Every fall, Luzerne County Head Start invites former Head Start students in 12th grade to apply for its Alumni Scholarship Program.

Funded entirely by businesses, organizations and individuals in the community, the merit-based, competitive scholarship program honors the achievements of Head Start alumni set to graduate from high school and continue their education. Recipients are chosen based on academic performance, personal achievements, leadership, motivation, and school and community involvement. 

LCHS will issue $25,500 in scholarships to 16 students from Northeast Pennsylvania during its 60th Anniversary Luncheon on May 19, bringing the total to $380,950 since the program’s inception in 1987.   

Continue reading to learn more about this year’s scholarship recipients.

Kelvin Kocher: Fran Williams Memorial Scholarship 

Kelvin Kocher, a senior at Wyoming Valley West High School, will receive the Fran Williams Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $6,000 over two years. He attended Pre-K Counts at the Church of Christ Uniting in Kingston, where Kim Long was his teacher. Kocher plans to study chemistry at Commonwealth University Bloomsburg with the goal of becoming a forensic scientist.

Kocher said the program played a huge role in his academic and social development. This allowed him to maintain a 4.0 GPA while being involved in a variety of extracurriculars and eventually get accepted to colleges. He plans to pursue his master’s degree in the future. 

“Head Start gave me structure, early developed social skills and showed me the importance of getting involved in my community,” he said. 

Kocher is an Eagle Scout and patrol leader in his troop. At Wyoming Valley West, he is the trumpet section leader in the marching band and trumpet chairs 1 and 2 in the jazz and concert bands. He is also a member of the Gamer Club and National Honor Society. He works part time at Gerrity’s the Fresh Grocer. 

Wyoming Valley West School Counselor Luke Rukeskas said Kocher’s academic accomplishments, positive attitude and musical involvement all stand out. He added that Kocher is a mentor to younger students in the band and sets a positive example for them to become student leaders.

“Kelvin showcases outstanding leadership qualities with a maturity and charisma rarely seen among high school students,” Rukeskas said. “This distinctive formula has produced an exemplary leader whose academic and professional career I am truly looking forward to seeing.”

Petra Pribula: Mary & Tom Sewatsky Family Scholarship 

Petra Pribula, a senior at Wyoming Area Secondary Center, will receive the Mary & Tom Sewatsky Family Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. She attended Pre-K Counts at the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary in Pittston, where Robin Fanelli was her teacher. Pribula plans to study mechanical engineering at Penn State University Park with the goal of creating tools that serve a purpose to the greater society. Once established in her career, she also hopes to give to those in need. 

She credits the program for her academic successes and said it taught her to love learning at a young age. She especially remembers when her teacher taught the class about metamorphosis by raising butterflies.

“Head Start’s environment allowed me to grow into a curious individual. Because of the awe that came with these new experiences, I realized that the world is fascinating and there is much excitement in learning more about its secrets,” she said. “This mindset I carried from Head Start allowed me to thrive in school, leading me to graduate within the top three of my class and pursue my dreams for engineering.”

Pribula is a member of the STEM Club at Wyoming Area, which placed second last year in the Governor’s STEM Competition. She is also a writer for the school newspaper and volunteers in her community. She works part time at Nardone’s Restaurant. 

Wyoming Area Teacher Trudy Chapple McAndrew highlighted Pribula’s leadership and countless hours of hard work and preparation for the STEM competition that led the team from honorable mention in 2023 to second place in 2024. McAndrew also noted Pribula’s participation in the Chief Science Officers program, which she worked tirelessly to make a success at her school.

“I have known Petra Pribula for the past four years of her secondary education as both her teacher and the STEM and CSO advisor. Petra immediately stands out with her mature demeanor, sense of humor and her confident, independent pursuit of knowledge and personal growth,” McAndrew said. 

Brenda Velasquez: Benco Family Foundation Scholarship

Brenda Velasquez, a senior at Elk Lake Jr. Sr. High School, will receive the Benco Family Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. She attended the Mehoopany Center, where Nancy Forba was her teacher. Velasquez plans to study nursing at King’s College with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse and making a meaningful impact on the lives of children struggling with illnesses or injuries.

For Velasquez, nursing is not just a career. It’s a calling. She hopes to provide compassionate care to people in need, advocate for the vulnerable and contribute to the betterment of the healthcare system. She wants to be part of the movement to improve access to quality healthcare and reduce disparities in health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.

She said Head Start was essential in shaping her early educational experiences and future academic pursuits. She remembers reading stories, singing songs and playing educational games, all of which sparked her young mind’s curiosity and fostered a deep love of learning. 

“Coming from a low-income family, Head Start encouraged a resilient mindset in me where I learned to approach challenges with optimism and perseverance. The lessons I learned in Head Start did not end when I transitioned into elementary school,” she said. “The values of curiosity, persistence and emotional intelligence stayed with me throughout my education. I developed a strong sense of self-worth that allowed me to advocate for my needs in school, seek help when necessary and stay committed to my long-term academic goals.”

Velasquez is the captain of the varsity soccer team at Elk Lake. She serves as Student Council president, Class of 2025 vice president and National Honor Society vice president. She is also a member of the Key Club. Additionally, she works part time as a shift leader at McDonald’s.

Elk Lake Administrator Marc Weisgold called Velasquez “the type of human spirit that comes around rarely in someone’s lifetime.” 

“She is an absolute cannot miss. Brenda is a young woman of exceptional character, dedication and compassion,” he said. “I have had the pleasure of knowing her for six years and have witnessed firsthand the depth of her empathy, her commitment to serving others and her impressive work ethic.”

Maia Costagliola: Tomalis-Gatusky Family Scholarship 

Maia Costagliola, a senior at Pittston Area High School, will receive the Tomalis-Gatusky Family Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. She attended Pre-K Counts at the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary in Pittston, where Robin Fanelli was her teacher. Costagliola plans to study early childhood and special education at Misericordia University with the goal of returning to Head Start as a teacher. 

Costagliola is a dual enrollment student at Luzerne County Community College. In the fall, she took an early childhood education course at LCCC to ensure it was the major she wanted to pursue. She returned to Head Start for her classroom observation hours. 

“Walking into that classroom was a full circle moment for me. I remembered that class just as I did when I was there, the friendly people, activities and room decorations made me feel as if I time traveled back to my younger years,” she said. “That moment truly sealed the deal for me that early childhood education was the right choice for me to pursue.”

Costagliola is the chief editor of the Yearbook Committee and a member of the Leo Club, National Honor Society, Technology Club, Student Council and Stand Tall Club. She also volunteers in her community and works part time at her family’s restaurant, Napoli’s Pizza. 

Pittston Area Teacher Heather Koss applauded Costagliola for balancing academics and extracurricular activities with her job at the restaurant. Costagliola will have earned an associate degree from LCCC by the end of high school, which Koss said is a testament to her exceptional work ethic and determination.

“Her passion for nurturing young minds and her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of children align perfectly with the mission of the Luzerne County Head Start program,” Koss said. 

Mariely Sosa, a senior at Wilkes-Barre Area High School, will receive the Eugene Hogan Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,500. Sosa attended the Beekman Street Center in Wilkes-Barre, where Roberto Colin was her teacher. She plans to study accounting with a minor in Spanish at King’s College. 

She called Head Start the first place where she truly felt included and said it played a significant role in her overall development.  

“It wasn’t just about learning letters and numbers, it was about being encouraged to believe in myself, no matter what obstacles I face,” she said. 

When Sosa was diagnosed with a visual impairment, she said her early foundation in Head Start and thinking of her classroom’s Foster Grandma Jo gave her the courage to overcome the challenges of her condition and not back down from pursuing her dreams. 

“Head Start taught me the value of perseverance, and I want to inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, no matter what challenges come their way,” Sosa said.

Sosa is the captain of the cross country and Unified track teams at Wilkes-Barre Area. She also serves as vice president of the Spanish National Honor Society and coordinator of the Diversity Committee. She is a member of the Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America and National Honor Society. 

Nanci Romanyshyn, a Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 teacher of the visually impaired, called Sosa “an extraordinary young woman whose resilience, determination and achievements serve as a testament to her remarkable character and unwavering work ethic.” 

Romanyshyn said Sosa has refused to let her condition define or limit her aspirations. For instance, Sosa decided in her junior year to join the cross country team and faced hurdles, like navigating uneven terrain with limited vision, head on with courage and determination.

“Mariely is not only an exceptional student but also a compassionate and thoughtful individual whose influence extends far beyond the classroom,” Romanyshyn said. “She is the type of student who raises the bar for everyone around her.”

Georgia Baskett: Jeffrey Rehill Memorial Scholarship 

Georgia Baskett, a senior at Bloomsburg Area High School, will receive the Jeffrey Rehill Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,500. She attended the Shickshinny Center, where Christine Martin was her teacher. Baskett plans to study business at Wilkes University. 

Baskett said she cannot imagine her life without Head Start, as it sparked her interest in school. It helped develop her confidence and social skills, and she most remembers the friendships she made in the classroom. 

“Allowing children to enjoy what education has to offer is a wonderful opportunity,” she said. “Personally, I can say that the program fostered my love for school and my desire to always attend, no matter what. My goal is to continue to embrace learning and consistently show up, while also finding joy in the small aspects of classes because they truly matter.”

Baskett is a member of the field hockey team and secretary for the National Honor Society at Bloomsburg Area. She is also involved with the Model UN, Art Club, and Drama Club. As a member of the Animal Resource Club, Baskett volunteers at shelters and organizes fundraisers and donation drives. With the Outdoors Club, she promotes environmental conservation through clean-up projects and awareness campaigns. She has also volunteered at the Bloomsburg Area Memorial Book Fair and concession stands for school basketball games, in addition to being a tutor. She works part time at Dillon Floral.

“Georgia has excelled at her studies here at Bloomsburg High School, and I am certain she will continue her success within college and in her upcoming career,” said Bloomsburg Area Social Studies Chair Dyan Murphy.

Anya Richet: Cross Valley Federal Credit Union Scholarship

Anya Richet, a senior at Wyoming Valley West High School, will receive the Cross Valley Federal Credit Union Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She attended Pre-K Counts at Daniel J. Flood Elementary School, where Deidre Kling was her teacher. Richet plans to study biology on the pre-medical track at Wilkes University. 

Richet said she looks back on her time with the program as one of her most memorable school experiences. It helped develop her social and academic skills that led to being a straight-A student. While going through old preschool projects, she found one that said she wanted to be a zookeeper when she grew up. To this day, she is still interested in animals and wants to study biology. 

“Head Start helped me become who I am today, and I am very thankful for the program overall,” she said.

Anya is the captain of the 2023 District Champion basketball team at Wyoming Valley West. She also volunteers in her community, including as a basketball coach for elementary students. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National French Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. She won a bronze medal on the National Spanish Exam. She also works part time at Josie’s Italian Ice.

“One of Anya’s most unique characteristics that I have observed is her innate ability to bring people together towards a common goal,” said Wyoming Valley West Teacher Ryan Hettes. “Her inclusive and strategic personality makes her one of the greatest student leaders I have worked with in my entire teaching career. She has gained an immense amount of respect from the faculty, staff and students at Wyoming Valley West.”

Nathanael Obrzut: Cross Valley Federal Credit Union Scholarship 

Nathanael Obrzut, a senior at Wyoming Area Secondary Center, will receive the Cross Valley Federal Credit Union Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. He attended Pre-K Counts at the Church of Christ Uniting in Kingston, where Kim Long was his teacher. Obrzut plans to study zoo science at Delaware Valley University. 

Obrzut said one of his earliest memories with animals was during his time in the program. His class had a pet hamster, and his teacher used to let it run around the classroom in its ball. When the hamster ran over to Obrzut, it filled him with excitement and pride.

“While this may seem like a small and silly memory, it has ended up paving the way for my whole future,” he said. “Once I started looking at colleges, I knew that I wanted to do something involving animals.” 

Obrzut is a member of the football, track and field, and wrestling teams at Wyoming Area. With football, he received the Warrior Pride Award and honorable mention as a defensive line in the NPF All-Stars WVC Division 2 competition. He is the captain of the wrestling team and was District Champion in his junior year, later placing fifth at regionals. 

He also plays trumpet, baritone and sousaphone and serves as field captain for the marching band. He was named Outstanding Performer in the Tournament of Bands and is a member of Luzerne United Methodist Church. 

Wyoming Area Director of Marching Arts Angelo Bufalino called Obrzut “an outstanding student with so much to offer.” 

“He has a winning attitude full of drive and perseverance that goes unparalleled,” Bufalino said. “He is always attentive in class and has a knack for engaging the whole class in participation, but the attribute that I admire the most about Nathanael is his unwavering kindness.”

Emilia Alcantara: PNC Bank Scholarship

Emilia Alcantara, a senior at Hazleton Area High School, will receive the PNC Bank Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She attended Hazleton Early Head Start, where Miss Juanita was her family educator. Alcantara plans to study cybersecurity at Penn State Hazleton with the goal of becoming a cybersecurity analyst and combating the increasing risk of cyberattacks. She will transfer to University Park in her junior year. 

She said her experiences in Early Head Start helped shape who she is today and will further guide her on the path to achieving her educational goals. 

“Head Start played an important role in my early development and helped me grow both academically and emotionally,” she said. “The program helped me develop a passion for learning and fostered my curiosity through a supportive environment. With the foundation Head Start helped instill in me, I am prepared to continue pursuing higher education.”

Alcantara attends the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences, which is a competitive, rigorous academic track for students in the district who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM. 

HAAS School Counselor Stephanie Hopkins called Alcantara a model student for the program, citing her dedication to academics and extracurriculars, determination, resilience, work ethic and kindness to others.  

“Emilia is an outstanding student in every way possible,” Hopkins said. “She fully devotes herself to every task she undertakes.” 

Alcantara is the captain of the varsity water polo and swimming teams at Hazleton Area. She is also an assistant swim coach at the Freeland YMCA. 

She participates in HIP Corp United at the Hazleton Integration Project, where she co-created a documentary on food insecurity and presented to state legislators to advocate for policy change. Additionally, she is a community dinner volunteer. 

Amanda Dougert, a senior at Wilkes-Barre Area High School, will receive the George & Ann Evans Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She attended the Beekman Street Center in Wilkes-Barre, where Aimee Lamoreaux was her teacher. Dougert plans to study photography or political science at Kutztown University with the goal of working in the government or starting a business.

She credited Head Start as the foundation for her education. Through the program, she learned the basics of education, etiquette and how to interact with others. These lessons sparked her love of learning and passion to succeed, which carried her through elementary school and beyond.

“Head Start gave little me what I needed for educational success, what I now need for the close of my education,” she said. “Without Head Start, I don’t believe I would have found my love and motivation to achieve my goals, nor have the confidence to face the challenges.” 

Dougert attends the Wilkes-Barre Area Business Academy, which provides students in the district with a specialized business curriculum. She has also participated in programs like TecBridge, the Penn State Teen Entrepreneur Challenge and Junior Achievement. She works part time at Chick-fil-A. 

Dr. Renee Pizzella-Koulik from the Wilkes-Barre Area Business Academy said Dougert has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and called her intellectual curiosity and dedication an inspiration. Dougert is also a natural leader who contributes to a positive and supporting learning environment, Pizzella-Koulik said. 

“Amanda possesses a remarkable combination of academic brilliance, strong character and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world,” Pizzella-Koulik said. “Her involvement in community service, extracurricular activities and leadership roles further exemplify her commitment to personal and professional growth.”

Ashley Peralta Martinez, a senior at Hazleton Area High School, will receive the Luzerne County Bar Association Charitable Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She attended Passaic Family Head Start in New Jersey, where Miss Karen was her teacher. Peralta plans to study surgical technology at Lackawanna College.

Peralta said Head Start provided a foundation that shaped her personal growth and educational journey. 

“It nurtured within me a love for learning and emphasized the importance of community, support, inclusion and a sense of belonging, which have all left an impact in my development,” she said. “Within this program, I experienced many of my ‘firsts.’ I made my first friends, made my first moments of curiosity and discovery, and began forming the base of who I am today.” 

Peralta participates in the Hazleton Integration Project’s Inspire-U program and the Spirit Club. She has also been involved with the Math Club. She works part time at Applebee’s.

Hazleton Area Teacher Ian Hearne called Peralta a highly skilled reader, speaker, writer and thinker.

“Miss Peralta takes the enterprise of education seriously; she sets personal academic goals, works diligently on projects, participates actively in class, accepts criticism as well as she does praise, and frequently does more than what is asked or required,” he said. “She clearly appreciates the value of true learning and consistently strives to improve herself.”

Khayyona Jackson, a senior at Wilkes-Barre Area High School, will receive the LCHS Board of Directors Lena Taylor Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She attended the Edwardsville Center, where Susan Cieless was her teacher. Jackson plans to study nursing at Morgan State University. 

She said Head Start helped shape her into the person she is today and was the first step in her educational journey.

“As a child I used to love going to Head Start, getting ready to go to school, to see people I knew, to do fun but educational activities and to go home excited to tell my mother how my day went,” she said.

Jackson has participated in dance and varsity track and field and works part time in retail. 

Wilkes-Barre Area Teacher Keith Moules said Jackson is a diligent, hardworking individual who constantly shows integrity and honesty. 

“Through her dedication, enthusiasm and time management skills, she has maintained her success in the classroom, in the school community and in her local community,” he said. 

James Rasimovich, a senior at Lackawanna Trail Junior-Senior High School, will receive the Navient Community Fund Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. He attended Head Start at John Adams Elementary School in Scranton through ACE of NEPA. He plans to study sports management at Wilkes University. 

Rasimovich said Head Start changed his outlook on school and he doesn’t know where he would be today without it. 

“Looking back, I’m positive it helped me gain perspective on my goals in life,” he said. 

Rasimovich is a member of the football, track and field, and Unified bocce ball teams at Lackawanna Trail. Additionally, he is a member of the Iron Man Club, which designates the school’s most dedicated athletes. Rasimovich is also involved with the Drama Club and Geek Club. He volunteers each year as a cook at the Wyoming County Fair.

Lackawanna Trail School Counselor Brittany Butler said she has observed remarkable growth and dedication in Rasimovich over the years, particularly with extracurricular activities like football.

“He demonstrates exceptional teamwork and leadership qualities,” Butler said. “His ability to motivate his teammates and maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations, speaks volumes about his character.”

Alexis Shotwell, a senior at Lake-Lehman High School, will receive the Church of Christ Uniting Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She attended the Back Mountain Center in Dallas, where Melissa Ferrari was her teacher. Shotwell plans to study accounting at Lackawanna College.

She credits Head Start and its staff with helping her develop social skills and teaching her how to make friends. “Head Start has helped me more than I thought it would,” she said. “My experience there was excellent.”  

Shotwell is a member of the softball team at Lake-Lehman and works part time at CK’s Cantina & Grill.

Lake-Lehman Teacher Jill Little called Shotwell’s dedication to academics and athletics nothing short of exemplary. 

“Lake-Lehman JS-HS prides itself on pillars of community, generosity, mastery and independence, and I believe Alexis is an outstanding exemplar of each,” Little said. “Alexis is remarkably kind, generous and appreciative. She can multitask, work through highly competitive rigor and expectation, and yet maintain a happy, healthy perspective of school, sports and community.”

Libby Stevens, a senior at Tunkhannock Area High School, will receive the Coombs Family Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500 and the Delaney Family Scholarship in the amount of $500, for a total of $1,000. She attended the Tunkhannock Center, where Sharon Hewitt was her teacher. Stevens plans to study social work at Marywood University with the goal of drawing on her personal experiences to improve the foster care system.

“Being the oldest sister of three younger siblings who were all put into foster care pushes you to

find independence fairly quickly,” she said. “The caseworkers and countless programs that assisted me when I felt shattered and incapable of taking care of my siblings helped guide me in

the right direction. I chose the major of social work for many reasons, but the most important is to better the system for future foster children.” 

Stevens said whenever she felt alone, she had her best friend who she met in Head Start. Along with introducing her to a lifelong friend, she said the program taught her the importance of respecting others.

“Head Start taught me that no matter how you are being treated, always be the bigger person and be respectful. I appreciate my parents for enrolling me into a program like Head Start because it has in fact affected my development, but in the best possible way,” she said. “The information that stuck with me has made an impact for a reason, and I will carry it with me for the rest of my education and my full life.”

Stevens is a member of the Youth Advisory Board and works part time at the Embassy of Tunkhannock.

Tunkhannock Area Teacher Renee Jones called Stevens a determined learner and a quiet, unassuming star with a huge heart. 

“I have spent over 25 years teaching and coaching. Throughout that time, I have encountered a small handful of students who have left an indelible mark on my life. Libby Stevens is one of those people,” Jones said. “She is the type of student I can’t explain to you on paper. She means so much more than that. She is the reason we went into education, for students just like her, only to find out what a rare gem they are indeed.”

Ariel Starrie, a senior at Pittston Area High School, will receive the Pittston Tomato Festival Committee Scholarship in the amount of $500 and the LCHS Policy Council Claudia O’Boyle Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500, for a total of $1,000. She attended the Pittston Center, where Lori Gronkowski was her teacher. Starrie plans to study early childhood education or psychology at Misericordia University.

She said Head Start taught her everything from how to be away from home for the first time and make new friends with other children to sharing her toys and brushing her teeth. 

“I feel as though some of the things that make me who I am today are because I started off my education with Head Start,” she said. 

Outside of school, Starrie maintains part-time employment. 

Pittston Area Teacher John Richards said Starrie impressed him with her work ethic, intellect and desire to learn. 

“She has earned the respect of our faculty and her classmates through her dedication to everything she does,” Richards said. “I have proudly watched her growth over the years as a student and as a person. Ariel is a fine young woman who will be embarking on a path that should lead to great success and fulfillment.”

By Brooke Williams, Community Advocate