Recognition for a job well done, and for proving one’s efforts to be above the norm, is always welcome. Recently several Hughesville High School students have been judged in a variety of performances and skills and have earned a high level of achievement.

Alex Post and Ethan Zerbe were first place finishers at the 2016 Regional Computer Fair at Penn College last week and will be advancing to the state level. Several other students placed in the top tier in several categories at this FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Computer Fair. High award winners were Ethan McKenzie, Eric Karschner, Zachary Butler, Logan Woolcock, Bailey Culver, Jason Kepner, Luke Kepner, Luke Ergott, and Patrick Rogers. Categories in the competition included web design, animation, programming, and digital movie. Congratulations to all these fine students!

Congratulations also to three HHS students who earned nominations for awards that recognize superior theatrical performance! The Community Theater League in Williamsport holds an annual awards event to showcase theatrical talents in school districts in central Pennsylvania. This year’s HHS nominees are: Anna Trevouledes, for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play, for her role in “The Canterville Ghost”, the HHS Jr./Sr. Class Play, which was presented last fall; Jacob Reynolds, for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, for his role as Prince Charming in “Cinderella”; and Devon Palmeter, for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Musical, for her role as Portia, one of the step-sisters in “Cinderella”. The awards will be presented at the Annual Ray of Light Awards Ceremony on May 21 at the Community Arts Center. Similar in format to the Tony or Emmy awards ceremonies, the Ray of Light Ceremony features a red carpet entrance for all performers, production numbers by all schools who presented musicals this year, and lots of excitement and fanfare for these deserving young thespians.

As the month of May progresses, the local schools will have many events which recognize the achievement of high levels in academics and athletics. There are several banquets planned for various teams and the band, plus awards ceremonies at the elementary and high school level, including National Honor Society Induction. We can all be very proud of the way so many of our young citizens have shown their determination to excel.

I’m looking forward to some warm, clear evenings to indulge my love of astronomy. Recent cloudy skies have limited the opportunities to look for satellites, planets, meteors, or the International Space Station, so I hope the weather pattern will change to a more settled state with some clear evening and nighttime skies. Whatever the weather turns out to be, enjoy your week!

Hughesville Events:

Fri. May 13, 10:30 a.m. Story Hour for preschool children at the Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street. Visit or call the library at (570)584-3762 to register for this weekly fun event.

Fri. May 13 May Day at Hughesville High School. Earlier this year than in the recent past, this day of games and friendly competition is capped with the crowning of the May Day Court and winding of the Maypole. There will be an evening presentation for parents and community members at 7 p.m.

Sat. May 21, 2 p.m. Ray of Light Awards Ceremony at CAC. Tickets are available online and at the door.

Sat. May 28 Alumni Banquet. All Alumni of Hughesville High School are invited to attend with special recognition given to classes ending in one (1) and six (6). Event will take place in the social hall of the Hughesville Area Fire Company. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a meal at 6 p.m. For reservations phone Frank Poust 570-458-5397 or Paul McCoy at 570-584-2277.