Recognition continues for UBCTS students' after farm show accomplishments
The performance of Upper Bucks County Technical School students at the recently concluded Pennsylvania Farm Show was "the most successful" in 40 years of competing, according to Caitlyn Danka, the school's Animal Technology teacher.
Ms. Danka received roses from the Joint Operating Committee Thursday night, as her students were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments. The JOC is made up of representatives of the Quakertown Community, Palisades and Pennridge school districts and the UBCTS administration.
Seven UBCTS students were honored by the JOC, led by Casey Keeler, a Quakertown junior, who brought home the school's first 1st place Grand Champion ribbon. Her pig, August, competed in the purebred class.
Joyce Dowd, a Palisades junior, and Nina Slifer, a Quakertown junior, each finished sixth in the market goat competition. Justin Rosenberger, a Quakertown junior, was seventh.
Sophomore Sierra Kapusta (Pennridge), Kerrin Long (Quakertown) and Caleb Roth (Quakertown) earned the Future Farmers of America Official Jacket, a coveted symbol of the organization, Ms. Danka said.
Layla Cotter, a seventh-grader at Strayer Middle School, had outstanding performances at the recently completed Pennsylvania Farm Show.
Competing with the Pronking Pacas of the Bucks County 4-H Club with her alpaca Dragpipe, Layla placed third in Showmanship and seventh in obstacles.
Great job Layla!
See the video: Neidig 2nd grader described as an 'outstanding young citizen'
The shining example of a Neidig Elementary School student, whose inspirational efforts helped to raise more than $1,700 for a homeless shelter, has been recognized on the U.S. House floor by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
In a 66-second video that can be seen here, Fitzpatrick describes second-grader Caleb Byelich as “an outstanding young citizen” who has made a “substantial impact on the underserved in our community.”
“We applaud Caleb for his remarkable work, and I look forward to seeing his accomplishments in the years to come,” said Fitzpatrick, who thanked Caleb’s parents for “instilling in him the values of service and compassion.”
Please click here for the full story.
Nick Levinski receives coveted mini-max award
Quakertown Community High School linebacker Nick Levinski was honored by the Maxwell Football Club during its annual dinner on January 10.
Nick, pictured with Coach George Banas, is one of 63 players in the eastern half of Pennsylvania to receive the 2018 Mini Max High School Award. Nick, who led the Panthers with 127 tackles, made first team Suburban One League American Conference.
A team captain, he also made honorable mention at tight end for the Panthers, who finished 9-4, including a playoff victory.
Players are nominated for the Mini Max by their coaches throughout the 2018 season and evaluated based on a criteria that includes; football performance, academics, and community service.
Their state competition performance to air on PCN
The Quakertown Community High School cheerleaders recently achieved sixth place in the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships Small Division competition, the highest finish in QCHS history!
If you'd like to see the event, PCN is scheduled to air it February 1 at 7 p.m. on cable and on the PCN App. Click here for details.
At the January 10 School Board meeting, the team was recognized for its accomplishments. The girls are defending Suburban One League champions for the second consecutive year. The won the District for the first time, qualified for the state competition and for the national competition in Florida.
Outstanding!
The School Board recognized fall athletes on January 10, and included the baseball team for its tremendous spring season.
The team, which captured its first Suburban One League Championship in more than 10 years, finished 14-4 overall and 12-2 in league play. The Panthers outscored league opponents, 87-29.
Players included Zach Artman, Cody Barbiero, Sean Brennan, Brad Bryan, Justin Butler, Nolan Byrnes, TJ Camacho, Matt Ciarrocchi, Ben Eichron, Mason Hicks, Trevor Hurst, Griffen Kelley, Dennis Pierce, Sam Rice and Adam Ritter.
Also recognized were:
- Soccer player Haley Pursel, who will be attending Lafayette College in the fall. Haley was an All-League, All Southeastern PA and All State for the Panthers.
- Golfer Madilyn Siuta, a fifth-place finisher in the SOL Girls Golf Tournament. She finished 14th in the District One Tournament, the highest ever for a QCHS female golfer.
- Football player Nick Levinski, a Maxwell Award nominee after leading the Panthers with 127 tackles.
- Football player Michael Terra, who led the team in rushing and touchdowns before he was sidelined by a leg injury. He was an All-League selection on both offense and defense for two consecutive seasons.
- Football player Ashton Herd, an All-League lineman for three consecutive years, had 67 tackles and five sacks.
- Football player Nick Frasch, First Team All-League on both offensive and defensive line, had 34 tackles and five sacks.
- Football player Tyler Merwarth, the only sophomore to make First Team All-League. He led the Panthers in receiving yardage.
- The Cheerleaders were SOL Champions for the second year in a row, District One Champions for the first time in school history, qualified for the PIAA State Competition in Hershey and qualified for the National Competition in Florida.
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Mary Poppins Jr., the Strayer Players Music Theater Academy's winter musical, takes place January 24-26 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on the 26th. Snow dates are January 31, February 1-2 at the same times.
The show includes 84 students from the Sixth Grade Center and Strayer Middle School, as well as several high school helpers, dozens of students making props, and many parent volunteers. Karen Quinn is the Director, Marcia Vanderslice the assistant Director, and Andy Emery the lighting designer.
The graphic displayed at left has been running on the digital billboard at Routes 309 and 313 since Monday. If you're stopped at the intersection, check it out, but please drive safely!
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Presentations on vaping for parents, guardians
Two important presentations were recently given at Quakertown Community High School that Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner wanted to make parents and guardians aware of.
One involves drug abuse and vaping; the other is about the Pennsylvania Youth Survey.
David Fialko of the Council Of Southeast Pennsylvania, a highly sought after speaker, spoke about drug abuse and vaping. His presentation can be found here.
Carolyn Staffieri, a QCSD Pupil Services Administrative Intern, presented on PAYS data. Her presentation can be found here.
Quakertown Community School District
