2023 PMEA All-State Festival selects two locals

Freedom’s Sophia Trembler and Liberty High School’s David Broczkowski earned a place in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival music ensembles. The students will perform in the PMEA All State Chorus.

To be considered, they individually performed for a panel of judges. Performers who rank the highest qualified to perform in one of six Pennsylvania All-State music ensembles. Nationally recognized conductors will direct the rehearsals and the performances.

“Our district takes pride in Sophia Trembler and David Broczkowski’s accomplishments in earning a place in this year’s PMEA All-State Chorus,” Dr. Joseph J. Roy, Superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District, said. The PMEA All-State Festival will be held April 19-22, at the Kalahari Resort, 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor. For more information, visit www.pmea.net/pmeaall-stateinformation/

GIANT’s $17,000 grant helps feed BASD students

The GIANT Company announced March 6 that its Feeding School Kids initiative, in partnership with its customers, raised more than $1.3 million to combat hunger throughout local public school districts in the communities it serves. The Bethlehem Area School District received $17,062. Some of this money came from GIANT’S customers in their three stores in Bethlehem, on Union Boulevard, Linden Street and Easton Road. The GIANT Company provided matching funds, awarded based on need, as determined by the percentage of students in the district who receive free or reduced meals. According to Katie McLaughlin, public relations specialist for GIANT, “the funds will be used at their (the school district’s) discretion to support their school feeding programs.”

Early dismissal March 22

All BASD schools will have an early dismissal March 22. High schools, 11 a.m.; middle schools 11:30 a.m.; and elementary schools, noon.

Longest teacher by seniority story available

Barbara Clymer, BASD communications coordinator, visited Governor Wolf Elementary School to interview Betsy Hawke, who has been an elementary teacher in the district for 37 years, first at Spring Garden ES and then at Governor Wolf ES. “Everybody is such a wonderful family when you work in a school,” Hawk told Clymer. The full interview is available on the BASD Facebook page.

Nitschmann MS 8th grade parents meet Liberty staff

On the evening of March 7, Liberty High School Principal Dr. Harrison Bailey III, and members of his school staff met with parents of Nitschman MS students who will be attending Liberty HS in the fall.

Clearview ES bingo March 25

Clearview ES PTO is hosting a gift card bingo and basket raffle March 25. Doors open at 10 a.m. Bingo begins at 11 a.m. Advance tickets may be purchased at the school office, or by mailing a check, payable to Cleaview ES, to 2121 Abington Road, Bethlehem; Attention: Wanda Litke.

Asa Packer ES goes black and gold for wrestler CJ Horvath

Asa Packer ES Principal Jonathan Horvath is the father of Freedom HS wrestler CJ Horvath. To cheer CJ on at the PIAA State Wrestling Championship, students at Asa Packer wore Freedom’s black and gold colors to school March 8. The Boy’s State Wrestling Championship took place March 9, 10 and 11.

Farmersville ES clothing drive ends March 17

Truckloads of donations have been received. The last day to drop off clothing is March 17. If you would like to make a donation but cannot get to the school, email reneegunderman9876@gmail.com.