Towanda Area School District -

Rensselaer Medal Awarded to Ross Stevens

Mr. Dennis Peachey, principal of Towanda Junior/Senior High School, announced that Ross Stevens has been named as this year's Rensselaer Medalist. For more than 95 years, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to high school students who have distinguished themselves in math and science. The award recognizes the superlative academic achievement of young men and women and seeks to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology. This award is presented to one outstanding junior student in each of 4,200 participating high schools across the world. This $15,000 per year merit scholarship is guaranteed for four years for each Medalist who applies, is accepted, and chooses to enroll at Rensselaer.

Ross is the son of Scott Stevens and Lorelei and Edward Abrams of Towanda. Ross is interested in environmental issues and research. He is a member of the National Honor Society and works at a local department store in order to save money for college.

The students, staff and faculty of Towanda Junior/Senior High School are proud of Ross and his accomplishments.

An Outstanding Teacher and an Outstanding Coach

The National Individual Events Tournament of Champions (NIETOC) brings together the nation's best and brightest students and teachers in Oral Interpretation and Oratory. This year's tournament took place in San Antonio, Texas, where Towanda students--seniors Khabeera Calaman and Elizabeth Vana, as well as sophomores Caroline Vana and Blakely Watkins-- participated in the Tournament of Champions.

Their long-time forensics coach, Julie Larnard-Newbury, also enjoyed guided workshops, networking opportunities, and strategies for increasing student achievement. And, this year, Towanda's outstanding coach was recognized as the co-recipient of the Josephine Mamie Dukes Outstanding Teacher Award at the May 12, 2013, closing ceremony!

The tournament organizers recognized Larnard-Newbury for her strong emphasis on community and on learning over competition. Her spirit of optimism, and her generosity both in and out of the speech world make her a consummate teacher. She loves learning, respects diversity, and instills that attitude in her students as well.

Congratulations Julie, and thank you for all that you do!

Local Author Visits JAM and TAES

Students in grades K-6 had a visitor on Wednesday, May 8th. Mr. Greg Bellows, author of "The Giant," read his story and talked about the writing process. Currently teaching 3rd grade in Canton, Mr. Bellows taught in Towanda for nine years. His second grade students at J. Andrew Morrow Primary school gave him lots of input while writing "The Giant," as well as his own two sons at home. Mr. Bellows told students that no matter what your size, you can accomplish giant things! Thank you for your visit, Mr. Bellows!

Towanda Football Touchdown Drive Golf Classic

The Towanda Touchdown Club and various local businesses are sponsoring the Towanda Touchdown drive Golf Classic. It will be held Saturday June 15th @ 12:30 pm with a shotgun start. It will be a captain and crew format and costs $65.00 per golfer. The "classic" is a fund raiser to help pay for hidden cost items for student/athletes who participate in football at Towanda Area Jr./Sr. High School. If you are interested please contact Craig Dawsey at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (570) 637-3735 to register. See you on June 15th!

Spring Sports Awards

JV and Varsity students who participated in a spring sport please be advised that the Spring Sports Award program will be held on Wednesday, May 29^th, at 6:30 PM in the new auditorium. We will also present Major Year End Awards at this time too. You are invited for pizza in the cafeteria after the awards provided by the Booster Club.