Sumo Woodson kept his accomplishment a secret
Sumo Woodson felt he let his mom down when he didn’t graduate from Quakertown Community High School last June. On February 15, he more than made it up to her.
Sumo graduated from The Academy at Quakertown on Friday, but kept it a secret from his mom, Stacey Woodson. Instead, he told her that she needed to be at The Academy for a meeting. When she arrived to see her son in a cap and gown, she said “Oh, wow” and hugged her child.
“This program gives the kids another opportunity,” she said. “It’s a good thing, and greatly appreciated.”
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Elite students close in on National Merit Scholarships
Two Quakertown Community High School seniors are being considered for National Merit Scholarships.
Mikayla Fuentes and Adria Retter, who were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists last fall, have advanced to Finalist standing, according to a release by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. With more than 1.6 million entrants, Adria and Mikayla are among 15,000 Finalists. About half of the Finalists will be awarded National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million this spring. Their academic accomplishments represent the top 0.5 percent of Pennsylvania’s seniors.
“These two students are a great example of what hard work and passion can accomplish,” said Principal Dr. David Finnerty, who believes this is the first time QCHS has had two students advance this far in one year.
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7 wrestlers headed to SE regionals; Handel named conference coach of year
Seven Quakertown Community High School wrestlers were among the top four finishers in their respective weight classes during last weekend's District One-East Class 3A Tournament, earning a trip to the South East AAA regional tournament.
Hans Muse, 285, just missed qualifying with a fifth-place finish.
Patrick, at 138 pounds, came up with a major effort as he entered the tournament seeded 13th, but won five of six matches.
Head Coach Kurt Handel was named Suburban One League Continental Conference Wrestling Coach of the Year, as the Panthers won the SOL Continental Tournament Championship.
Quakertown finished third in districts behind Council Rock South and Neshaminy. Council Rock North was fourth and North Penn fifth.
Faculty and students raise $3,375 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Quakertown Elementary School celebrated raising $3,375 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on February 15 with a superhero assembly, in which teachers and students dressed as superheroes.
Teachers Christa Held and Alicia Hughes spearheaded the outstanding effort, which included a check presentation Friday with Terri Dressler of LLS. Mrs. Held said the students did an “awesome” job in topping their goal of $3,000.
“Every penny counts,” Ms. Dressler said. “This is about kids helping kids.”
QE’s second graders won two Penny War days, and will be rewarded with a Fun Friday and an ice cream treat. Fourth-graders raised the most money overall and will be enjoying a pizza party for their effort.
“Our teachers did a wonderful job helping to organize this important project,” said Principal Dr. Michael Zackon. “And we appreciate the work of our students - and their parents - in helping to achieve the school’s goal.”
The LLS Pennies for Patients program support LLS's mission: To cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Sixth Grade Center student: 'It’s important to me to help kids who are in need'
Paul Owens III, a student at the Sixth Grade Center, loves Quarter Midget auto racing and helping people. This year, he’s combined both passions as a Youth Ambassador for Kart 4 Kids, an organization that has raised more than $400,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
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Congratulations to: Mikayla Fuentes, Annabelle Lachman, Summer Thompson, Moriah Wilt, Emma Geiser, Courtney Schreier, Reid Clymer, Richard Lin, and Jack Monaghan
Reid aced his audition and took first place. Jack and Annabelle each captured second place.
In the above photo, from left to right, are Mikayla, Summer and Reid. That's Richard in the inset.
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Trumbauersville students hear from Grammy nominated recording artist
Students and staff had the pleasure of listening, singing, and even dancing to some of his best songs about American heroes, including Neil Armstrong and the Wright Brothers.
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| Ben Wackerman, center | Ana Handel, right | Morgan Bauer, right |
5 QCHS grads part of Penn State's THON fundraiser
Five Quakertown Community High School graduates, now at Penn State, took part in THON, the university's major fundraising event. The school raised $10.6 million for Four Diamonds, which helps children in their fight against cancer.
All five grads participated in Mini-THON at QCHS, and are continuing their service efforts now in college.
That's Grace Kave in the center of the above photo on the ukulele. Katie Moyer is in the photo inset.
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
