... 'You are the best and the brightest, and we look forward to you taking that baton'
Speaking to hundreds of middle school students, Navy Rear Admiral Linda Wackerman made it clear that a career in the military is something worthy of consideration. “There’s something in it for each and every one of you,” she said. “We would love to have you. You are the best and the brightest, and we look forward to you taking that baton.”
Adm. Wackerman was the guest speaker Friday at Palisades Middle School where students from Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown’s Sixth Grade Center enjoyed the “Honor The War Veterans” program.
“I have been all over the world, and there’s nothing like what we have here in the United States,” Adm. Wackerman told the audience of students and veterans from seven different organizations.
She said she was “honored and humbled” to be asked to speak, and wanted the young people to understand that the military has a place for them. “They are our next generation,” she said. “That’s our future right there. They’re not exposed enough to what their future can be in the military. They can be anything, and do some great things for our nation.”
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Quakertown teacher Dominick Cusumano achieves Hall of Fame
A Quakertown Community School District teacher, who made life miserable for quarterbacks as a college defensive end, has been inducted into the Moravian Athletic Hall of Fame.
Dominick Cusumano, second in Moravian College history with 27 sacks, was officially inducted on Nov. 9. “I’m just so proud and excited,” said Mr. Cusumano, a social studies teacher at the Sixth Grade Center. “We had an outstanding defense. There were great players on those teams, and we had a lot of success. With success comes recognition. It was such a great experience.”
That defense included Shawn Storm, a seventh-grade reading teacher at Strayer Middle School, who started at the other defensive end position for the Greyhounds. “Cus was a quiet, lead by example type of guy for that defense, which was nice because I did all the talking for us both. We both played the same position - opposite sides, so I worked with him every day. I got to witness first hand his relentless work ethic and athletic skill. There were many games where we'd be lining up and I'd yell over to him ‘Meet you at the quarterback.’ He got there a few times before me, but we both celebrated each other.
“He was like a brother to me on and off that field and I couldn't be more honored to see him inducted into the Hall of Fame. I'm proud of him and I'm excited for him and his family.”
In a 1997 story in The Morning Call, Moravian coach Scot Dapp described his top defender this way: “Dom's a quiet guy, is not individually goal-oriented. He wants to get a sack because that will help the team. He's the consummate team player."
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Arsenic and Old Lace will be performed Friday night and Sunday afternoon
In addition, on Sunday at 3 p.m. , a second showing will be performed, to makeup for the cancellation of Thursday night's performance.
Thank you to those of you who support our talented and hard-working students!
Plans are taking shape for MLK Day of Service
For several months, Quakertown Community High School English teacher Rachel Girman has been developing ways for students to take part in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service by chairing regular meetings with administrators, teachers, counselors and community members.
On Wednesday, she and high school Principal David Finnerty spoke with about two dozen members of the Quakertown Student Leadership Team about potential volunteer efforts for the big day. A digital sign-up list is expected to go out later this month.
“This is an amazing opportunity,” said Niyi Onanuga, founder of the Quakertown Student Leadership Team, made up of several club leaders. “With the specific tasks and specific groups, we’ll have more evidence of the kind of impact we’ll be making.”
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ASPIRE students prepare meals for the needy
The district's ASPIRE program stands for Acquiring Skills Professionalism, Independence and Responsibility for Education/Employment. The mission of this program, taught by Elizabeth Alvino, is to prepare students ages 18 to 21 to be competent, confident and caring in managing their personal, family and public lives. Students are taught daily living skills, how to gain and retain employment and are educated in self advocacy and interpersonal skills.
Richland Elementary honors veterans
The school's classroom doors were also decorated to honor veterans, and walls were full of photos sent in by families.
Mensch meets with QCHS 'leaders of tomorrow'
State Sen. Bob Mensch recently spoke with students in Quakertown Community High School political science and AP Government classes.
The classes are taught by Andrew Boquist, Jennifer Miller and Jonathan Pallone.
Recently re-elected to his seat in the 24th District, Mensch touched on several topics, including the size of the state Legislature, Pennsylvania’s population shift from west to east, the state economy, performance based budgeting and taxes.
“I learned a lot,” said Andrew Labeeb, an AP government student.
Mensch, who will be sworn-in to his third term next month, said “We love the opportunity every time, anytime (to speak with students). Whether it’s two or 200. They’re the leaders of tomorrow.”
Diversity Committee working on strategic plan
The committee has been analyzing the district’s mission and vision statements, discussing our community’s changing demographics, learning about how we can make our infrastructure even more equitable for every student, and starting work on our strategic plan.
For updates, please click here.
Congratulations to a great Panther and soon-to-be Lafayette College Leopard
Team captain as a junior and senior, Haley received All-Intel/All-Conference recognition all four years, and was an All Southeastern Conference Coaches selection as a sophomore and junior year, and All-State during her junior year. Panther fans will recall her helping to lead QCHS to the conference championship that year.
She received Distinguished Honors all 4 years at QCHS, and is a member of the National Honor Society member.
On Lafayette's website, Haley said, "I chose Lafayette because of the welcoming feeling I received from both of the coaches and the students on campus. Between the competitive sports, and excellent engineering programs, I knew Lafayette was for me. I am beyond excited to continue my athletic and academic careers at Lafayette."
Former Panther Lukas Wood stands out for Wilkes
In a difficult, 45-0 loss to King's College, a Quakertown Community High School grad shined in defeat. Lukas Wood, number 30 in the photo, made 11 tackles for Wilkes University on his way to being named the team's Most Valuable Player.
The Middle Atlantic Conference game was also the 23rd annual Mayor's Cup.
Wood, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior linebacker, is a mechanical engineering major.
VFW seeks students for audio/essay contests
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is holding its annual essay contest. The competition promotes patriotism, and awards $30,000 in college scholarships to high school students and $5,000 to middle school students.
For high schoolers, the 2018-19 theme is: Why My Vote Matters. For middle schoolers, the title is: Why I Honor the American Flag.
For more information on the project, please click here or contact John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 Commander Paul Gerhart Jr., 267-992-4973.
Quakertown Community School District
Email: gweckselblatt@qcsd.org
Website: www.qcsd.org
Location: 100 Commerce Drive, Quakertown, PA, USA
Phone: 215-529-2028
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Twitter: @QCSDnews