District News

Six LifeLink PSU students crossed the stage during a graduation ceremony filled with smiles and laughter, and even a little dancing. This year’s graduates then took a proud step forward to the next chapter of their lives during the ceremony.

Ferguson Township Elementary School has been named a 2026 CharacterStrong Spotlight School. The designation highlights schools that are building strong relationships and a positive, supportive school culture, according to the organization.

Melanie Komlenic, who teaches music at Gray’s Woods and Spring Creek Elementary Schools, received the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 4 Citation of Excellence during the PMEA All-State Conference.

For seven elementary students in the State College Area School District, the phrase “that’s a wrap” doesn’t signal an ending, but rather a high-profile debut. CATA unveiled a public transit bus fully encased in a vibrant vinyl wrap featuring the students' original artwork.

For the 13th consecutive year, and the 22nd time since 2000, the State College Area School District has received one of the Best Communities for Music Education in America designations from the National Association of Music Merchants.

The State High library program received the 2026 Outstanding Pennsylvania School Library Award from Pennsylvania School Librarians Association last week at the organization's annual conference.

Tim Dzurko, a technology education teacher and TSA club advisor, was named the Middle School Advisor of the Year at the 48th Annual Pennsylvania TSA State Championships. View the full story and results!

Samantha Corza, who teaches journalism and English at State High, was recently named the 2026 Journalism Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania School Press Association. 

State High launched a new initiative this year that rewards students and staff with special medallions for hard work and positivity. Inspired by military challenge coins, these Pride Coins are earned for good deeds big and small, and everything in between.

State High is one of 12 high schools in the country, and the only one in Pennsylvania, named a 2026 Model School by the Center for Model Schools. The recognition highlights schools that are improving student outcomes in innovative ways and can show how their work can be replicated elsewhere.

When Molly Workman hits the water, one word repeats in her head: go. That drive has propelled the senior to become presumptively the most decorated athlete in State High history. And she saved her best for last.

What started as a passion project to solve a long-standing math puzzle has earned Delta High School senior Connor Hill first place and the $250,000 grand prize in a national competition. Hill won the 85th Regeneron Science Talent Search.

During the 15-day Lunar New Year celebration, students participated through classroom learning, cultural experiences, and community engagement. These activities provided students with opportunities to explore traditions from around the world while deepening their understanding of cultural diversity.

More than 75 SCASD student-athletes, coaches, teachers, and administrators participated in a districtwide celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, creating opportunities for K-8 students to see what’s possible through athletics. 

Ninety-eight chess enthusiasts gathered in the State High Performing Arts Center for the district’s annual chess tournament organized by the learning enrichment/gifted support department.

For 21 years, community volunteers have been walking into Corl Street Elementary carrying books written by African American authors to help promote literacy and celebrate Black History Month. This year, they also brought dry ice. The annual African American Read-In program returned as community members read stories to and answered questions from students.

A unique sport, Unified Bocce is sanctioned by both the Special Olympics and the PIAA. Wins and losses matter, and there is a postseason like the other sports on the high school calendar, but inclusion is also central to its foundation, said coach Blaine Egan.

Students and families filled the halls of State High on Feb. 4 ready to build. Soon they were snapping together Legos, sculpting crafts and shaping stories. More than 1,500 community members attended the 2026 SCASD Reads Family Night, the culmination of the district’s annual Reads celebration.

Robb Lauzon was sworn in as a member of the State College Area School District on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 by district solicitor Scott Etter during the board meeting.

What started as an accountability project for a single student turned into something much greater at Mount Nittany Elementary School. After seeing the initial round of inspiring sticky notes, the entire fifth grade class started embracing the student-led initiative.