MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School Board announced the November 2011 Board of Education Merit Award winners at its January meeting.
At the high school level was senior Dylan Matukaitis, a son of Tom and Judy Matukaitis, of Kulpmont. Matukaitis participates in many activities inside and outside of school. From the Make a Difference Talent Show to painting murals throughout town, Matukaitis is involved in many events and activities that are beneficial to the community. He is the senior class president, a member of the National Honor Society, yearbook staff, and is involved in many clubs including Interact, Spanish, Peer Mediation, and Science club. Matukaitis was recently named WVIA Artist of the Week.
Matukaitis was nominated for the Merit Award by business teacher Trish Stockalis who commented that Matukaitis is "â¦committed, energetic, and a compassionate individual. I have watched him develop both academically and socially into a mature individual. In class, he has shown that he is a person who does not hesitate to help others. In addition to maintaining a rigorous academic schedule, he enthusiastically participates in extracurricular activities."
November's Merit Award winner at the elementary level is sixth-grade student Nicole Varano, a daughter of Robert and Lisa Varano. Varano has two brothers, Robert and Garett, and a sister, Alison. She is on the distinguished honor roll and has placed in the advanced level on the PSSA exam in all tested subjects.
"Nicole is a responsible, honest, and hardworking student and an outstanding role model to those around her," said Carlene Zlocki, elementary guidance counselor.
Varano plays basketball in the Shamokin Youth Basketball League, soccer for the Teal Wave travel team out of Bloomsburg, participates in the advanced art program at Mount Carmel Area and is treasurer of the elementary student council. She plays the saxophone and takes voice and piano lessons. Varano is also an active member of Hope Community Church in Mount Carmel.