May 30, 2004
National Honor Society dinner held
While proceeding down the path of life, look at the goals that are made for oneself as a series of steps, is some of the very valuable advice Dr. Christine Cicco relayed to members of the Forest City Regional Chapter of National Honor Society during the candlelight induction ceremony on April 21.
The Forest City Regional High School graduate of the Class of 1986, said "No matter what your goal is in life, or what you want to achieve, it will appear much less overwhelming if you look at it as a series of smaller steps. Although you must keep your ultimate goal in mind at all times, with a series of small steps even the highest of mountains can be scaled and the loftiest goals achieved," she said.
She shared her view with the newest inductees and their peers that "learning is a lifelong process and thirst and love for knowledge." She noted that it is best to not ask but discover and take an active role in one's education, rather than a passive one. "Remember learning does not stop when you exit the classroom doors - keep your eyes and ears open - you can learn from every situation and every person you meet."
Certified with the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, scoring number one in the nation for the written part of the certification exam, Dr. Cicco also informed students to invest in their reputation and career instilling hard work, fair dealing and integrity in every aspect of their lives. "It is more important to you than any possession you might have. It is easy to take the high road. It is the decisions and choices we make in the quiet moments when no one is watching that truly show integrity," she concluded.
She is a graduate of Wilkes University, graduating in 1990 with a bachelor of science degree in biology. She continued her love of medicine and in 1995 graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her internship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Otolaryngology.
In July 2000, she joined group practice with offices in Philadelphia, Haddonfield, N.J. and Vineland, N.J. and specializes in the treatment of diseases and surgery of the ear, nose and throat. She is currently active in the women's physician's group and has been asked to participate as a coordinator for the South Jersey Regional Medical Center, which is currently under construction.
The following were new inductees during the ceremony: Destiny Nichole Hart and Heather Herbst, Class of 2005; and Joshua Balch, Kenneth Bennett, Amy Branning, Tiffany Butler, David Costanzo, Michelle Lynn Giles, Joseph Grecco, Laura Heck, Bianca Marino, Tara Martines, Kathryn Nebzydoski, Robyn Powell, Daniel Rokavec, Steven Scavone, Stephanie Lynn Sterchak and Michael Zack.
The following new chapter officers for 2005 were elected as follows: Dane M. Kozlevcar, president; Amanda Rizner, vice-president; Rachel Terry, secretary; William Orasin, treasurer; and Ann Nebzydoski, parliamentarian.
Out-going officers were Rachel Herbst, president; Katherine Drop, vice-president; Shawn Brothwell, treasurer; Megan Chesnick, secretary; and Patrick Brothwell, parliamentarian. Other NHS members of the Class of 2005 are: Michael Green, Nicole Marsicano, Jeffrey Mead, Matthew Pisarcik, Scott Richards, Rachael Roeckel, Michael Tammero, and Jonathan R. Torch.
The future plans of NHS members plans are as follows: Glenn Andersen, West Chester University, criminal justice; Dana Bennett, Wilson College, mathematics; Patrick Brothwell, University of Scranton, undecided; Shawn Brothwell, University of Scranton, undecided; Megan Chesnick, Northeastern University, pharmacy; Marissa Cino, Temple University, criminal justice and Spanish; Katherine Drop, Kutztown University, political science; Rachel Herbst, East Stroudsburg University, prelaw; Jillian Martines, Marywood University, music education; Elizabeth Pasternak, State University of New York at Oneonta, math education; and Seth Wasnock, University of Scranton, philosophy and theology.
The outgoing officers offered their insights on scholarship, service, leadership and character, principles of the NHS.
NHS advisor Cynthia Washine introduced the members and inductees and gave the pledge to new members. She and Principal Anthony Rusnak presented pins to the new inductees and installed the new officers.
Seth Wasnock introduced the guest speaker. Special thanks was extended to Elizabeth Pasternak, Marissa Cino and Jillian Martines.
Bernice Lukus, former superintendent at FCR, commended the students on a job well done stating they are "the best of the best and a credit to the school district."
Principal Rusnak provided closing remarks and also commended the parents for the work they do. "They are works in progress found in two forms, at home and at school," and encouraged the students to keep up the great work they have been doing.
Members of the faculty council are Patrick Flynn, Fran Gerchman, Ardis Templeton, Cristina Toraldo and Kelley Twilley.
