MEET THE SENIOR INDUCTEES

Michael Botto

Michael is the son of Joseph and Dorothy Botto.

Michael plans to attend Penn State University – University Park to major in Civil Engineering.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“For the most part my dad. He is a civil engineer, so I’ve been exposed to the career and the engineering field.”

Michael is a member of the football and baseball teams.

What is your favorite movie? Why?

“My favorite movie is ‘The Other Guys’ because it is funny.”

Sadie Bowman

Sadie is the daughter of Tara and Sam Carl and James and Jody Bowman.

Sadie plans to attend Millersville University and major in Fine Arts.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I’ve been drawing and painting since elementary school, so art has always been a love of mine.”

Sadie is a member of Quiz Team, Key Club, Sketch Club and Senior Mural.

For you, what is the best part of living in Schuylkill County?

“The best part is that it’s neither too big nor too small. It’s a good, medium size. It’s big enough so we have things to do, but not super crowded.”

Erin Cleary

Erin is the daughter of Rebecca Lewis-Cleary and Todd Cleary.

Erin is undecided on where she plans to continue her education, but she plans to major in Nursing.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I’ve always wanted to work in the medical field. I’ve known for a while that I wanted to be a nurse because I believe that nurses have the potential to change lives. I wish to become a NICU nurse because I want to help infants survive and live the life they deserve.”

Erin is a member of Leo Club, Foreign Language Club, Spanish Honor Society, Mini-THON and SADD.

Who is you favorite actor/actress? Why?

“[My favorite actress is] Sophia Bush. She is on my two favorite shows, One Tree Hill and Chicago P.D. I love her character in both shows and her as a person.”

Caitlin Coyle

Caitlin is the daughter of Tim and Cathy Coyle.

Caitlin is undecided on where she plans to continue her education, but she plans to major in Marketing.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“My oldest brother majored in marketing, and I thought it was interesting. I also enjoy coming up with creative sayings, so I wanted to do advertising.”

Caitlin is the treasurer of both Leo Club and Alpha Iota Delta. She is also a member of Foreign Language Club, yearbook and Mini-THON. Caitlin also participates in soccer, basketball and track.

What kind of music do you listen to while you study?

“I don’t listen to music when I study mostly because I find it to be a big distraction.”

Kyle Eckley

Kyle is the son of Lisa and Joseph Eckley.

Kyle plans to attend the United States Naval Academy and major in Oceanography or Political Science.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I find an interest in the both the ocean and our government system.”

Kyle is the Vice President of Tau Kappa Delta. He is a member of Leo Club, Foreign Language Club, Mini-THON and SADD. Kyle also participates in soccer and track.

What is one class you wish you would have taken at PAHS?

“I wish I would have taken another language class like French or German.”

Alyssa Gouldner

Alyssa is the daughter of James and Paula Gouldner.

Alyssa plans to attend Millersville University and major in Early Childhood Education.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I enjoy both helping and teaching people.”

Alyssa is a member of the band and is in Sketch Club, Foreign Language Club and Key Club.

Who is the most influential person in your life? Why?

“My mom and dad are both equally the most influential people in my life because they’ve encouraged and helped me throughout my entire life.”

Camryn Heinbach

Camryn is the daughter of Amy and Dave Heinbach.

Camryn plans to attend Temple University to major in Physical Therapy.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I’ve been in and out of physical therapy so many hours the past few years due to various injuries that I want to be able to return the favor to others.”

Camryn is the Quiz Team captain and yearbook Editor-in-Chief. She is also a member of Ecology Club, Leo Club, Foreign Language Club, Quill and Scroll Honor Society and German National Honor Society.

What is your favorite part about graduating? Why?

“Graduating will be bittersweet after spending the past four years with all the same people, but I’m excited to start the next step of my life and begin taking classes for my major.”

Michael Holobetz

Michael is the son of Michael Holobetz and Angela Holobetz.

Michael plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and major in Electrical Engineering.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I like building electrical components of electronics and studying how they work.”

Michael is a member of Sketch Club, Chess Club and Leo Club. He also participates in football and track.

What will you miss most about PAHS?

“I will miss my teachers most and them instilling knowledge into me so that I can further my education in college.”

Thomas Honicker

Thomas is the son of Joan and James Honicker.

Thomas plans to attend Kutztown University and major in Music Education.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“Music has always been a huge part of my life, and getting into district band was a huge accomplishment.”

Thomas is the vice president of Drama Club. He is also a member of district, county and concert bands. He participates in county choir and is in the gifted program.

What is the best book you’ve ever read? Why?

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is one of the funniest and most sarcastic books I have ever read. I had a smile on my face throughout the whole thing.”

Kevin McKeon

Kevin is the son of Mike and Jeanette McKeon.

Kevin plans to attend Lehigh University and major in Engineering.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I have always enjoyed working with math and science problems.”

Kevin is a member of the Quiz Team and participates in track.

What is one thing that people don’t know about you?

“I like to swim.”

Kaelen McMullin

Kaelen is the daughter of Brian and Carol McMullin.

Kaelen plans to attend either Temple University or Villanova University and major in Nursing to be a nurse anesthetist.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“My mom is in the medical field, so I have always thought that I’d end up there. I want to help people on a daily basis.”

Kaelen is an editor for Tide Lines. She is also a member of Student Council, Leo Club, Sketch Club, Foreign Language Club and Senior Mural.

What do you do to cope with stress?

“I listen to music while studying or doing homework to make it less boring. I tell myself that I’m doing the best that I can.”

Laura Moyer

Laura is the daughter of Lynn and Daniel Moyer.

Laura plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh and major in Engineering.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I really enjoy math, but I didn’t want to major in it exactly because I wanted to do something more, like engineering.”

Laura is the librarian for concert band. She is also a member of Alpha Iota Delta and the tennis team. She is also a majorette.

What is the best day of the year for you? Why?

“I like National Donut Day because Dunkin’ Donuts gives out free donuts and we get some in school.”

Chloe Mullins

Chloe is the daughter of Nichole Mullins.

Chloe plans to attend Temple University to major in biochemistry on the pre-med track.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I’ve always wanted to do something in the medical field, and I love kids, so I decided I want to be a pediatrician.”

Chloe is a captain for the quiz team and yearbook Editor-in-Chief. She is also a member of Alpha Iota Delta, Quill and Scroll Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Foreign Language Club. Chloe is also a majorette.

Who is your go-to study buddy? Why?

“Whenever I need help, I always go to Dunkin’ Donuts with Camryn Heinbach and Emma Walinsky and we all work together to get through our assignments. We work very well together, so I always look to them for help.”

Sophie Murray

Sophie is the daughter of Bobbi and Ed Murray.

Sophie plans to attend Pennsylvania University – University Park and major in Liberal Arts.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I have a love for math but a passion for working with people. I think in the Liberal Arts I can find my niche.”

Sophie is the stage manager for Stage Crew, secretary of Student Council, officer of Mini-THON and yearbook Editor-in-Chief. She is also a member of Alpha Iota Delta and Key Club. She is a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor at JFK Pool and is a dance student/teacher at the Crimson Academy for the Performing Arts.

What advice would you give your younger self?

“It’s okay to branch out. It’s okay to make new friends and do new things. It’s okay to go against the norm.”

Kaitlyn Pekarik

Kaitlyn is the daughter of Kimberly and Christopher Pekarik.

Kaitlyn plans to attend Millersville University to major in French Language and Culture and Linguistics.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I’ve always had a love for languages and sounds. Having Mrs. Stiles as a teacher really inspired me to work hard because she loves what she does and it makes me want to work harder.”

Kaitlyn is the treasurer and drum major of the marching band and the stage manager of Drama Club. She is also a member of Foreign Language Club, pep band and percussion ensemble.

What are your hopes for the rest of your time at PAHS?

“I want to enjoy the ‘lasts’ of everything; last drama performance, last banquets, last concerts.”

Noah Robertson

Noah is the son of Michael and Pearl Robertson.

Noah plans to attend Johns Hopkins University and major in Cellular and Molecular Biology.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I was inspired by the different science courses I’ve taken in high school.”

Noah is the president of Key Club. He is a member of the Schuylkill County Youth Summit, Foreign Language Club, Ecology Club, Chess Club and Debate Club. He is also on the varsity Quiz Team.

What drives you to be a good student?

“I have intrinsic motivation to have a good career, which requires getting good grades in school.”

Megan Skosnick

Megan is the daughter of Donna and Michael Skosnick.

Megan plans to attend Temple University and major in Graphic Design with a minor in Business/Marketing.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“Taking all of the art courses PAHS offers inspired me to go into the art field and pick my major.”

Megan is captain of the volleyball team. She is also a member of the basketball team, Ecology Club, Leo Club, Foreign Language Club, Sketch Club, Student Council and Mini-THON.

Where would you like to travel to in the future? Why?

“Venice, Italy, is the top place I want to travel to. A lot of art majors travel to Italy to study its beautiful architecture.”

Luke Stoner

Luke is the son of Daniel and Denise Stoner.

Luke plans to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and major in either Chemical or Nuclear Engineering.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“Chemistry, physics and math are my favorite subjects, and chemical engineering combines principles from all of them.”

Luke is the Vice President of Student Council, yearbook Editor-in-Chief, and a Mini-THON officer. He also participates in football and track.

What is the coolest activity you have taken part in?

“I visited West Point for an overnight visit in October. It was awesome to see what a day is like in the life of a cadet and gave me perspective as to whether or not West Point was something that I wanted to continue to pursue.”

Autumn Tarconish

Autumn is the daughter of Pamela and Michael Tarconish.

Autumn is undecided where she will study, but she plans to major in Nursing to become a nurse anesthetist.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“When I was younger, I had multiple surgeries starting when I was born. After every surgery, the nurses were the people I would remember which inspired me to pursue nursing. The nurse anesthetist part came as I got older and did research on the subject because of my own body not reacting to the process well.”

Autumn participates in Leo Club, Foreign Language Club, Mini-THON, SADD and Student Council. She also plays basketball and soccer and runs track.

What is one thing you wish you could’ve done in high school?

“I wish I could have been more involved in some of the clubs I’m in instead of focusing on certain clubs.”

Laura Turnitza

Laura is the daughter of Michele and Joe Turnitza.

Laura plans to attend Pennsylvania State University – University Park and major in either Economics or Statistics.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I wanted to pursue one of these majors since both problem solving and stock interest me. Hopefully I can learn even more about these once I go to college.”

Laura is captain of the water polo and swim teams. She is also a member of Alpha Iota Delta, Ecology Club, Leo Club, Student Council and STEM Team.

What is you favorite thing to do with friends?

“My favorite thing to do with friends is go out to eat or just hang out. It’s nothing spectacular, but with all my activities it’s nice to just chill sometimes.”

Emma Walinsky

Emma is the daughter of Rosemary Kiehner and Frank Walinsky.

Emma plans to attend Temple University and major in Biochemistry on the pre-med track with a minor in Spanish.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I have always had a passion for the sciences, especially biology and chemistry, so studying biochemistry would give me the best of both worlds. It is also a unique major to enter med school with compared to just having a Bio degree.”

Emma is captain of the water polo team, Editor-in-Chief of Tide Lines and The Castle magazine, an Ecology Club officer, and is head lifeguard at JFK Pool. She is a member of Alpha Iota Delta, Leo Club, Foreign Language Club, Spanish National Honor Society and Quill and Scroll Honor Society. Emma is a lifeguard at the D.H.H.L. Middle School pool, a swim lesson instructor, a cashier at Weis and is involved in the Lehigh Valley Network medical shadowing program.

Who helped you the most throughout your time at PAHS?

“I have my friends and teachers to thank for all of the help that I received at PAHS. My friends were great with helping me with any last minute questions I might have on my AP Bio lab or my AP Lang paper. My teachers were also always there for me, both in and out of the classroom. They always asked about my extracurriculars and were there to help when I was unable to grasp a difficult topic.”

Kamryn Willard

Kamryn is the daughter of Kelli and Craig Willard.

Kamryn plans to attend Penn State University – University Park and major in Business Management while possibly minoring in Spanish.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I always wanted to become the CEO of my own company, and I like leadership positions – so business management seemed to be a fitting major for me. Also, a close family friend of my dad’s was a co-CEO of his own company, so talking to him led me to this major as well.”

Kamryn is on the business staff for the school publications. She is also a member of Leo Club, Foreign Language Club, Spanish Honor Society, Quill and Scroll Honor Society, Sketch Club, Ecology Club and Mini-THON.

What songs would be on your car playlist?

“Jessie’s Girl, DONTTRUSTME and Day ‘N’ Nite (nightmare).”

Elijah Wood

Elijah is the son of Tom and Stephanie Wood.

Elijah plans to attend Pennsylvania State University – University Park and major in Biology.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“In the future, I would like to become an orthopedic surgeon.”

Elijah is a member of the baseball and basketball teams. He also participates in Leo Club, Chess Club, Mini-THON and Student Council.

What is the best school lunch?

“Stromboli is definitely the best. We only have it every few weeks and it tastes so good.”

Michala Zembas

Michala is the daughter of Michele and James Zembas.

Michala plans to attend Penn State University – University Park to major in Education.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“My elementary and high school teachers have shaped me into the person I am, and they have inspired me to do great things. I want to inspire people the way my teachers have inspired and shaped me.”

Michala is the president of National Honor Society, secretary of Drama Club and captain of the tennis team. She is also a member of Key Club, Mini-THON, Foreign Language Club and Sketch Club.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

“Sitting in my own classroom teaching elementary school. Maybe if I have the choice, I’ll come back here to teach, as well.”

 MEET THE JUNIOR INDUCTEES

John Hannaway

John is the son of John and Darlene Hannaway.

John is undecided where he wants to go to college, but he plans on majoring in Chemistry.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“The chemistry classes that I have taken in high school have made me want to major in chemistry.”

John is a member of Student Council, Debate Team, Concert Band, Stage Band, Marching Band, Pit Band and Pep Band.

Where do you spend most of your time?

“[I spend most of my time at] home at my table studying so I can succeed in my classes.”

Riley Herndon

Riley is the daughter of Jennifer and Alex Herndon.

Riley plans to attend Penn State University – University Park to major in Education or study to become a Physician’s Assistant.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I might follow the education path because I feel as though I could help children learn. I might want to study to be a Physician’s Assistant because I’d like to help people get better.”

Riley is a member of SADD, Foreign Language Club and Leo Club. She also plays softball.

Who is your idol?

“My idol is my mom. She pushes us to be the best we could be and she works hard every day.”

Logan Maurer

Logan is the daughter of Deidre Blum and Henry Maurer.

Logan is unsure as to where she will continue her education, but she plans to go out of state. She is also unsure of her major but hopes to study something in the science field.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“Before high school, I hated science. Once I started high school, I found science to be really intriguing.”

Logan is a member of Key Club and Stage Crew.

What is the most rewarding feeling you have ever had?

“Completing something that I thought was impossible.”

Grace Muench

Grace is the daughter of Stephen and Desiree Muench.

Grace plans to attend Lehigh University and major in Pre-Dental Sciences.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“My father is a dentist, so I grew up in a dental office. It’s always been an interest for me.”

Grace is the junior class president. She is also a member of the stage, concert and marching bands. Grace participates in the Gabriel Youth Orchestra, Schuylkill County band and the PMEA District X band.

What is the coolest experience you have ever had?

“The coolest experience I’ve ever had is definitely going to Chicago with the PA all-state Lions band. I met a lot of musicians and learned a lot.”

Victoria Oswald

Victoria is the granddaughter of Michael Shea.

Victoria is unsure as to where she will continue her education, but she plans on majoring in Astrophysics.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I was inspired to major in astrophysics by Neil Degrasse Tyson and his accomplishments.”

Victoria is a member of pep band, percussion ensemble, Key Club, Chess Club, Foreign Language Club, Debate Club, concert band and marching band. She also plays tennis.

What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

“Read because books are entertaining.”

Jacob Roos

Jacob is the son of Kelly and Jason Roos.

Jacob plans to attend either the University of Pittsburgh or Temple University and major in Civil or Mechanical Engineering.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I don’t have a specific source of inspiration for following this major, I just like what it entails.”

Jacob is a member of Tau Kappa Delta and Leo Club.

What is your favorite sport to watch?

“Football is my favorite sport to watch because there’s a lot of action and I can relate to it because I play.”

Brea Schaeffer

Brea is the daughter of Bryan and Jill Schaeffer.

She is undecided about what she wants to major in, but she knows she wants to study out of state.

Brea is a member of Alpha Iota Delta, Leo Club and Foreign Language Club. She also plays soccer and basketball.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

“California. I have been there before and it has a positive atmosphere. I also love the weather because it’s warm all year long.”

Evan Spevak

Evan is the son of Drew and Tammy Spevak.

Evan plans to attend either Penn State University – University Park or Millersville University to major in Secondary Education/Social Studies.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“Teachers like Mr. Sterner and Mrs. Stiles have a fun way of teaching and making things interesting while also teaching effectively, which makes me want to become a teacher. As for the history part, I’ve always been interested in it and there’s so much to learn about in that field, which interests me more.”

Evan is a drum major in the marching band and a lighting manager for stage crew. He is also a member of Quiz Team and concert band.

What are you doing to make an impact on the school?:

“I’m the drum major.”

Zachary Turnitza

Zachary is the son of Michele and Joe Turnitza.

Zachary plans to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and major in Environmental Engineering.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I decided on this major because I enjoy spending time outside and I would like to combine my education with my hobbies.”

Zachary spends a lot of time outdoors and is a member of the swim and baseball teams.

How has your family helped you succeed in school?

“They have helped me get through tough classes and advised me on what classes to take and how to do well in them.”

Alexis Yoder

Alexis is the daughter of Grant and Sarah Yoder.

Alexis is unsure as to where she will continue her education, but she plans to major in Sports Journalism and Broadcasting.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“I’ve always loved to write, and joining the publications staff really pushed me to major in journalism. Playing and watching sports has always been a hobby of mine, so I want to keep that in my life even after I graduate.”

Alexis is editor of Tide Lines and The Castle Magazine. She is a member of Quill and Scroll Honor Society, Alpha Iota Delta, Leo Club and Foreign Language Club. Alexis also plays soccer and basketball.

What is your favorite season?

“My favorite season is summer because I like the warm weather, going on vacation with my family and hanging out with my friends.”

Parker Zimerofsky

Parker is the son of Scott and Mindy Zimerofsky.

Parker is unsure as to where he will continue his education, but he plans to major in Accounting.

What inspired you to pursue your intended major?

“Accounting classes come easy to me.”

Parker is a member of Student Council and Foreign Language Club. He plays football and participates in track.

What is one goal you have for yourself?

“I would like to graduate in the top five of my class.”