Seniors Mackenzie Donald and Cassandra Joyce were recognized as Scholastic Superstars for their outstanding efforts inside and outside the classroom. The Scranton Times-Tribune awarded 25 students in the Northeastern PA area with the title on May 9.

Both Donald and Joyce are among the top 10% of their graduating class and are heavily involved in various extracurricular activities. Donald is the PA FBLA State President, as well as a member of National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, Junior Historians and more. Joyce is Editor-in-Chief of the Del.Aware, Student Council president, FBLA officer and is involved in several other extracurricular activities.

Next fall, Joyce will be attending Northeastern University, and Donald will be attending Lehigh University.

Physics teacher Mr. Steve Rhule and her mom have been huge inspirations for Donald. 

“I’ve had him [Mr. Rhule] five times over the past three years, and he’s always really supportive,” Donald said. “He really just wants to see us succeed no matter what.”

Joyce highlights journalism teacher Mrs. Leslie Lordi and her dad, who have both been instrumental in her academic career.

“My dad has gone through a lot and is always encouraging,” Joyce said. “He always knows how to make things more positive.”

In addition to their parents and teachers, Joyce and Donald also find support in each other. The two balance their friendship with “healthy academic competition,” as well as making time to relax and be teenagers.

“We help each other and really push each other to be better, but we still always have fun together outside of school,” Donald said.