Junior Leadership Hazleton Launches New Class for 2025-26

The Junior Leadership Hazleton program commenced its new year with an opening session for the Class of 2025-26 on August 19 at the **Penn State Hazleton Campus**. Program Coordinator **Michael Dougherty** expressed enthusiasm for the new cohort, stating, “I welcome the opportunity to meet our new class members each year. It is always a great experience to see the class grow and change throughout the JLH year.”

This year’s session featured interactive activities and discussions aimed at fostering team-building and leadership skills among the participants. The day began with a bingo session led by **Dr. Barbara Conway**, adjunct faculty at **King’s College** and the **Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit**. Assisting her was **Dr. Keith “Jake” Boyer**, a retired school superintendent who contributed to the team-building strategies discussed during the event.

The agenda included a presentation by **Sabrina Tomaskovic**, associate director of admissions at **Penn State Hazleton**, who shared insights on “Seeking Success: A Guide for College and Beyond.” **Jane Dougherty**, part of the Junior Leadership Hazleton team, provided an overview of the significance of volunteering within the community. Throughout the presentations, **Dr. Jim Caggiano** offered additional support to ensure a smooth event.

The Class of 2025-26 comprises students from various local schools. Participants include:

– **Hazleton Area Academy of Science**: Abigail Bachman, Viarys Dominguez, Jareyvi Elich Santiago, Raphael Hernandez, Yevhenii Hradil, Julia Kintzel, Gregory Kupsho, Eva Pasca, Luca Pasca, Kimberly Ramirez, and Jaelys Rivas-Mateo.
– **Hazleton Area Career Center**: Nashla Alvarado Grullon, Santino DeLorenzo, Rose Guzman, and Jessica Tatis.
– **Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities Academy**: Taryn Leonard, Xavier Perez, and Destiny Rodriguez Diaz.
– **Hazleton Area High School**: Yolianny Dominguez.
– **Marian Catholic High School**: Elyse Barletta, Maddison Malloy, and Griahnny Santos-Urena.
– **Weatherly Area High School**: Ben Kropp, Mary Portell, and Chance Stauffer.
– **MMI Preparatory School**: Christina Chrin, Alexa Fazio, and Ruhani Shah.

Supporting this year’s program are students from the Class of 2024-25: Kim Tejada, Kelly Reiner, Rose Fernandez, and Hiboni Balbuena-Marte. Additional team members include **Joe Clark**, **Pat Korb**, and **Ted Sherrock**.

The next session is scheduled for **September 23, 2025**, and will focus on “The History of Hazleton.” Junior Leadership Hazleton honors **Dr. L. Edgar Dessen**, founder of **CAN DO**, and is administered by **Leadership Hazleton**, a branch of the **Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce**. The program receives funding in part from the **CAN DO Community Foundation**, highlighting the community’s commitment to youth leadership development.

As this year’s program unfolds, participants can look forward to a year filled with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills and make meaningful contributions to their community.