LTHS Senior Awarded $2,500 Chick-fil-A Scholarship

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (MAY 1, 2026) — Loyalsock Township High School (LTHS) senior Cashlin Rogers was recently awarded a $2,500 Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ Scholarship.

Rogers, a part-time employee at the food chain’s Williamsport location, is among the more than 16,000 company team members to receive a portion of the $29 million granted in scholarships this year “to help them pursue their dreams of a remarkable future,” according to the business’s website.

This fall, the 2026 LTHS grad plans to pursue a nursing degree at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the $2,500 Chick-fil-A scholarship,” Rogers said. “I’m grateful for this support as I continue my education, and I’m inspired to keep working hard and serving others in my community.”

At LTHS, Rogers is a member of the cross country and track team, on which he’s served as team captain for the last two years. Involved in theatre, he is a 2026 inductee of the National Thespian Society. Additionally, he’s the co-founder and president of the Fitness and Nutrition Club; vice president of Key Club; treasurer of Cultures of the World; and is an active member of Student Council, SADD Club, Biomed Club, Interact Club, Spanish Club and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). He was also crowned as this year’s “Mr. Sock.”

Outside of school, in addition to working at Chick-fil-A, he volunteers with his family’s animal rescue, Heidi’s Furry Friends Rescue.

“When Cash comes to work at Chick-fil-A Williamsport, he brings an enthusiastic attitude and always looks to serve guests and his team with kindness,” said Abbey Gross, marketing coordinator.

According to its website, $244 million has been granted since 1973 through the company’s Remarkable Futures™ scholarship program, which annually awards $1,000, $2,500 and $25,000 scholarships.

Aside from employment, applicants must be a postsecondary undergraduate, graduate student or plan to enroll in undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational school for the following academic year.

Award recommendation is made by a member of management based on the team member’s professional achievement, which could include demonstrated leadership, work ethic or teamwork. Recipients must also have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

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Schick Elementary Music Program Earns National Advocacy in Action Award

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (APRIL 29, 2026) — The Donald E. Schick Elementary School band program was named a 2026 Advocacy in Action Award recipient for Elementary Excellence by Music for All.

The Advocacy in Action Awards recognize innovative music education programs and educators nationwide that demonstrate exceptional impact in their schools and communities.

Schick was recognized for its curriculum-based performance series designed to advance student musicianship, engage audiences and connect classroom instruction with the broader community. The initiative provides students with a range of performance experiences intended to support musical growth while building confidence and collaboration skills.

Elementary Band Director Emily Brumbaugh said the recognition highlights the importance of elementary-level music education.

“We’re really honored to receive the Advocacy in Action Award for Elementary Excellence,” Brumbaugh said. “A lot of times, the spotlight goes to secondary programs, and those recognitions are absolutely deserved, but this award is a great reminder that everything really starts at the elementary level.”

Brumbaugh said the program emphasizes process over performance alone.

“At Schick, we’ve worked to create experiences that are engaging for students while also bringing the community into what we do,” she said. “It’s not just about the final concert — it’s about helping everyone see the process and the growth along the way. Focusing on the process rather than just the product is where so much of the value in music education lives.”

She added that students gain skills beyond musical ability.

“Students in band learn so much more than notes on a page,” Brumbaugh said. “These early experiences shape not just future musicians, but the way students learn, grow and interact with their communities for years to come.”

As part of the recognition, Schick’s program is featured in the Advocacy in Action Archive, where music educators nationwide can view and replicate effective practices in music education.

The Advocacy in Action program highlights efforts by educators, administrators, families and community members who support music education as part of a comprehensive education for all students.

“We’re proud to provide a strong musical foundation for our students and even prouder of the national recognition it’s received through Music for All,” said Superintendent Dr. Brooke Beiter. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our music faculty in helping our students grow not only as musicians but creative learners.”

According to its website: “Music for All’s mission is to create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences through music. Our vision is to be a catalyst to ensure that every child in America has access and opportunity for active music-making in their scholastic environment. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, Music for All’s events and programs serve more than 600,000 attendees annually — and more than 1.7 million program participants since 1975.”

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LTSD Among Nation’s ‘Best Communities for Music Education’ for 16th Consecutive Year

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (APRIL 27, 2026) — Loyalsock Township School District has once again been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

This is the 16th year that LTSD has received the designation, which is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

LTSD is among more than 1,000 school districts selected nationwide.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the district answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.

“Receiving the award is a celebration and powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision of whole-child education,” said David Tini, Loyalsock Township Middle School band director and district music curriculum chair. “Loyalsock Township has consistently demonstrated these ideals and values. This recognition reflects a sustained, collective vision and investment in ensuring that every child, pre-K through grade 12, has engaging, relevant and high-quality music education in the classroom and beyond.”

Tini added that the township community views music education as a core part of the academic experience rather than an “extra.” He said these programs support student engagement and achievement while helping develop the creativity and collaboration students need for the future.

“This honor belongs to the entire community: our students, families, educators, administrators and community partners who continue to champion these opportunities year after year,” Tini said. “Together, we are not only sustaining excellence but also demonstrating an academic model for what a rigorous, comprehensive music education can and should look like.”

“This recognition speaks to the strength of our district’s performing arts community,” said Superintendent Dr. Brooke Beiter. “Year after year, our students are supported by dedicated educators and engaged families who understand the lasting impact of music education.”

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

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The approximate timing for all the distinct phases of the solar eclipse for Loyalsock will be between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. A more specific timeline released by the Pennsylvania Department of Education is listed below for your review.

The approximate timing for the separate phases of the solar eclipse in Loyalsock is outlined the phases below for your reference:

• 2:00 PM: Eclipse phase sequence begins.
• 3:00 PM: Ambient light begins to change as the Moon covers most of the Sun.
• 3:15 PM – 3:20 PM: Total eclipse phase within the path of totality.
• 3:20 PM – 4:30 PM: Phases of the solar eclipse play out in reverse.
• 4:30 PM: Visible eclipse effects conclude.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released safety guidelines for eye safety during a solar eclipse. A few of their safety tips include: It is imperative to use specialized eye protection for solar viewing during a solar eclipse. This includes safe solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing the Sun. Looking at the Sun through eclipse glasses or handheld viewers is essential to prevent serious eye injury. Avoid using camera lenses, telescopes, or binoculars without proper solar filters, as concentrated solar rays can cause severe eye damage. Solar filters must be securely attached to the front of optical devices to ensure safety. Please seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device and note that filters must be attached to the front of any optics.

 

The American Automobile Association (AAA)’s safety tips for driving during the solar eclipse include: keeping eyes on the road, keeping headlights on, using the sun visor to block the view of the sun, avoiding wearing eclipse glasses while driving, refraining from photographing or videoing the eclipse while driving, not pulling over on the side of the road to view the eclipse, exiting the roadway and parking safely to observe the eclipse, and being aware of pedestrians who may be looking up at the sky.

• A link to NASA’s Live Stream Link may be used to track the distinct stages of the eclipse.
• A link to an Arkansas Children’s Hospital podcast called Solar Eclipse 2024: Expert Guide to Eclipse Safety for Kids may be used to review why eye safety matters during the eclipse.
• A link to video by NASA Goddard may be used to review the separate ways to safely view a solar eclipse. Please note the part of this video that states “the only time you can look at a total solar eclipse without eye protection is during the brief period of totality when the moon completely covers the sun” does not apply to our area as we will not experience 100% totality.

Next week March 11 through March 17, 2024, will look similar to this week as we will have an increased presence of our school police officers around the campus both during the day and in the evening to support our athletic and extra-curricular activities.

I have been in contact with the Pennsylvania State Police leadership, and they will continue to provide additional support around our schools next week.

Any and all threats will be investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Dear Parents or Guardians,

 

We want to hear from parents, guardians, and family members of our students.  Your feedback is important to us!  We will use your feedback to inform our comprehensive planning committee as we work to improve our school community.  YOUR ANSWERS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.  They will only be presented together with all other responses.

 

Please answer the following questions as you think about your experiences in the Loyalsock Township School District.  If you have more than one child enrolled, please feel free to fill out one response for each child or complete the survey with your oldest child in mind.

 

Your survey should be completed by January 9, 2024.

 

Thank you for your support!

The LTSD Comprehensive Planning Committee

Comprehensive Planning Survey 2023