Ashley Wenskoski, Senior
To kick off the second to last full week of school, Principal Rich Heffernan hosted the 2019 Second Semester Recognition Ceremony on Monday in the auditorium. A wide variety of the student body was recognized in the assembly that featured a celebration of academics, athletics, clubs, and much more. Some of the more notable athletes recognized included Lehigh Valley Coordinated Health Athlete of the Year nominees Ethan Brader (football; Muhlenberg College), Trey Gretzinger (football; Millersville University), and Lydia Bottelier (track and field; University of Pittsburgh). In addition, Lydia Bottelier and Josh Volak (track and field) will be competing in high jump and long jump respectively at the national meet later this month. The baseball team also recognized three All-Area players in David Platt, Kyle Oechsle, and Jake Welsh, who will continue their baseball careers at the University of Indiana, Penn State Brandywine, and Drew University respectively. The fishing duo of seniors Parker Lambert and Brandon Lawson were also met with much fanfare, as they are currently ranked 1st in the state of Pennsylvania and 2nd in the nation for Bassmasters fishing. Congratulations to these exceptional student athletes, and all athletes that compete in Palisades athletics!
A number of high-achieving clubs were also celebrated at the ceremony. Cybersonics Team 103 had an impressive performance at the world competition in Detroit earlier in the semester and made Palisades proud. The Scholar’s Bowl team led by Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Lipton also qualified to compete at the national level this past weekend in Washington D.C., which was the first time in school history that this club was featured! In addition, Future Business Leaders of America headed by Mrs. Timochenko is sending two students to the national competition later in the month, as senior Madelyn Freeman and junior Maura Campbell will be heading to Texas to represent PHS.
Two special surprises for students wrapped up the ceremony, with an impressive video created by Mr. Gilbert’s TV Video Production II class that featured pictures and videos of all of the student accomplishments this semester. Teacher band Staff Infection also provided a rousing performance of Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” much to the delight of all students, who got into the concert by waving phones as flashlights and singing. Congratulations to everyone recognized today, as a host of other athletes and clubs were recognized as well. Be sure to send off the Class of 2019 at graduation next Friday, June 14th at 5:30 pm!
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